Waving Goodbye to Fall in Paris

27 November 2025 by William OSuch    455  
Waving Goodbye to Fall in Paris

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

The crisp chill of the last week has cleared much of the vibrant canopy, but just before the final transition, I had a chance to capture the waving yellows of Paris trees as they said their annual farewell to fall.

The undisputed star of this spectacle is the Jardin du Luxembourg, with its long, majestic passages framed by mature, gilded trees. I must have taken dozens of photos passing through this wonderful park on this trip — it was impossible to distill the beauty down to a few frames.

Yet, this final fall vibrancy can be found anywhere in Paris, not just in the grand gardens. It appears along the Seine, or at a simple fountain that manages to capture a single, perfect leaf on its edge. Even the classic chairs in the park become a temporary canvas for the fallen leaves, which gather in artistic clusters, only to be swept away by the next breeze just a few hours later. Capturing those fleeting, ephemeral moments is very much like street photography.

The season ended for me walking through Père Lachaise with a good friend who has recently been navigating a difficult heartbreak. As we descended the steps together toward the Bastille, we were saying goodbye not just to autumn and hello to winter in Paris, but also to one season of life, ready for the next.

Paris Late Fall Colors – 1. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 2. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 4. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 5. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 6. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 7. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 8. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 9. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 10. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 11. Photo: Bill O’Such

Paris Late Fall Colors – 12. Photo: Bill O’Such

Lead photo credit : Paris Late Fall Colors - 3. Photo: Bill O'Such

More in Autumn, fall foliage, fall in Paris, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris Vignettes

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By William OSuch

William was introduced to silver halide photography by his father, Chester J. O’Such, via the family’s Ansco reflex camera and home darkroom. After college, William worked as a photographic engineer at Eastman Kodak, where he began to learn the art of photography. With his first SLR, a Canon AE-1, he photographed his inaugural voyage to Paris in 1982. This early spark turned into full passion when William became a Kodak expatriate in Paris from 1995-99. Before returning to the USA, William and his future wife Ineke bought an apartment in the Marais district. Inspired by Bresson, William continues to visit Paris at least twice a year to wander the streets, camera in hand, looking for the next vignette. His photos are available for sale by visiting www.osuchphotography.com