The Fun of People Watching in Paris

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

Every day in Paris there is a treasure trove of stories. Is there a better city for people watching? In this selection of photos, I attempt to capture spontaneous moments on the rues and boulevards of the city: Parisians have an uncanny knack for staying cool (“restant au frais”) while stylishly dressed for lunch or strolling through Le Marais on their way to important meetings (“grand costume”). Near Les Halles, I caught sight of three Italians savoring afternoon aperitifs (“apero Italien”), just before I passed a dog walker managing five lively dogs (“les halles avec cinq chiens”).

Across the street, two unmistakably Dutch individuals (“deux hollandais”) awaited their lunch (“la dauphine”). Nearby, others pondered their day (“numéro 32”), engaged in spirited debates (“oui ou non”), or drifted into deep reflection (“profondément en réflexion”). As night descended, a pair of young cyclists (“deux à vélo”) opted to ride the same Velib’ to save a few euros. Making my way back late at night, I crossed paths with a man sporting a fedora (“nuit dans le Marais”), strolling home under the soft glow of a romantic Parisian streetlight.