Tuesday 5 May 2015

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...

Paris busker musician

Paris busker musician accordian player

Paris street performer football skills Montmartre

Paris street performer football skills Montmartre

Paris street performer football skills Montmartre


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.

Paris street art graffiti bull

Paris street art graffiti child with gun child with sunflower

Paris street art graffiti

Paris street art graffiti rat EM

Paris street art graffiti Spanish couple

Paris street art graffiti Je Suis Charlie

Paris street art graffiti Kraken octopus

Paris street art graffiti Kraken octopus je t'aime

Paris street art graffiti spider


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

Paris yellow Citroen 2CV James Bond 007

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.

Paris police bubbles

Paris police bubbles


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.

Saint Ouen Flea Market graffiti street art

Saint Ouen Flea Market street art installation tin bath mannequin

Saint Ouen Flea Market wedding photography shoot

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

37 comments:

  1. wow amazing pictures. the side of Paris we dont get to see normally x

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  2. Great pictures! To be honest I love both, on a sunny day I would always choose to be outside !

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    1. We only stayed for 2 nights so I had to make a choice :(

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  3. Wow some absolutely stunning photo's. I haven't been to Paris since I was a teen and I would love to visit again!

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  4. Great pictures. I adore Paris and these pictures make my heart sing. The Gendarmes with their firearms still surprises me though!

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    1. There were armed police at Gare Du Nord too Jen, I guess they're not taking any chances. I found it reassuring actually rather than intimidating.

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  5. This post makes me want to go back to Paris as soon as possible, I love the street art you spotted and did you know my first car was a Citroen Diane 2CV? It was orange and had the gear stick on the dashboard which took getting used to.
    Gorgeous post Liz and laughing at our conversation of the bubbles :D

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    1. Oh wow I can just see you bombing around in a 2CV Mari!

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  6. Magnifique photos! I love to see real life rather than the tourist traps and you certainly showed us that. That 2CV is identical to one I used to drive, (without the paint job) there are not many about in France now.

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    1. Ah thank you! Wow another ex 2CV owner!

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  7. What some amazing pictures - I would love to spend more time in Paris I went once for 24 hours it wasn't long enough. x

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    1. I think I could have spent 24 hours in the flea market alone!

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  8. Such stunning photos, I imagine Paris is still reeling from the shocking events.Last time I was there I was pregnant with my first child so I am definitely a visit back again soon. x

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    1. Just like London everyone seemed undeterred and back to business as usual which is a credit to them. x

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  9. Street art wins for me! Love it! xx

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  10. I like both! I'd love to go to Paris again - we haven't been there for years. Your photos are great.

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  11. I love both. I like visiting museums but you get to know the real city by walking around. Your photos are wonderful

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  12. oh wow ive actually also seen the footballers skills at work and its amazing to stand and watch

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  13. Wow, some fabulous photos, I love to take a trip to see it all in person :)

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  14. I love musical dog man! What a great way to travel!

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  15. I have never been to Paris and its top of my weekend break wishlist - love the football skills!

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  16. i love street art and people watching is tops for me .. its a whole other experience

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  17. I'm with you and think there's no better way to see a place than by foot - and the added bonus of all that walking means some of those holiday pounds don't hang around for quite so long either. Love the 007 citroen shot! #timetraveller

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  18. I haven't yet got to Paris - so plan too though.

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  19. Great photos - we were in Paris last weekend and love it there - it's the perfect city for a wander.

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  20. Great finds! You really did your homework! Saint-Ouen is so much fun to explore!

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  21. Such great pictures - I'm yet to go to Paris and pictures like this make me want to even more!

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  22. When short on time I always prefer to amble around a city, particularly one made for walking like Paris. Your photos of the police and bubbles show such a poignant contrast of innocence and force. Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutFrance.

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  23. You have such an eye for spotting the most wonderful of details - A stunning post xx

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  24. I definitely prefer street art too. I'd rather walk than be cramped on public transport any day x

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  25. aww lovely photos makes me want to go to PAris

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  26. I have to say I love both, but I especially love this post that shows so many surprising aspects of Paris, a city I know well but yet feel I will never know that well...#AllAboutFrance

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  27. Fantastic photos! I love the footballer - amazing. We love street art, and recently went to Bristol and found Banksy. Kaz x

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  28. Great photos - I saw the football juggler when we were at Paris last year and he was FABULOUS. Popping by with a very late hello from #AllAboutFrance

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