There are lots of theories about why Paris is called “la ville lumière” (“the city of light”). I’ll save mine for another day — as Esteban and I are on our way to the airport in an hour to catch our flight home — but here are a few of the moments I witnessed over the past two weeks.
Many more to come, with a huge thanks to the dear friends, old and new, who made this visit so special …
HeideBlog 
Amazing photography ❤
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comment.
As I often say, and never tire of saying it, your photos are fantastic.
Thank you so much, Anthony! I always appreciate your kind words. And when i get home i look forward to catching up with what you’ve been up to!
I find it quite intriguing …love it all the photographs as well
Thank you! I’m pleased and honored you find it intriguing. 🙂
Beautiful. Brings back fond memories.
I’m so happy to bring back good memories! Thank you so much for stopping by …
The 8th pictures is excellent !
What a wonderful compliment, coming from you. Merci infiniment !!
beautiful photos ….
Thank you!
Breathtaking photos!!!
Lisa xx
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, LIsa. Thank you for your kind words!
how beautiful and full of light
Thank you so much, Beth! A lovely compliment coming from someone who is full of light herself. xx
Amazing!!
Thank you!
These are all lovely, but the photo of the man wiping his window in the long hallway is stunning. I studied it for quite some time.
When I stumbled upon that moment I knew it was gold, Jim. Thank you so much for your kind words … your enjoying my photos is really the highest compliment!
Some amazing photographs!
Thank you, Mark!
Heide, LOVE the photos, and the image of the server cleaning windows is sublime 🙂 Safe travels 🙂
Thank you so much, Roy. Coming from you this is a wonderful compliment … thank you for making my day with your kind words!
Bravo on another great trip. Wonderful photos, as always. See you soon!
Thank you so much, dear Tom. I’m very much looking forward to seeing you soon!
Your pictures are exquisite! I am so sad you guys have to leave! (I have been living vicariously through you!) but I hope you have safe travels! Thanks for letting us tag along, and letting me have a taste of Paris again! 🙂 ❤
You’re so sweet, Kate. Thank you! We’re home safe, but are already planning our return trip — so hopefully you won’t have to wait *too* long for the next installment. It was a joy to have you along, even if only vicariously. xx
You are most welcome hun and thank you! Yay glad you made it back and oh my lanta I LOVE that! Hehe I look forward to it! 🙂 ❤
❤️
In its simplest definition, photography is nothing more than capturing light reflected on surfaces; but that “nothing more than” conceals a myriad possibilities, as you have demonstrated here; and also tells us something about ourselves as we inevitably sort the images into an order of personal preference. It seems that I am more attracted to strong light (the accordionist, the waiter cleaning the window (on the Rue de Rivoli?), the little red cafe tucked away on a narrow street, glowing in defiance (it seems) or its surrounding sombreness, and the grey geometry of the windows reflecting the end of the day. All beautifully realised; but some connecting with me more strongly than others, as it should be. Thank you.
I love your philosophical take on what the images we’re drawn to tell us about ourselves, Xpat. That image of the waiter (at Ma Bourgogne, on the Place des Vosges) will likely remain my favorite from the entire trip. The others with the more subtle light were probably colored a bit by my own emotions in that moment, which may not translate for others. But regardless, anytime you enjoy my photos it’s a TREMENDOUS compliment. Thank you for that!
Glorious, as usual. Thanks not just for sharing your photos, but for having such a creative perceptive eye when taking photos.
You always make my day with your kind comments, Patti. Thank you so much!
Fabulous photographs
Thank you very much, Sam!
Exquisite visual journey, thank you! Light-filled photos, rich in detail and wordless stories. Food for the eyes, Heide, and for the soul – thank you!
Oh, Lara … you sure do know how to make a gal’s spirit SOAR. Thank you … I’m so pleased these images spoke to you! xx
Looking at your photographs which are beautiful, makes me more anxious then ever to get to Paris.
Now that I’m back home, I’m more anxious than ever to get back to Paris too. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your lovely comment.
Natural light versus artificial… Beautiful either way…
Very well said. Thank you!
I love these photos… especially the one with the man with the umbrella running… so much Paris in that. I can actually see some pictures being better in Black and White… but maybe it’s because of all the pictures I have seen.
I agree with you 100% that some of these would be better in black and white — that lends such a timelessness to them, which especially suits Paris. I didn’t want to spend that much time at my computer while on vacation, though, so I did the most minimal possible processing. But if you keep out an eye I have no doubt that some of these will reappear in monochrome! 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by, Björn.
Beautiful photos and light. You’ve captured lovely Parisian moments and brought out their ambience. You’ve given me inspiration (hint, hint). Thanks for these photos.
… and thank YOU for making my day with your kind comment. Mr. Draco. I always feel extra-pleased when you like my work. 🙂
Lovely collection of shots. They are all so moody and really take me there (preferably with a warm sweater, a hot coffee, and an umbrella at the ready).
Thank you, Jessica! I would have loved to have a reliable umbrella myself for this visit. 😉
Luscious photos, as always. I do like the look of the gentleman in the first photo, with his wonderfully, stylishly, well-loved trousers and jacket (are they corduroy or velvet?) his turn-ups, carefully-tied scarf and smart cap. He’s rocking a whole palette of well-chosen shades, from his rich tan shoes, through his mole-coloured jacket, his chestnut waistcoat and all the way up to his serious grey cap. I’m not sure he could exist anywhere but France. He looks like a retired professor of Philosophy on a Sunday stroll by the river.
I love the way you capture split seconds that are full of stories. I like the bike with the rusting handlebars and bell, along with the worn saddle. It’s a bike that has lived a useful life. I like all the photos. Please keep taking them.
I *love* your description of the gentleman in the first photo — it’s far richer than any photo I could ever take! And I agree with you wholeheartedly that he probably couldn’t exist anywhere other than France. The Italians are just as stylish, I suppose, but the French have a gift for making it easy.
And thank you especially for that second paragraph. My eye felt a bit “flat” on this trip and I came home largely disappointed with my work. But upon your encouragement I will keep sorting through my photos — and I promise to keep taking them too.
Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by. xx
“la ville lumière” – you’ve captured so many aspects of it. Sun, moon and reflections. And the inner light coming to us from people you’ve met or just seen. Gives light to my morning today!
Ellington
What a gorgeous description of these photos you’ve written, Ellington … your kind words give light to MY morning today. Thank you!
Amazingly crafted dear
Thank you!
Good morning Heide, it’s been over a month since I posted a comment on your pictures. My husband is taking me to Paris on September 3rd, trip is booked and I’m ready to go now. Can you give us any suggestions on our stay? We will be in the Montmartre area. Thank you for any pointers that you can share.
How wonderful — what exciting news! I hope you’re packed already, because September 3 will be here before you know it. 🙂 Montmartre can be lovely and village-like or choked with tourists, depending on the particular street and time of day. So the first bit of advice I’d give you is to get out for strolls early in the morning so you can experience your neighborhood without the crowds. My favorite photogenic street is the Rue de l’Abreuvoir — if you go down the hill to the Place Dalida and look back up the street you’ll get a gorgeous view of the Sacré Coeur basilica. I also recommend the Montmartre museum, at 12-14 Rue Cortot. Not only will it give you insights about your adopted neighborhood, but you’ll also enjoy a great view from the garden of Paris’ only remaining vineyard. For another great panoramic view of Paris go to the steps in front of the Sacré Coeur basilica. On a warm day you’ll be serenaded by a variety of street musicians and performers — but watch out for pickpockets! It’s not dangerous per se, but do be aware of your surroundings and be discreet about your valuables. Two restaurants you may enjoy for the atmosphere are Chez Marie at 27 Rue Gabrielle and Le Bon Bock at 2 Rue Dancourt. The latter is the oldest restaurant in Montmartre and the décor still looks much the same as you see in Édouard Manet’s painting. Other classic sights are the Place du Tertre, the Lapin Agile cabaret, and the Cimitière de Montmartre cemetery. And for a charming spot that few tourists ever see, don’t miss the Villa Léandre at Avenue Junot (it’s only a block long, but you won’t believe these charming little houses exist in Paris). I hope this gives you a few ideas, but please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have specific questions. ENJOY!
Thank you so much, I will write down every place that you have suggested.
You’re very welcome! Hope you have a wonderful trip — and if you blog about it, please let me know. I would love to hear about your adventures!
I will definitely do that, thanks again
Stunning!
Thank you so much.
Well selected places for Your photos. Very lovely Paris photos, which praise it charm. I have been there many times during my life. Every time my wife and I found something new and visit those places which we love.
One of our favorite places is Père Lachaise Cemetery. We spend there few hours watch the graves famous people.
Thank You for this post and its photos.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
How wonderful that you are a lover of Paris as well. You are so right that there is always something new to discover, no matter how many times one has visited! Père Lachaise is also one of my favorite places, though, so I almost always make time for at least one visit. Perhaps I should do a blog post about it one of these days. 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your kind words. You’ve made my Sunday!
Please, make a post of it. 🙂
Your wish is my command! Check back in about a week, please. 🙂
Thank You. I will do it with a pleasure.
Beautiful shooting
Thank you very much!