Many people go to Paris in April.

But when your husband tells you that his dream for his 50th birthday is to go to Paris to shoot with his Leica, and his birthday happens to be at the end of November, that's when you go to Paris.

Although this was the first time for both of us, it was pretty obvious that Paris in the late fall must be a lot different than Paris in the spring.  The light (which I'm sure is stunning any time of year) takes on a more melancholy cast, and there is deep mystery in the shadows.  I think there is a reason that Henri Cartier-Bresson worked exclusively in black and white when photographing Paris.  It just seems so appropriate for this enigmatic and sophisticated city.

And I'm sure we got to see some things that the "April in Paris" crowd doesn't get to experience.  The Christmas decorations were going up all over the city, and the shop windows dazzled with holiday finery.  Strolling down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, sipping vin chaud, and browsing the Marche Noel was a special treat.  It was rather chilly and damp, but it was also much less crowded and, in my opinion, more romantic.

There is color in Paris, of course, just like anywhere else, but my memories, aside from the incredible electric blue of the illuminated Eiffel Tower and the wonderful, expansive Monet Waterlilies in the Musee de l'Orangerie, seem to be mostly in black, white, and shades of grey.  My favorite photos from this trip are definitely the black and white ones.

I don't think that there is anything I can say about Paris that hasn't already been said better by someone else.  And I know that, at a time when so many people are losing jobs and homes, I am incredibly fortunate to have taken this trip.

So, aside from some brief descriptions by me, I'll let these photographs (taken by my handsome and talented husband and, for the most part, his Leica) speak for themselves.  I hope you enjoy them.

 The beautiful art nouveau Abbesses Metro station entrance.

Inside two Metro stations. 

 One of the many musicians playing for spare change in the Metro.

 Pere-Lachaise, final resting place of many celebrities and artists, from Chopin to Jim Morrison.

 A view from Montmartre.

 Me, on the steps to Montmartre, trying to look Parisian, but probably not fooling anyone.

"Je m'appelle Jeanette.  Je suis francais.  Vraiment!" 

 Early morning, Le Jardin de Tuileries.

 Weeping willow beside the Seine.

 Boats on the Seine and misty Tower at dusk.

 One of the many beautiful bridges across the Seine.

 This was taken on the way to the Paris Flea Market.

 At the Paris Flea Market.  A "Rosebud" moment, perhaps?

 The Eiffel Tower is intricate and beautiful up close.

Most Parisians probably don't like the wheel, but I think this shot, taken from Le Jardin de Tuileries, is abstract enough to be interesting.  I particularly like the shadow of the bird on the sculpture installation.

 One of the booths at the Marche Noel.  These men were cooking up delicious sausages.

 Cafe, early morning.

 Cafe bar.

 What has this creature witnessed over the last 800 years?

 Notre Dame rooftop.

And finally, some color... 

 An impressionistic Jeanette in front of one of the great impressionistic masterpieces at the Musee de l'Orangerie.

 Sparkly Tower!  It made us smile every night.

Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la France! 

 All photos copyright 2008 by Jim DeMain.

Here are more Bastille Day-related blogs:

The Unbearable Lightness of Being French by Steve Blevins

Happy Bastille Day!  Why I Think The French Totally Rock! by Joe in Austin

For Bastille Day-J'ai Deux Amours by Silkstone