An earlier entry to this blog described what the 2CV means to the French people. So it was really no surprise and a great pleasure to see this gathering of 2CV aficionados go for a tour up and down les Champs-Elysées like a colorful parade.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160 (click to enlarge)
Under the Arch of Triumph lays the grave of the unknown soldier that became a memorial to the fallen of WWI. A candle was lit in 1923 and its flame has burnt constantly since then. War veterans gatherings take place there every week and selected sections of the French army and police act as masters of ceremony.
Leica M8 with 90mm Tele-Elmarit, ISO160 (click to enlarge)
If you are looking for a decently priced restaurant (menus at €15) on the touristic street « Rue Mouffetard », don’t hesitate to enter in « Au Petit Bistrot ». You will get a surprising French cuisine menu with some Greek influence. The decoration is cozy and the tables lit by candles at night. Definitely a place where you get good value for your money, contrarly to many restaurants located on touristic routes.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
View picture location on Google Maps
(click to enlarge)
Montmartre is of course known for its famous painters’ square on top of the hill. You will find many styles and many artists will be glad to draw your portrait. It did not seem to interest this painter, deeply absorbed in drawing its other self.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160
View picture location on Google Maps
(click to enlarge) All rights reserved
During last weekend’s Modern Art Festival, this roadster (named the Prince of Plastic) could be seen running up and down Les Champs-Elysées with a charming driver. This shot was taken while she was taking a break on a side street probably trying to heat up after enduring the first chills of winter.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160 (click to enlarge)
View picture location on Google Maps
(click to enlarge)
The FIAC (Modern Art Fair) took place this weekend in Paris and one could walk through the Tuileries Garden and have a look at several artworks showcased in the main avenue. To avoid the mass of visitors, this couple had found an isolated bench under the trees to enjoy a little jam session.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160
View location on Google Maps
(click to enlarge)
Just next to Notre Dame is a long stair that leads to the piers of the Seine River. Many events happen on these steps as groups of friends, spectators of street music shows and lone wanderers enjoy a stop there surrounded by the wonderful sights over Notre-Dame and the Seine.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
(click to enlarge)
Saint-Lazare is one of Paris main train stations. A place where people rush and wait … just like this man sitting at the feet of this huge statue made of dozens of clocks.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160
(click to enlarge)
Under the arches of the bordering the Rivoli street is a long walk where you will find many businesses. Was this young tourist discovering his own version of the delices of France ? ;)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicro, ISO1250
(click to enlarge)
I am usually not especially fond of photography of landscapes yet, a few days ago, I could not forgo this wonderful sight of the moon between the two towers of Notre-Dame as it looked like if it was stuck on the mast of the church.
Leica M8 with 50mm Jupiter 8, ISO640
(click to enlarge)
In a small street coming from Place de Bastille was this happy driver and angry dog as it did not seem to like to have its portrait taken while sitting on the back seat.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160
(click to enlarge)
Close the Saint-Lazare train station, stands the church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Lorette where these two men waited on the front stairs. The church atmosphere did not seem to have the same impact on their state of mind.
Leica M8, 90mm Tele-Elmarit at F8, ISO160
(click to enlarge)
Boulevard Haussmann is one of the most famous avenue of Paris. It carries the name of the planner that gave Paris most of its actual shape and great avenues. At the end of the Boulevard you will find a few theaters and one of them was showing the Super Blond movie. The women waiting peacefully in front of the theater was probably a reflection of the actress’ image40 years from now.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160
Several scenes of the Da Vinci Code bestseller take place in Paris. One of them stages the church of Saint-Sulpice where a bronze line leads to one of the key clues to solve the mystery. At the end of this line stood two youngsters apparently concentrated on the understanding of the workings of this Middle-Ages solar watch.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F2, ISO640
(click to enlarge)
On the right shore of the Seine walking towards Notre Dame, you will see many stands selling old books, drawings and paintings. This is where I found these two women looking at paintings under the eyes of a seemingly bothered dancer. It left me guessing whether it was a picture of her husband that captivated the women’s attention and provoked her defying attitude ?
Leica M8, 35mm Summicron, ISO320
(click to enlarge)
On the 46th of Rue Martyrs, close to Montmartre, you will find a very special and rare place : an English bakery where the food is simply excellent. Enjoy the English breakfasts, cakes, tea, pastry of even have lunch in this small bakery with minimalist decoration in the heart of a busy neighborhood. It just leaves me wondering why I never find this kind of food when I travel to England ;)
Leica M8, 35mm Summicron at F2, ISO640
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Leica M8 with 35mm, 90mm TE, CV15mm
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Today by the Seine River, these two women were alternating long silences and heated discussions as leaves kept falling around them.
Leica M8, 35mm Summicron, ISO160
(click to enlarge)
« Coupable » translates to guilty in English as if these two persons were hard sought-after criminals. Yet, in this case, they were apparently found guilty of not having eaten 5 fruits and vegetables a day by a French Health Agency…
Leica M8, 35mm Summicron, ISO160
(click to enlarge)
Tahiti is to France what Hawaii is to the US : the far away dream islands. While these islands are on the opposite face of the world, these paradise islands are part of the French overseas territories. Therefore you will now and then meet people from Tahiti in Paris, just like today when I found this fierce warrior on les Champs-Elysées. Obviously, he was part of a show.
Leica M8, 90mm Tele-Elmarit at F2.8, ISO160
