La Vie en Paris: Wandering in the City of Light
There’s something enchanting about Paris that has always captivated me – I find Paris to be a fascinating city. The way the light reflects off the Seine, the elaborate architectural details on every building, the fashion, tempting pastries in the corner bakeries – it’s all just enchanting. As a photographer, I love strolling through the streets of Paris with my camera in hand.
I’ve visited France many times over the years and always make a point to stop in Paris, even if it’s just a few days. But, finally, my wife and I planned a one-month trip to the City of Light with a few scheduled excursions outside the city. We stayed in a stylish apartment in the 7th Arrondissement and every day, I set out to explore Paris through my lens. I took my time, soaking in the sights and capturing the beauty of this fantastic city.
View from the Eiffel Tower of the Champs de Mars,
7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement is one of Paris’s most upscale and architecturally stunning districts located on the Left Bank. As you stroll its regal avenues and squares, you’ll be surrounded by an incredible concentration of iconic landmarks and museums. The 7th gives you a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower. From the Trocadéro Gardens, you can capture iconic images of the tower’s lattice ironwork silhouette, while the terraces along the River Seine offer unique vantage points. I loved our time in this neighborhood, it’s quiet and peaceful and we found many wonderful local shops and restaurants to visit each day.
The Paris skyline with the Seine River.
Eiffel Tower
Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without experiencing the one and only Eiffel Tower. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and is arguably the centerpiece of the 7th Arrondissement, anchoring its identity and serving as a major tourist attraction. The 7th Arrondissement boasts several other important landmarks and institutions, such as the Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, and the Rodin Museum, all within a short distance from the Eiffel Tower. I recommend 2 things while you visit the Eiffel Tower:
The Jules Verne Restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of the tower. It has a pairing menu available with spectacular views of the Champ-de-Mars, Quai Branly and Trocadéro while you dine. Also, the Champagne Bar is at the top of the Tower. You can sip champagne while you soak in unbeatable views!
Trocadero
I’m a big fan of city walks. I believe it’s the ultimate way to discover a new destination. Certain city walks offer something truly special, and my morning stroll through Trocadéro is definitely one of those! The Trocadéro is one of the most photogenic locations in Paris that offers incredible views over the Eiffel Tower and cityscape. As a photographer, it quickly became one of my favorite spots. The iconic fountains and lush gardens of the Trocadéro offer a breathtaking foreground view looking towards the Eiffel Tower. I timed my visits to capture the Fontaine de Varsovie in a different light – the morning sun made the water droplets sparkle like diamonds, while at night the fountains were illuminated with colorful lighting. With the manicured gardens and trees framing the scene, it’s one of the most classic Eiffel Tower photo ops.
The golden statues of the Trocadéro.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is one of the largest public squares in Paris, This unique landmark is steeped in history and elegance. As I wandered around the square, I was drawn to the majestic Obelisk of Luxor, a 3,300-year-old Egyptian monument standing proudly at its center. The fountains, with their intricate sculptures and flowing water, added a touch of grandeur to the scene. I spent time photographing the exquisite details of the statues and the expansive views of the Champs-Élysées leading up to the Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe
One of the grand icons etched into the Parisian skyline is the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. I made my way to the famed monument early one morning, hoping to beat the swell of crowds. Going to the top provided a stunning panoramic view of Paris, with the Champs-Élysées stretching out in one direction and the modern skyline of La Défense in the other. The blend of grandeur and history at the Arc de Triomphe made for some truly captivating photographs.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Pere Lachaise) is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world located in the 20th Arrondissement of Paris, in the eastern part of the city. The cemetery is an open-air museum of funerary art and a wide variety of tomb designs, from grandiose and ornate mausoleums to simple and understated gravestones. Many tombs feature intricate sculptures and carvings, adding to the cemetery’s aesthetic appeal. Some of the world’s famous are buried here including Jim Morrison, Frederic Chopin, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Marcel Marceau, Ettore Bugatti and many others.
Versailles Palace
Versailles Palace is an extraordinary display of opulence and grandeur that truly showcases the extravagance of French aristocracy during the reign of Louis XIV. As you approach the palace grounds, you’re immediately struck by the sheer immensity of the complex, with the golden gates and statue-lined avenues hinting at the magnificence to come.
The Seine River
No visit to Paris is complete without strolling along the picturesque banks of the Seine. Some of my favorite candid shots were captured while walking the riverfront pedestrian paths of the Île de la Cité.
Marais District
The Marais district is an absolute must-visit for any tourist in Paris. This historic neighborhood, located in the 4th arrondissement, is a veritable outdoor museum brimming with architectural treasures, trendy boutiques, charming cafés, and an undeniably chic ambiance. I found the Marais to be an endless source of inspiration and visual delights.The Marais contains one of the highest concentrations of historic buildings and monuments in Paris. Wandering the maze-like streets feels like stepping back in time, with gorgeous hôtels particuliers (grand mansions), medieval churches, and Renaissance-era residences adorned with intricate stone carvings lining every pathway.
Hotel de Sens is a medieval residential fortress dating back to the 15th century. This little oasis in the middle of the very old Marais houses a fashion Forney Library that boasts thousands of exhibition catalogs, newspapers, and extensive iconographic collections.
Camille restaurant
La Favorite Saint-Paul Cafe
The iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop Montmartre in the distance.
The Parish Church of Saint-Paul of Saint-Louis is seen on the far end of the street.
The view from the rooftop patio of the Galeries Lafayette.
Capturing myself is a very photographer-in-Paris moment!
Montmartre
Montmartre is quintessentially one of the most charming and romantic neighbourhoods in Paris. Perched atop a steep hill in the city’s 18th arrondissement, this once working-class village has captivated me with its winding cobblestone streets, historic cafés, and exceptional Parisian ambiance.
The Basilica Sacre-Coeur (the big white church) sits on the crest of the hill, offering extensive views of the city from the area in front of it.
Sculpture of St. Antonio of Padua at the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
Interior of the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
The Boulevard de Clichy, lined with bars, kebab shops, and an abundance of sex shops and peep shows that are impossible to ignore.
The Moulin Rouge, renowned for its association with Toulouse-Lautrec and its enchanting can-can dancers, has also gained contemporary fame thanks to Nicole Kidman.
Monte Carlo
Nestled along the dazzling azure waters of the French Riviera is the fortressed city-state of Monte Carlo. From its maritime scenery and high-stakes jetset atmosphere to historic architectural gems and unabashed affluence at every turn, Monte Carlo offers a never-ending stream of photographic inspiration and indulgence for the senses. It’s a real-life introduction to the refined world of wealth and leisure.
Monte Carlo’s deep water harbor.
The Place du Casino exterior combines Baroque and Renaissance architectural styles.
Louvre
As the largest and most visited art museum on the planet, the Louvre allows you to discover some of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements all housed within a magnificent architectural wonder. It’s a place where the grandeur of art, history, and design spectacularly collide in one unforgettable space. In addition to the priceless artworks, the Louvre building itself is a piece of living history. You can spend hours marveling at the vaulted painted ceilings and chandeliers, to the ornate spiral staircases and carved fireplaces within the royal apartments and halls. Even the medieval moat and defensive towers are remarkably preserved. It is said that as big as the museum is, only a fraction of the collection is actually on display at any given time.
The Grand Galerie is an impressive hall filled with exquisite Italian paintings, mainly depicting religious scenes.
At the far end of the Grande Galerie, The Coronation of Napoleon is a painting completed in 1807 by Jacques-Louis David. This oil painting has imposing dimensions almost 10 metres wide by over 6 metres tall.
The Three Graces statues in the neoclassical marble style. Created in 1609 by Nicolas Cordier, these statues reference Greek mythology.
Greek and Roman art satyr dancing sculpture
Champagne
Champagne is located in northeastern France and is renowned for producing champagne, the sparkling white wine that shares its name with the region. The bucolic vineyard landscapes enveloping tiny villages of the Champagne region made for a dreamy, endlessly photogenic introduction. One of the highlights was a private vineyard tour at a prestigious Champagne house’s estate. As our group strolled alongside the manicured vines, the guide reminded us of the region’s stringent viticulture methods and winemaking traditions passed down for generations. We sampled vibrant grapes right off the vine before watching an unforgettable sabrage – the indulgence of ceremoniously opening a bottle with a sword’s blade. Throughout it all, my camera shutter hardly rested.
Beaune
What’s not to love about visiting France’s burgundy region? Beaune is an idyllic slice of Burgundy’s legendary wine region that feels plucked straight from a countryside fairy tale. I was spellbound driving along the Route des Grands Crus, which winds its way through some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards. No visit to Burgundy is complete without experiencing the storied tradition of its amazing wine culture firsthand. I spent an incredible afternoon at the historic Château de Mersault being guided through their chalk cellars tunneled beneath centuries-old slopes.
Wine barrels at Domaine de L’Arlot, a fourteen hectare property in the commune of Prémeaux, just south of the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Amazing light shows, called Beaune’s Trail of Light, or Les Chemins de Lumières illuminate the Bell Tower.
Another illumination at the St-Etienne Chapel.
The Crédit Agricole agency in Beaune.
Porte Saint-Nicolas de Beaune is an arch and city gate that was completed in 1770.
Hotel de Ville Beaune is a 17th-century Town Hall (which used to be a convent).
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is a national holiday in France celebrated annually on July 14th. My experience is nothing short of breathtaking. The day begins with flyovers by the French Air Force, a dream to capture on camera. As the sun sets, the anticipation builds for the highlight of the celebration: the magnificent fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower. Thousands of spectators gather at Champ de Mars and other prime vantage points, providing endless opportunities for capturing the excitement and joy of the crowd. The fireworks, accompanied by music and lights, create an unforgettable spectacle against the backdrop of the Parisian skyline, offering countless moments of awe and beauty to photograph.
On my final day, I decided to immerse myself in the local culture. I visited a bustling market in the Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin), where the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere were a feast for the senses. I chatted with local vendors, sampled delicious pastries, and, of course, captured every moment with my camera.
My journey ended on our apartment’s patio overlooking the 7th with a delicious glass of Pinot Noir from Burgundy before I left for the airport. As I sipped my wine and watched the world go by, I reflected on the beauty and charm of Paris. This city, with its rich history and vibrant life, had given me countless memories and photographs to cherish.
Until Next Time, Paris
As I packed my bags and prepared to leave, I knew this wasn’t a goodbye but a “see you soon.” Paris had become a part of me, its streets, and stories forever captured through my lens. Until we meet again, I’ll be reminiscing over my dreamlike photos and starting to plan my next adventure au pays de la lumière – to the city of light.
Stay tuned for more adventures as I continue to wander and photograph the world’s most beautiful places. À bientôt!
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