The Paris Cliché
Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Pete Heck
Spending three weeks in Paris afforded us the time to see the city in an entirely different way. Our neighborhood on the outskirts reminded us a bit of Harlem; we frequented Chinatown often, which isn’t a place most tourists get to. And then there were Pete’s photography walkabouts where he spent hours poking around in new corners.
But let’s be honest here – touristy places have touristy parts that are touristy for a very good reason. Paris is adored for its massive landmarks, the stretch of banks along the river Seine, and the architecture with flair at every corner of the core. All the things that make up the cliché of Paris are what makes it one of the most enchanting cities in the world. And we couldn’t complete our chronicling of our time there without a collection of photos that reminds us of that.
Want even more cliché? We bring them in black and white…
where to stay
Paris is a massive city, and it can be overwhelming to make seemingly simple choices like booking accommodations. Check this post on where to stay in Paris for extensive advice!
The Paris Cliché
Spending three weeks in Paris afforded us the time to see the city in an entirely different way. Our neighborhood on the outskirts reminded us a bit of Harlem; we frequented Chinatown often, which isn’t a place most tourists get to. And then there were Pete’s photography walkabouts where he spent hours poking around in new corners.
But let’s be honest here – touristy places have touristy parts that are touristy for a very good reason. Paris is adored for its massive landmarks, the stretch of banks along the river Seine, and the architecture with flair at every corner of the core. All the things that make up the cliché of Paris are what makes it one of the most enchanting cities in the world. And we couldn’t complete our chronicling of our time there without a collection of photos that reminds us of that.
Want even more cliché? We bring them in black and white…
Three weeks in Paris what a treat. Love the B+W images…you have inspired me. I land in Istanbul this weekend and I will do some B+W of my own. Just spent a couple of weeks with Barbara Weible in Russia but she had to cut the trip short…her father had a stroke so she flew home. Hope all is well with you two.
Larry
Thank you Larry! Enjoy Istanbul, one of our favourite cities.
These photos are ah-mazing. Cannot stop staring. And so true about Paris – I generally prefer more “offbeat” places, but there’s a good reason Paris is so popular.
Thank you Silvia!
Beautiful photos! I love the Moulin Rouge shot.
I think that’s my favourite too. Thanks Ashley!
You know what? As holiday season and whatnot approaches here in Guatemala, we find ourselves reminiscing on our days and nights by the Seine. We miss Paris immensely – and this gorgeous post is not helping! Paris is and will always be one of my favorite cities in our extraordinary world. Lovely to revisit it through your lens 🙂 Bonne chance!
We miss Paris too. It is a hard city to get out of your system! Thanks!
Oooo. Love. I don’t care if it’s cliche and touristy – these parts of Paris are still gorgeous!
C’est magnifique! These shots are breathtaking and, like you say, classic for a reason. Are you familiar with the work of Gilberte Brassai? I have a black and white print of her Montmartre staircase photograph hanging in my apartment.
No, we’re not familiar! We’ll have to look her up!
Beautiful photos. It’s difficult to take a bad photo in France.
That is the truth!
I live in Paris and wish I could take photographs of Paris of this calibre. I would buy prints of these! Just discovered your blog and so glad I did 😀
Thanks so much Clare! If you are really interested, drop us a note!
Thanks!
Beautiful shots. Having the photos in black and white adds such a timeless element to them.
Lovely photography and the black and white makes it even more interesting.
Even if it’s cliché, these are great artsy photos in black and white! Thanks for taking them!
You make cliche look beautiful.
Cliched, perhaps – but still beautiful photos! As you said, cliché for a reason.
Lovely shots, Pete. The black white portrays a whole new beauty to an already beautiful city.
Just stunning! – thank you!
Beautiful pictures. I agree that while going to Paris is such a cliche, it’s still completely worth it! It’s a dream trip for a reason.