Paris Street Life

I thought I'd share with you some photographs from our recent stay in Paris. If I'm short on time, I'll always prefer to amble round the streets and explore the locality, experiencing real life rather than be stuck in a stuffy museum or art gallery.

On the Sunday we walked and walked - 12 miles in total, I tracked it on Strava! Pounding the streets seeking out street art and performers and a taste of Parisien life.

Sure, you can ride the Metro to get you from A-B but you'll miss out on the vibrant street scene, the pavement cafes that fuelled our marathon hike and the hidden treasures the city has to offer.

From the buskers and performers such as the musician who bought his whole menagerie of sleeping pets, to the lonely accordion player and the breathtaking football stunts atop the steps of the Sacre Coeur...

to the intriguing graffiti and street art, less prevalent than in other cities, you need to seek it out in the   districts of Montmatre, the gay quarter and the Jewish quarter.  Much of the artwork is pasted on to walls making it seem either less renegade and edgy, or showing the artists have a greater reverence and respect for their architecture - you decide.

One of my favourite sights was this oh-so-French Citroen 2CV with a Bond-esque paint job pootling round the Eiffel Tower.

So soon after the tragic troubles in Paris, there was still a strong police presence, with officers armed and armoured to the hilt.  I couldn't help notice the surrealness of the armed police monitoring a demonstration in a central square, against a street vendor touting his giant bubble mixture in the background.  Such is Paris life.

Heading out to the sprawling flea markets of Saint Ouen, there's so much to see besides the miles and miles of vintage stores.  More installations and street art, and if you're lucky a bride and groom having their wedding shots taken.

What do you prefer to see - museum art or street art?

Linking up with Time Traveller at Maris World and All About France.