On Place Victor Hugo, this seafood tent replaces the lovely summer terrace of this restaurant giving the impression that it is actually located in some harbour of Brittany. The cars in the background brings the guests to reality as their roar replaces the shrieks of the seagulls. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
These friends courageously sat in the midst of the first winter winds by the Seine River. Luckily, a few drinks always help ….
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2, ISO1250
Right in the middle of Paris is located a little village called Saint-Paul. It is formed by a series of patios that are connected forming sort of a main street like it can be found in smaller communities. This weekend, the village featured the Market of Countryside producers showcasing products of many regions of France. A lot of wine, but also sausages and foie gras could be bought at the several stands hosted in the Village. A merchant was even selling books using this “creative” kind of shelf. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV28mm Ultron at F2, ISO640Click here to view picture location
After more than a century of operations, many metro stations are currently being renovated. This is currently the case of one of the most famous one, Etoile Charles de Gaulle which is located just under the Arch of Triumph. This woman obviously took advantage of the works to find a nice resting structure to wait for the next train.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron IV, ISO640 (click to enlarge)
On les Champs-Elysées last night, this “Enchanted Stories” billboard (”Histoires Enchantées” in French though the movie is named “Bedtime stories” in English) served as a background for a passionate discussion between a group of friends. While the moment seemed enchanted for them, the man walking behind them was deeply absorbed in his inner world. Maybe a land of evil stories. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV 75mm at F2.5, ISO640
One really wonders of such construction get the node in Paris. This building which hosts the Med School of the Descartes University is an anomaly which should never have been built. It is more reminiscient of Gotham City than the City of Lights, perhaps a could image for the long hours of suffering that students must endure throughout their cursus. Was it one of them fleeing through the back door with her luggage ? (click on picture lo enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV15mm at F4.5, ISO640
While riding a sightseeing bus, this man seemed to be bothered by some noise coming from behind the vehicle. Was it this splendid blond’s laughs, thinking of him as her potential “us” ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F2, ISO160
On show night at the Opera, there are often people looking for tickets, especially this month as the famous Magic Flute of Mozart is in town for several weeks. It appears that the sellers were not many last Saturday as shown by the anxious expression of this man, fiercly defending his first position in the lines of buyers. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO1250
Second part of the Life Inside series with this art gallery located in the Marais. Have you ever noticed that most gallery owners spend their time surfing on the internet ? Probably the result of long days awaiting for customers in these times of economic downturn. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV28mm Ultron at F2, ISO160
Avenue Friedland close to the Arch area has slowly become part of a business neighbourhood over the years as its inhabitants left for cheaper premises. Nevertheless,the Church of Saint Sacrement and its tiny facade still serves a community of faithfulls especially dedicated to the celebration of the Eucharistry. Last night, as this old woman was exiting the church, bright rays of light invaded the darkness of the avenue. (click on picture to enlarge)
Epson R-D1 with 28mm Industar-69 at F2.8, ISO800
In Saint-Germain, you will find a Korean restaurant called Gaon. This tiny place proposes mainly barbecues served on a grill integrated to the table, allowing you cook your meat to your own taste. Staff is friendly, prices on the cheap side and the minimalist decoration pleasing. A good location for a quick but nice meal close to the downtown touristic locations. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
On the trails leading up to the Sacré Coeur Church, you will come across many benches which let you take a little break enjoying great views over Paris. This lady dressed with style was sitting there smoking, perhaps waiting for some secret visitor. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 50mm Summicron at F2.8, ISO320
Close to the flea market, you will encounter a traditional market with stands selling mostly cheap clothes and artwork. That day, this young boy crossed over the path of this old Citroën truck that hopefully was not rolling. Note the hand of the driver as if he was protecting himself from a crash. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F8, ISO180
While the Arch of Triumph is one of the most photographed site in the world, there are still a few artists taking time to paint their interpretation of the massive monument. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica m8 with CV28mm Ultron at F2, ISO160
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Tonight this girl was looking eagerly at the window of a shop without knowing that a little friend had planned a surprise for her at the corner … (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV28mm Ultron at F2, ISO640
Obviously, this is not the famous director and actor yet I was surprised by the great resemblance between this man and Woody Allen. Far from the crazy life of Hollywood and Greenwich village, this couple was simply taking an afternoon walk in the Tuileries Park. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, 1/1000th, F2, ISO160
A few blocks away from les Champs-Elysées stands the church of Saint-Philippe-du-Roule. Its facade is reminiscient of Roman temples. This is where I came across this family waiting at a bus stop. The mother was contemplating the magnificient church while the kids were waiting in despair for the long awaited bus. (click to enlarge)
Leica m8 with 28mm Industar at F2.8, ISO640
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The Aviation Club located on Champs-Elysées was founded in 1907 by a group of aviators. While initial devoted to aviation, it is now one of the mainstage of the game of pocker, hosting famous tournaments. The club is open to any player willing to pay the entry fee, yet it seemed that the economic crisis had the croupiers enjoying more free time than usual. (click on picture to enlarge).
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron at F2, ISO1250
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On the walls of the once famous Samaritaine department store, are currently put up these huge posters of new born babies. These two women were slowly progressing from one picture to the other, yet was it with a renewed urge to give birth or frightened by the faces of these amusing creatures ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 50mm Summicron at F2, ISO160
This shot was taken a few minutes ago on a cold, windy and rainy day. This is one of the few instances where the avenue is not crowded. I was experimenting with a new lens and therefore was not able to get a good focus. Nevertheless, the picture is a a realistic depiction of tonight’s weather as well as the mood of the few people braving the flurries of wind and rain. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV28mm Ultron at F2, ISO640