By the Seine river, entertainment areas were set up for the Paris Beach visitors. One of them is the longest babyfoot table in the West. A team definitely looks like it is missing a few valuables hand to counter the little boy. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.4, 1/3000, ISO200
Paris Beach is on again on the piers of the Seine River for a full month. While obviously nobody will take a bath in the River, the sprinklers are here for a refreshing halt. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.4, 1/2000, ISO200, ND filter
Today saw the arrival of the Tour de France on Les Champs-Elysées. It was the last one for superstar Lance Armstrong, so a large colony of fans had made the trip to show support and celebrate with him. Good-bye cowboy. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/1000, ISO160.
I guess we all thought it at one point during our teenage years. Like this boy in Parc La Villette that stood apart from his family, probably thinking of his friends. Too bad he was missing on a great lunch. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.4, 1/4000, ISO160, ND filter
Meanwhile women magazine overwhelm their readers about what activities to do during the World Cup, it seems that actually quite a few of them enjoy following the biggest show on earth. For the next three weeks, the Champs-Elysées will be invaded daily by fans flowing to celebrate their countries’ victories. Today was the turn of Portugal who actually only managed to tie Ivory Coast. I guess that in Portugal, any result is a good reason to go out in the streets and party. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.4, 1/1000, ISO160
Bollywood productions are probably the most creative movies in the world. So when an Indian girl rode a pink scooter on Les Champs-Elysées, nobody seemed too surprised by the scene. Maybe a little fact was more puzzling … the scooter was indeed powered by a very special engine. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/180, ISO1250
A few hours before the final of the French Rugby Championship took place this afternoon, a crew of kids enjoy a game in the Park Monceau. Sports played in parks is the most genuine kind. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/4000, ISO160
Ever tried to leave Paris for the weekend in May? You’ll only get the opportunity for a quick glance at the timetable before the crowd pushes you unrelentingly to the piers. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F2, 1/1000, ISO160
A chess game in the Luxembourg Garden … what better setting can one find ? Note that it should not be difficult to determine who was on the losing side. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 50mm Summicron at F2, 1/500, ISO160
In the Marais, a crew of friends enjoy a few ping pong games. When I was a kid, the loser always ceded his place at the table. If still the case nowadays, this young boy took the forced break with good humour. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/250, ISO160 ND filter
Believe or not, this scene was taken a few blocks away from the Gare du Nord train station. A neighbourhood initiative intents to bring back some of the spirit of backyards vegetable gardens of decades ago when many inhabitants would rent small lots on the outskirts of the city. Therefore for a small annual fee, they can grow whatever they please right in the middle of a public place. Quite an unusual sight for the passer-by’s which wondered what a downtown Paris carot could taste like. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/1500, ISO160, ND filter
It always starts with scooter rides and a few balls kicked against the neighbours garage door. Eventually, one will make it and proudly represent his country wearing the blue jersey. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/500, ISO160
In front of the Louvres palace, a few friends play football. As they score a goal, even the statues seem to celebrate. A challenge to the King’s ghost ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/1000, ISO160
Obviously, difficult to own a full scale sailboat in Paris. Therefore, virtual sailors stand on the shores of the Luxembourg Garden fountain and let their dreams go in rounds. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2800, ISO160
In the Luxembourg Garden, you might encounter people enjoying a Tai Chi session in front of the palace built by Marie de Medicis in 1625. She probably would have enjoyed the view of these “slow motion” dancers as she was herself a great parton of the arts. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/2000, ISO160
A boy stands apart at a metro station. Was he trying to remain unattented and go for the longest slide in his life … (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 60mm Hexanon at F1.2, 1/350, ISO160
What a better place than the ice ring in front of the magnificient townhall for a first skate. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/350, ISO160
Ride around the world or ride to … work ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 40mm Summicron at F2.8, 1/180, ISO320
Leica M9 with 40mm Summicron at F2, 1/500, ISO320
Parisians enjoy their weekend at the beach, but meanwhile, many locals work. Just like this man emptying a grounded boat. Last mooring or revamp for a new youth. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 75mm Summicron at F2.0, 1/2000, ISO160
This second part of “Paris Beach” leads us to the inevitable seafood restaurant in a tiny harbour. Even when outside of the city, one cannot lose its style (take a good look at the restaurant windows …) (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux at F1.4, 1/4000, ISO160
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/1400, ISO160
