Petite Ceinture

Last Sunday a led a small group of keen photographers on a tour of the old Petite Ceinture (Little Belt)

The public have access to two sections. On the South side of the 15th arrondissement of Paris and on the West side of the 16th arrondissement.

The first section was more freight oriented whereas the second one saw much more passenger traffic. The respective dates when passenger trains stopped are an illustration : 1934 and 1985.

In the West, the tracks have vanished in favour of a nature path. The ground is soft soil - can be a little muddy on a rainy day. Over the path trees make a nice cover. The main part is below street level making it very quiet. It starts at Place de la Porte d'Auteuil where the old station still stands (turned into a sorry bar) and stops at the next former station 'La Muette' (also turned into a bar-restaurant). Approximately half distance entry is also possible.  

In the South, the tracks have been kept. But a gangway has been installed so walking is easy. This part of the line is elevated therefore providing a nice view on the district. You can access by steps from Place Balard or Rue de Vaugirard or again Rue Olivier de Serres. Lifts are also available at both ends making the visit possible for a larger public. The old Vaugirard station is a nice landmark awaiting some new use but making a good target for photographers.

 

As you can see here, I played with focus to create three images of the same place. I leave it to you to decide which one you prefer.

 

 

Forgotten vegetable

I recently had the pleasure to be introduced to a new (for me) place. This smallish restaurant offers only two main courses every day. So no lengthy menu filled with deep frozen prefab dishes here.

And they favour forgotten or out of fashion vegetables which I find a very good idea.

I had a kind of sausage which happened to be very tasty with turnips and green peppers. The combination was just perfect. The picture above does not convey the tastes but just looking at it makes me hungry.

The red wine on offer (Savoie) was very drinkable. And the dessert simple and in line with the rest.

Service was friendly but had no time for a chat.

That was provided by the two very pleasant people I had lunch with...

I hear that in the evening 'Aux deux amis' turns into a tapas bar. That would be worth a try I am sure.

Shooting in the park

Paris is studded with many green areas.

One on the most visited is Parc du Luxembourg at the hedge of Latin District.

It is a perfect place to practice your photographic skills.

Whether you are a fan of sculpture, portrait, flower, people photography you will find every opportunity

to use your camera.

 

 

Where very few tourists go...

 

I would like to introduce you to the André Citroen park.

Located where the famous carmaker plant had been from

1915 - 1972 and where much before a bleach producer was

established it was opened in 1992.

It is a very modern combination of gray stones, water,

grass and flowers. A huge ballon which can accomodate up to 30

adults and 60 kids can take you for a ride up to the sky. 

It is the place where I do most of my portrait shootings.

Lunch

Hi Folks

 

To-day I had lunch with a dear friend in a very good restaurant I can only recommend to you.

Its name is "Tante Louise" and it is located Rue Boissy d'Anglas in Paris.

The food was very refined and the service just perfect.