I’ve had Paris Mon Amour for ages and it’s still one of my favourite coffee table books. I never tire of black and white photos of the old Paris and this book combines some of the most famous ones. But that isn’t the only thing this book offers. It’s also a splendid introduction to some of the most famous photographers like Henry-Cartier Bresson, Jeanloup Sieff or Robert Doisneau.
The pictures are grouped by themes – parcs, children, lovers, streets, the métro, life of ordinary people, fashion, war, cafés and bistros, jazz clubs.
The oldest photos are from the 1850s the newest from the 80s.
Many of these photos are iconic. Many contributed to an idealized, mythical, and often clichéd idea of Paris, depicting things that are long gone.
This very famous photo was taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson and is very typical of his work.
This is another, lesser-known picture by Cartier-Bresson. Don’t you just love how the dog looks at the couple?
Jeanloup Sieff is better known for his nudes, but this shot from the Café de Flore, early in the morning, is among the most loved Paris photos.
This image of two lovers kissing, was taken by Robert Doisneau. I think I have at least two, if not three French novels whose covers show this picture.
This photo of two lovers kissing in the Jardin du Luxembourg, isn’t as famous but I think it’s lovely. It was taken by Édouard Boubat.
Some of the newest photos can be found in the chapter on fashion, but I chose this one from 1910. It reminds me of Proust. It’s called La mode au bois – Fashion at the Bois de Boulogne and was taken by Séeberger.
Juliette Gréco and Miles Davis at a Jazz Club, were photographed by Jean-Philippe Charbonnier.
This photo of the Jardin des Plantes is one of my favourites. The photographer is Philippe Gautrand.
And this beauty was shot by Sabine Weiss.
The editor Taschen is well-known for beautiful but very modestly prized books on art and photography. This one is no exception. It’s a large tome. As you can see, it’s almost the size of a bistro table, but doesn’t cost more than a paperback. An ideal book for Paris and photography lovers.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
*Sigh* That’s beautiful, and a mythical Paris is the only one I have. I may have to search this out…
I like it so much and it’s really big. I think you can get it for 9£ or so. A steal.
That city was lucky in its photographers. What treasures.
You’re right. I had to limit myself but it has 230 pages, only photos and such a variety of themes and photographers. I should have added a few war time and post-war pictures.
Great pictures.
They are amazing.
Beautiful pictures, Caroline! Loved them all! Totally agree with you on Taschen editions. They are so beautiful and so affordable. Thanks so much for sharing, Caroline 🙂
I’m glad you liked it. I love Taschen. Art books are normally so expensive. This one is particularly lovely.
These pictures are breathtaking, Caroline. They plant achingly beautiful thoughts in my head. The old-world charm of black-and-white pictures is inexplicable. The last picture reminds me of some mystery novel and its cover, but I can’t pin down the name. Gorgeous post again, Caroline. Thank you.
I’m so glad you like it. The photos mean a lot to me since my family is from Paris and I used to live there. Not sure if you knew. I’m actually French. But apart from that – these are mesmerizing photographers. The last one does look familiar but I think I’ve seen a similar one used as book cover.
This looks a stunning book. Taschen are so good at affordable art books, I have a few. I especially like the picture of the Jardin des Plantes, just beautiful.
It’s beautiful. I have a few of their books too. It’s great that they do them at such affordable prices.
What a perfect book to pick up right now! Thank you for sharing a few of your favorites.
I’m glad you like it. They are such beautiful photos.