If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast
Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
There are some places that stay with you forever, whether you spend just a few hours there or many days. Places that almost haunt you. Places you long to return to some day. Sometimes you fulfil that longing and return, maybe often. And sometimes you never go back, but never forget.
It’s no secret to anyone who reads this blog regularly that my favourite place to revisit (indeed, one of the few places I revisit) is Paris. In recent years we’ve made an annual trip there to celebrate our wedding anniversary in early September.
With a back-log of photos from our Svalbard expedition cruise to work through and share it may be some time before I get around to any detailed write-ups of this year’s Parisian explorations. So I’m glad that Egidio’s choice of theme for this week’s Lens Artists challenge gives me an excuse to share a small selection. I hope these shots capture the essence of this beautiful city and demonstrate why, whenever I leave it, I am immediately longing to return.
Every time I look down on this timeless town
Whether blue or grey be her skies
Whether loud be her cheers, or whether soft be her tears
More and more do I realise that…
I love Paris in the spring time
I love Paris in the fall
Cole Porter
Swan on the Seine
On the Pont Royal, where my feature photo was also clearly taken
Artist by the Seine
Bouquiniste on the Right Bank, with the Institut de France in the background
Bouquiniste on the Right Bank
Seine scenes
Picnic by the Seine
Wedding shoot near the Pont Saint-Louis
Metro station
Fallen leaf, Bercy
On the Boulevard Saint Germain
School entrance, rue Saint-Louis en l’Île
On the rue Saint-Louis en l’Île
Light and shade on the rue Saint-Louis en l’Île
Outside a Left Bank brasserie
Left Bank night life
I visit Paris regularly; these photos were all taken on my most recent visit in September 2025
83 Comments
Victoria Rose
Such incredible photography, I’m super excited to experience the art when in Paris- be it within galleries, at markets, or the street art.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much 😊 Yes, you can’t really go wrong with the art in Paris!
Natalie
Sarah, I share your love of Paris. It’s one of the few cities that I return to many times, to visit family there and to enjoy the city. Thank you for sharing your photos.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Natalie, I’m always happy to know of another Paris lover 😀 It’s the ONLY city (outside the UK) that I return to many times!
Leya
A beautiful tribute to the atmosphere in Paris! I am one of those who don’t love this big city… As a young girl (1976) I had a very bad first impression of it, and it is hard to find that love for the city even if I became more positive to it in later years. I only went there once more after that bad start…and I regret not visiting Monets garden. So…
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you for liking the post if not the city 😀 We’ve never yet been to Givenchy. We tend to stay in the city centre where there’s always more than enough to do, but we did have one outing this time which I’ll share soon! It might appeal to you more than the city itself.
grandmisadventures
Happy anniversary! What a beautiful way to celebrate the story you’ve written together
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Meg 😊We always love time spent together in Paris. And elsewhere, come to that!
Annie Berger
Lucky you, Sarah, being able to pop over to Paris for a few days every September to celebrate your anniversary! I’, envious, but also happy for you and Chris. I lived the Seine scenes and the view of nightlife on the Left Bank.
Sarah Wilkie
We are very lucky to be able to do this Annie 😀 Glad you liked those scenes by the Seine in particular
Wind Kisses
Beautiful gallery Sarah, I think a lot of people will agree with you here. There is an ambiance like know other from Paris.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Donna 🙂 I think Paris divides people – many love it but some just don’t get it!
Tina Schell
Ah, Paris. There are many wonderful places the world and we’ve both seen many of them. When people ask about our travels, I tend to forget Paris because I think of it more as a second home – even tho we haven’t been back in years. Your images brought it all right back to front and center. I think part of the reason I don’t want to return is because my memories are so strong and so positive I fear disappointment. As Bob Hope would say, thanks for the memories. ❤️
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Tina ☺️ I honestly don’t think you’d be disappointed if you went back, Paris (in the city centre at least) seems unchanging. Glad to have given you a virtual visit meanwhile.
equinoxio21
Thank you for a lovely stroll in Paris. I know that opening tree. Never seen a swan in Paris. That is amazing.
I think I know the bouquiniste on the right bank. Good supply of Bandes dessinées…
You’ve captured the essence of Paris perfectly… Bravo.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 😊 There were at least three swans in that vicinity that day. And yes, lots of bandes dessinées, especially Tintin.
equinoxio21
A rare sight. I’ve never ever seen swans in Paris. In other cities they’re common. London or Bruges… Not so Paris. 👍🏻
Sarah Wilkie
Maybe since they cleaned up the Seine for the Olympics the swans are moving in?
equinoxio21
Quite possible. Though if I recall, there are swans on the Thames? If so, I don’t quite know whether the Thames is “cleaner” than the Seine? Can one swim in the Thames?
Sarah Wilkie
I wouldn’t do so in central London but further upstream, yes it’s possible
thehungrytravellers.blog
We share your opinion completely, as you know! It is never less than a magical feeling being in Paris, whatever the reason for being there.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I know you share our love of Paris – I would be more surprised if you didn’t! In fact, I can never understand why anyone wouldn’t love it 🙂
Sylvia
Your photos certainly evoke the many special little things and nuances of Paris which have found a place in your heart forever, Sarah. I certainly have a place in my heart for Victorian Cape May. Like you and Paris, I never tire of its many special tiny or larger sights.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Sylvia ☺️ Yes, it’s the little things that often make a place special.
Sofia Alves
Paris is also one of the few places I’ve revisited and wouldn’t mind at all going back again. It’s the atmosphere that does it for me. And everytime you share photos of Paris I can feel how much at home you feel there. Your photos are not of a tourist but of someone that knows and loves the place like almost a local.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Sofia 😊 Yes, the atmosphere is so special there although hard to define. When we visit I feel not really a tourist but also not a local – something between the two I guess.
Teresa
I am so happy for you that you are able to visit a place that you so love… over and over again. It is what they say falling in love all over again.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Teresa 😊 I think I do fall in love with Paris again each time we visit!
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
I can understand why you feel as you do Sarah. Love the last shot, it has great atmosphere 😀
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Ritva 😊 That last shot was just taken on my phone on our first evening back in the city – I liked the light spilling from the bar.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
That is it, a moment captured
Leanne Cole
I’m not at all surprised that you would do Paris Sarah, I don’t know why, but I had a feeling that you long to go there. Lovely photos.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Leanne 🙂 Yes, I guess I’ve made my love of Paris obvious enough in previous posts that it won’t be a surprise that I used it for this challenge!
kzmcb
Some really lovely shots, just begging for stories to accompany them.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Karen 😊 I’m sure most of these people would have stories to tell, yes. That’s the fun of street photography, wondering about the stories and lives of the people you capture just for that split second!
Amy
Ahh… Paris! Thank you for sharing our love affair with Paris through these beautiful photos.
Sarah Wilkie
You’re welcome Amy, I’m so pleased you liked them 😊
leightontravels
Mmm, a veritable love letter to Paris. You are going to get me in trouble with Sladja, who has long been at me to take her to Paris. She has never been, I have only visited once. Paris I liked, but perhaps never truly fell in love with like so many others have. Maybe one visit simply isn’t enough. I do have a delightful painting purchased from a local artist, which we have just put up in our new home. Your various artist shots remind me of the man I bought it from. As ever, you have succeeded in catching some really intimate moments.
Sarah Wilkie
Oh do give in to Sladja! Paris is arguably a city best appreciated as a couple so you might love it more if with her 🙂
Tanja
Always enjoy your Paris photos.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Tanja 🙂
photobyjohnbo
Paris is a city I’d love to visit, and time’s a wasting for me. It’s often an excursion on a cruise, but the long ride from Le Havre on a bus leaves only a short time in the city. Big waste of time, in my opinion. I just have to start planning and fly there for a few days’ stay.
We once had a rescheduled flight from Europe to the U.S. cancel on us, last minute. They rescheduled us with a connection in Paris and a layover around lunch time. I joked that I’m taking my wife to lunch in Paris before we come home. That didn’t last long. Within an hour, the airline scrapped that route and put us on a direct flight.
Sarah Wilkie
You’re right, a few hours here probably wouldn’t justify the long bus ride each way. Hopefully you can arrange a few days (minimum!) in Paris as part of a longer trip to Europe.
wetanddustyroads
You (and your camera) definitely have a very good relationship with Paris! I think if I ever visit Paris, it will most likely be thanks to your blog! As always, it’s your street scenes that catch my eye.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you for saying that 😊 I’d love to think I tempted anyone to visit Paris!
Vicki
I’ve been to Paris twice (I think) in the mid to late 1970s but have forgotten most of it. It was lovely to go back again and see it through your eyes. I’m not sure whether it is the lifestyle, french accent or what, but there’s someting magical about the city. I’d love to go back again.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Vicki, I’m glad you enjoyed this virtual revisit 🙂 I think it’s a combination of many things that makes Paris so special, but the lifestyle is definitely part of it!
sheetalbravon
Your posts make me want to travel. If I ever land in Paris someday, I’d have you to thank. Your affection for this city really shines through your words and photos, Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Sheetal ☺️ I do hope you get to see Paris in person one day!
sheetalbravon
That will be another dream come true 💜
Sue
I love to see Paris through your eyes! Having said that it does make me rather nostalgic or trips that I have made in the past ast and sadly won’t make again…
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Sue 🤗 I do understand how that would make you feel nostalgic and appreciate you following my travels.
Sue
Keep those images coming!
Sarah Wilkie
Oh I will!
Sue
😄
Easymalc
You’ve captured Parisien life perfectly Sarah. Joie de vivre.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Malcolm ☺️ That’s something I do try to capture.
Easymalc
☺️
Rose
I’ve always been in love with Paris, before I went, and after I’ve been. I still long to just be in the middle of all the beauty. There’s something special about the city that lifts my spirits. Thank you for sharing so much of its loveliness with us. 💞
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose ☺️ It’s always a pleasure to share my love of Paris. I think it’s the light that makes it special, also a relaxed vibe, unusual in such a large city.
Anne Sandler
What a beautiful tour of the city Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Anne 😊
the eternal traveller
How lucky you are to be able to pop across often for a visit. We’ve only been to Paris once, in 2008, and I would love to return again one day.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, we’re very lucky to be so near and to have the option to go by train too. I hope you do get back to Paris one day!
bushboy
I was tempted not to read this post so my morning wouldn’t be filled with envy and jealousy at the wonderful photos of Paris. I do miss not being able to go there for at least one more time. A wonderful city I love
Sarah Wilkie
Haha, I’m sorry to have tempted and tormented you with this post Brian! Thank you for reading despite that 😄
Suzanne@PictureRetirement
How nice to visit in September. I’ll be there in December with my daughter, who loves Paris as much as you. It will look very different then, but beautiful nevertheless. I enjoyed your photos.
Sarah Wilkie
Paris is lovely at any time of year but September is one of the best times perhaps. However it will be wonderful in December too, I am sure!
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
As Paris is to you, Amsterdam is to us (we might well have discussed this before!) There were two destinations in the Stardust mini-holiday brochure in 1981, and we chose Amsterdam over Paris because in those days it seemed a bit different. Had we gone for Paris, no doubt that would have been our special place too.
Sarah Wilkie
Oh yes, I remember that conversation. Amsterdam didn’t charm us on our one visit. Maybe we should give it another chance one day.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
Yes, we have friends who feel the same way. We are all different!
Marie
One of my favorite cities. Looking forward to a few days there in November. Did you take a dip in the Seine?
Sarah Wilkie
No, although I spotted posters announcing that they were extending the swimming season to late September. I guess it would be a great experience but I have other priorities for our Paris jaunts!
Marie
I was joking about the swim. Should have included a smiley face. 😀
Sarah Wilkie
Well, people do these days, since it was cleared up for the Olympics, so it might well have been a possibility!
Susanne Swanson
You capture Paris beautifully! If I was closer, I’d visit as often as you. I’ve only been once and hope there’s another trip in my future.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Susanne 😊 Yes, we’re definitely lucky to live so near. I hope you do get there again one day!
Egídio
I’m thrilled and thankful that my challenge led you to post these beautiful photos. I felt like I was there in the photos. Great moments you captured. No wonder you like going back to Paris. These photos show why.
Sarah Wilkie
I’m so pleased the reasons I love to return to Paris again and again came across for you Egidio! Thank you for giving me the excuse to share these photos 😄
margaret21
I love your love affiar with Paris, a city I don’t know well and then only as a conventional ‘tourist’ But discovering it through your eyes is a pretty good second best!
Sarah Wilkie
It’s so easy to get to that frequent visits are little more hassle than Newcastle for us! But even for you it would be a reasonable trip if ever you fancy getting to know it better!
margaret21
I would, but for M, walking is much more difficult now. Holidays are getting tricky!
Sarah Wilkie
Oh dear, I do sympathise. Paris is rather a walking city too.