Living in Paris - The "ins" and "outs"

Watching the French news, we have seen reports of increased numbers of burglaries (les cambriolages) recently. While this is not surprising, the apparent success of them is.  Indeed, to get into an apartment in Paris usually requires three separate actions.

The main door into the building is generally quite stout and to open it is no mean feat.  There is a keypad just to the right of the door and this either requires a multi-digit code or an electronic device to cause the door to unlock. Obviously there must be special codes or keys that are used by postal workers and others who need to get into the first foyer.

La Porte

The Keypad

This code is commonly given out to people who might want to enter the building for legitimate reasons.  Tenants, however, are usually warned not to let strangers or those hanging around outside into the foyer. 

Looking in from the Foyer

Once inside the building itself, there are mailboxes and an intercom system through which you can ring tenants who will be able to let you in if, for example, you are a friend or a tradesperson making a delivery or arriving to provide a service. If you are a resident, you have a key or your electronic device which will get you past this second door.

Opening the second door

You are now in the main part of the building.  The one in which we are staying has a small lift (squeeze three persons in and inhale) as well as stairs.
  

The very small lift and stairs

Many of the older buildings have up to eight floors - and no elevator.  A year or so ago we met an elderly lady sitting on the stairs and as we passed her the said, rather ruefully, j'ascend lentement!

If you are not too exhausted, having run this gauntlet, you soon find yourself at your front door.  French keys are marvels of complexity and the doors are designed to stand up against nuclear weapons.  The key is inserted and then turned two or three times, held at a particular point and the door is pushed open.  Once inside, it is possible to reverse the process, locking yourself well and truly in.
 

The Outside Lock

The Inside Lock

Then, and only then, you can collapse.  It is a little easier going out since once you have locked your own door, the door into the foyer usually opens with a turn of the handle and the external door has a release button which when pressed unlocks the outer door.

The "Exit" button

We can barely get in and out of our apartment which leaves us wondering how les cambriolages are accomplished.