It won’t be long now. My camera gear is ready to go, the research is done, and our travel documents have been checked and checked again. But there is still time for another retrospective of previous visits.
Paris is often called the City of Light or “La Ville-Lumière.” The origin of this term has several competing theories, but we photographers know that the real reason is what happens after sunset. The Parisians know how to illuminate their city. According to Elaine Sciolino, in a 2006 New York Times article, considerable resources are dedicated to lighting the monuments, buildings, and bridges of Paris. There is an entire lighting division in City Hall responsible for choosing the design, style, color, intensity, and timing of the lighting for some 300 structures within the city’s 40 square miles.
Twilight, Institut de France from the Right Bank
The image above shows the Institut de France with the Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge, on the left. The bridge links the Institut with the central court of the Louvre Museum.
Twilight, Pont Neuf, from the Right Bank
Pont Neuf, a short walk away, is another example. This was taken about five minutes earlier than the image of the Institut de France This is the oldest bridge across the Seine today. Construction started in the 16th century and it was the first bridge not lined with houses on both sides.
Sacre-Coeur at Night
A few days later, I was on the rooftop terrace of Printemps (64 Blvd. Haussman), and captured this scene of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica located on Montmarte Hill.
If all goes well, I should find a few more opportunities to photograph the La Nuit en Paris. And, as in my previous post on Paris, I welcome any suggestions for subjects and/or locations. I’ve had several interesting suggestions already. Just use the Comments option to send them.
photographybykent 
Gorgeous photos, the lighting is indeed beautiful and you have captured it spectacularly! I hope you have a wonderful time back in Paris, bet you’re just a little bit excited! 🙂
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Thanks very much for your comment. And you are right. I am quite excited. Hopefully, I’ll bring back some more images. Stay tuned….
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I forwarded this to Chezminard.
Laurie
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Have a safe yet exciting trip. Looking forward to seeing the photos you post.
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Thanks very much. This is our goal and hopefully we’ll achieve it. I appreciate your stopping by.
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Beautiful photos, Robin. I hope you get some more this trip. I was first in Paris a year ago and it rained every day but it was still Paris. I want to go back and spend a few weeks to round out my understanding of this beautiful city. Hope you get a chance to have a martini at Harry’s Bar. That became a nice little respite spot for me after touring all day. Have fun.
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As always, your photos are beautiful! I am really looking forward to seeing what you post on your return. Have an amazing trip!
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Robin, the pictures are simply gorgeous; suspect you will be somewhat challenged to top them (and you will). We spent a good pert of the day at Pere Lachaise–truly another world.
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Hope you have a great trip! I look forward to seeing Paris in all its glory 🙂
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Thanks very much. I’ll post them if I get them 😉
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These photos look stunning. Also, I am impressed by the architecture and construction in France. Hopefully I will get a chance to go to Paris during college.
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Thanks very much for your comments. I’m glad you like them. And I hope you’ll be able to see Paris soon. In the meantime, there should be a few more temptations in some of my upcoming posts so I hope you’ll check back occasionally.
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Yes I definitely will. And thank you for posting these works.
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