I don't know the details of that specific case so I can't speak to it, but the text of the AWCPA is very clear:

> The copyright in an architectural work that has been constructed does not include the right to prevent the making, distributing, or public display of pictures, paintings, photographs, or other pictorial representations of the work, if the building in which the work is embodied is located in or ordinarily visible from a public place.

This codifies an already-established principle in US law. French law does not have that same principle.