LIFE magazine photographer William Vandivert took some amazing color pictures of Paris. The photos are from July 1939. These are not typical old black and white photos. They show a vibrant city. These are stunning, bright images.
In the summer of 1939, Paris was alive with energy. People strolled down wide streets. The city was beautiful in the summer sunshine. Couples enjoyed quiet moments near the Seine River. Outdoor cafes were full of customers. The days were long and warm. There was a feeling of joy in the air.
Vandivert’s photos show everyday scenes. A bookseller sets up shop along the riverbank. People relax by a fountain. The pictures capture the spirit of a city enjoying its summer. You can see the fashion of the time. The photos highlight a Paris that would soon be lost.
These images are a time capsule. They offer a unique look at a specific moment. In the photos, it seems like this happiness would last forever. But big changes were coming to the city.
Just eleven months after these pictures were taken, the mood in Paris was very different. Many Parisians left the city. War had arrived. The photos are a reminder. They show us what was lost during the war.
