From Modernist Gardens to Trocadéro: A Riverside Wander

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments

Following my ascent on the Ballon de Paris, the adventure continued on solid ground, heading toward Trocadéro. If you find yourself in the 15th, Parc André Citroën is a must-visit. It’s a fascinating mix of structured, geometric greenery and hidden alcoves where the city noise simply vanishes, leaving you alone with the trees and your thoughts.

The Urban Contrast

Exiting the park, the transition is jarring but impressive. You are suddenly surrounded by large, sleek modern buildings — a mix of government offices, businesses, and apartments. It’s a sharp contrast to the soft edges of the park, though I couldn’t help but envy the people working there with such an “oasis” right at their doorstep. I even spotted some rather high-end “housing” for the local insects — a giant bug hotel tucked into the modern landscaping.

The Island in the Seine

Crossing the bridge nearby, we stepped onto the Île aux Cygnes, one of the many narrow islands that slice the Seine. Looking back toward the park, I managed to capture the next flight of the balloon rising into the sky right next to the largest of Paris’s eight Statues of Liberty. The island is a true neighborhood sanctuary; it was filled with runners, dogs, and people lost in books on the benches.

As we worked our way toward Trocadéro, the walk offered up a perfect street photography moment: a dancer mid-motion on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. It’s the kind of spontaneous “gift” from the street that makes these long walks worth every step.

The Infinite Ascent

Instead of crossing the bridge, we turned up a set of steep steps toward Métro Passy. Standing at the top, the view back toward the Seine reveals a seemingly infinite set of tracks stretching into the distance — a geometric dream for any photographer.

After a well-earned lunch at Amourette, we began the climb up Rue Benjamin Franklin. Even as my energy began to flag after a long day of exploring, the city had one more sublime view of the Eiffel Tower waiting for me down a side street. The architecture here is captivating; we passed several gorgeous pre-Art Deco buildings with details so intricate they begged for a closer look. It’s an area that definitely demands a return visit for a more dedicated “deep dive” into its facades (teaser for an upcoming vignette!).