Paris, the City of Lights, has always been a magnet for artists, dreamers, and photographers. And few have captured its timeless allure as beautifully as the Roger-Viollet collection. This treasure trove of vintage photos offers a window into the past, revealing the city’s changing face and the everyday lives of Parisians across decades
The Roger-Viollet collection is like a time capsule, preserving moments frozen in time. These black-and-white photos transport us back to a different era, when cobblestone streets were filled with horse-drawn carriages and stylish Parisians strolled along the Seine River. We see the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, in their early days, before they became the tourist magnets they are today.
Everyday Life in the City of Lights
Beyond the famous landmarks, Roger-Viollet’s photos capture the essence of Parisian life. We see street vendors hawking their wares, children playing in parks, couples sharing romantic moments on bridges, and workers going about their daily routines. These photos offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of Parisians, revealing their fashion, their pastimes, and their interactions with the city.
The Roger-Viollet collection spans several decades, allowing us to witness the evolution of Paris over time. We see the city’s architecture change, as new buildings rise and old ones are transformed. We witness the arrival of new modes of transportation, like automobiles and the metro, which revolutionized the way Parisians moved around the city. We also see the impact of historical events, like World War II, which left its mark on the cityscape.
We see women in elegant dresses and hats, men in suits and ties, and children dressed in their Sunday best. The photos reveal the changing trends and styles of each era, from the Belle Époque to the roaring twenties to the post-war period. It’s a visual feast for fashion lovers and a reminder of how clothing can reflect the spirit of a time.
