Sitting inside for months over winter is an endurance test for locals and visitors from the tropics. Sitting inside I vowed that when the sun came out I would head to a park and park my butt.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris was the perfect place to thaw on the first day of spring and replenish the Vitamin D that have served me well during the pandemic. Fresh air and sun was the order of the day. Words & photos by Mark Anning.
As winter faded away and the first gentle whispers of spring fill the air, Parisians and visitors alike head to the parks that ring the city. I’d be itching to do some photographs and here are six from the day, more here.
Photo: Is there a face under the bridge? This bridge is an entrance to the park, one of many dotted around the large inner-city nature refuge.
As I enter the gates of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, I am greeted by the cheerful chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Nestled in the heart of the bustling city, this enchanting park offers a serene oasis where nature awakens from its slumber, showcasing an array of vibrant colors and fragrances.
The taking photographs of people on the street in Paris is risky. Magazines don’t run photos showing faces because individual’s can bin a magazine print run by complaining that they think it might be them in the published photo. Most Parisians have had a conversation about whether they like their photos taken by strangers and I agree with the majority who disapprove of paparazzi or artists making candid pictures.
Join me on a photographic journey through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont on the first day of spring, as we capture the essence of this magical season in the City of Light.
The park’s undulating landscape, dotted with towering trees and cascading waterfalls, creates a picture-perfect setting for capturing the beauty of spring.
Armed with my camera, I embark on a leisurely stroll along winding pathways, allowing my senses to absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of the season.
Tranquil Reflections
As I wander further into the park at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, I come upon the tranquil waters of the lake, where graceful swans glide serenely across the surface. Here, amid the verdant surroundings, I find moments of quiet contemplation, allowing me to reflect on the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.
From delicate cherry blossoms adorning the branches of trees to vibrant tulips carpeting the ground, every corner of the park is alive with the brilliance of nature’s palette. OK I admit that was AI who wrote that.
Looking for the reflections, I find this panorama, change to a Canon 5dMkIV camera with 70-200mm lens. I eagerly frame each tree and bloom through my lens, seeking to capture the intricacies of their petals and the play of light upon their surfaces. Each photograph is a celebration of the ephemeral beauty that defines springtime in Paris.
With each click of my camera shutter, I strive to capture not just the visual beauty of the scene, but also the sense of peace and harmony that permeates the air.
Iconic Landmarks
No visit to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont would be complete without paying homage to its iconic landmarks. From the towering Temple de la Sibylle perched atop a rocky promontory to the rustic bridges that span the park’s glistening waters, these architectural marvels provide captivating subjects for my lens.
I experiment with different angles and perspectives, seeking to convey the grandeur and elegance of these structures against the backdrop of springtime splendor. Temple de la Sibylle is a good subject as it tests the photographer’s eye to find something else to fill in the photo.
As the golden rays of the sun begin to cast long shadows across Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, I reluctantly bid farewell to this enchanting sanctuary of nature in the heart of Paris. Through my photographs, I have sought to capture the essence of spring – its beauty, its vitality, and its sense of renewal.
Yet, as any photographer will attest, no image can truly encapsulate the full depth of experience that comes from immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the season.
And so, as I pack away my camera and prepare to depart, I carry with me not just photographs, but memories – memories of a magical day spent capturing the fleeting beauty of spring in Paris.
While I sat inside for months, eagerly anticipating the arrival of warmer days and blooming landscapes, I researched the History of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, here.
One iconic and historic destination that perfectly embodies the spirit of spring in Paris is the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. You’ll easily spend a few hours here exploring the Grotto, Suicide Bridge
Related stories
The artists from Belleville, Gainsbourg & Piaf
The Paris Commune: Echoes of Revolution in Belleville
Speos Magnum documentary & AFP photojournalism courses
Covid anti-vaccine pass sanitaire Paris protest
French wine lovers love Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival
Paris Flower Market, Marché aux Fleurs – Reine Elizabeth II
Parisian Street Art in Support of Ukraine
Sacré-Cœur Basilica: A Testament to Parisian Splendor
We are affiliated with and can recommend Paris Sightseeing Tours with Paris CityVision for day tours through Paris and surrounds.
It is free to comment below. Our pied a terre in Belleville is central to our study of the arts in Paris.
