Walking back to the hotel from Les Invalides I stopped to put on my macro lens and photograph this incredible door knocker. I think this was on the Rue de Varenne. I got the one shot you see here, then a soldier with an automatic rifle guarding the building told me in no uncertain terms that photography was not allowed.

What lies behind the door?

Update: I’ve learned that this knocker is on one of the doors at 57 Rue de Varenne, the Hotel Matignon, the official residence of the Prime Minister of France.