Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What makes it so spectacular is that all of the new construction and skyscrapers are excluded from the centre of the city. As I stood on Montmartre and took this picture I couldn’t help but think that this view has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Because of this practice, scenic views remain unblocked by new construction. You can buy a print of this image at my commercial gallery by clicking here.
The Rooftops of Paris
Pétanque is French game that can be played anywhere. It is similar to the Italian game,Bocce but unlike the Bocce it does not require a fixed court. One player throws a small target ball and the p[layers try to get as close to it as possible without hitting it. These players at Champs de Mars are playing near the Eiffel Tower in Paris France. You can purchase a print and see others at my commercial gallery by clicking here.
Pétanque Players in Paris France
The gardens at Versailles cover over 800 hectares of land which is over 1700 acres by english measurement. It is really impossible to cover the whole garden in a day. Although there is an admission to get into the Château , the gardens are free to the public as are most gardens in France. The scene is spectacular and this view is from the second floor of the Château through an open window. You can see other images and buy prints from my European gallery by clicking here.
A view form the Palace at Versailles
Paris is a city of superb architectural structures both ancient and modern. When the Eiffel Tower was first constructed it was supposed to temporary and at first Parisians hated it, but learned to love it as one of the symbols of their great city. However, personally I don’t think I could ever learn to love La Grande Arche de la Défense. In my opinion, it is a monstrosity. I appreciate its functionality as an office structure but just don’t think it fits in a city of such magnificent architecture. You can see more images from my european collection by clicking here.
Le Grande Arche de la Défense
It’s friday night in Paris so it is time for Pari-Roller! Do you have what it takes to skate through the streets of Paris from 10 PM until Dawn? I don’t and never did, but this guy does. You know if he has lighted skates, he has got to be good. See other images from my Europe Gallery by clicking here.
Millions of people visit the Eiffel Tower each year and going to the top is a rite of passage and offers one of the most famous view of Paris France. However, if you want to SEE the Eiffel Tower don’t cross the river. It is so large that the best place to view the tower is across the river on the famous Trocadéro Plaza. It is also a great spot to watch the sunset with the tower in front of the sun. Thousands come to the plaza each night just to see the sunset. If you get there early enough you can enjoy dinner from one of the many great cafes that offer views of the tower. You can buy a print of this image at my gallery by clicking here.
Trocadéro Plaza Paris France
Friday night is Pari-Roller night in Paris. Thousands of skaters gather to skate through the streets of Paris until sunrise. They leave from Gare Montparnasse and at ten P.M. on a new route through Paris each week. In Frankfurt Germany they skate through the city on Tuesday night. That didn’t stop this team of “Frankfurters” from showing up Friday in Paris ready to go. See more Pari-Roller images at my European Gallery by clicking here.
Frankfurters getting ready for Pari-Roller
Outside of vernon France about an hour from Paris is Monet’s house at Giverny. I always had the feeling that Monet was near sighted and too vain to wear glasses which explained his unique style. However, after seeing his house and gardens at Giverny I changed my opinion. I think he painted what he saw. This photo has great depth of field and is in focus, yet it is “soft” in appearance due to the willow trees and other vegetation. You can buy a print of this image at my gallery by clicking here.
The Water Garden at Giverny
Paris is like any other major city, things slow down on Sunday. In the summer people have a lot of Parks to choose from in Paris. Parc Monceau,Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Palais Royal are some of the better known spots. However, my favorite is the Jardin du Luxembourg adjacent to Luxembourg Palace which is the center of the French Government. It is very large with many different spaces and you can see lovers kissing, joggers jogging and some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. This image sums up Sunday in Paris to me. You can buy a print of this image by clicking here.
Sunday at the Park Paris France
Here is another one from my “Kiss” series and another candidate for my future book. This was taken outside a Cafe on the Trocadéro Plaza in Paris France. Does it qualify as a Kiss or is just a near miss? You can buy a print of this image and see others at my European Gallery by clicking here.
Almost a Kiss in Paris France