Antoine Collas, a Paris photographer, shares his favourite photos of the city of light in the spring.
Originally from Aix-en-Provence he now lives in Paris and never tires of taking photos of the ever changing scenery. His favourite location is along the Seine River which he says “never looks the same”…
The carousel by the Eiffel Tower
The carousel (in French it’s called manège) by the Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed sites in Paris. It’s the perfect location for a photo of the Grand Dame, Madame Eiffel. It’s really popular with local children, wedding couples and tourists.
Magical Montmartre
Montmartre is magical and one of the best place for photographers. Featured in “Midnight in Paris” the pretty cobbled streets, old buildings and street artists make for one of the best places to take a stroll.
Take a break at La Halte du Sacré Coeur restaurant, bar and tea room (45 Rue Custine) for authentic food. You’ll get a great service, it’s good value and popular with the locals says Antoine.
Modern architecture of Paris
Paris is ever changing. There are the ancient streets and buildings as well as new and innovative architecture like the Louis Vuitton art foundation designed by Frank Gehry. The landscape is alive….
Le Marais
Head to Le Marais neighbourhood and enjoy coffee or a hot chocolate early on a Saturday or Sunday morning before the city starts to be active. Wander the arcades of Place des Vosges, you’ll feel like a local and really understand the vibe of Paris… a big city but with the feel of a village at times.
The Eiffel Tower – of course
Nothing says Paris quite as much as the Eiffel Tower.
Cleopatra’s Needle
When you stand in Place de la Concorde and look up at the soaring monument known as Cleopatra’s Needle or the Luxor Obelisk you’re in touch with the past. At 3000 years old, this is the most ancient monument in Paris. It’s been in this position since 1833 and when it arrived, weighing a whopping 227 tonnes and measuring 22.5m high and it cost an absolute fortune to transport it from Egypt to its new home. When it arrived it was greeted by King Louis Philippe, last king of France, and an enthusiastic crowd.
The Luxor Obelisk is on what is known as the axe historique, a line of monuments starting at the Louvre. It runs west to the Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Arche at La Défense. It is also called the Voie Triomphale, the triumphal way. The historical axis was begun in the 17th century with the creation of the Champs Élysées, designed to create a view west beyond the gardens of the Palace of the Tuileries.
See more of Antoine’s photographs on Instagram @Toinou1375
Things to do in Paris in the Spring
Top ten things to do in Paris
