When in Paris (France)?

Ok, So I'm in Paris (France not Ohio). I'm looking to continue my series on street performers, preferably musicians. Where do I have to go to find a concentration of such activity?

Also, I'm running a bit short on film, is there any photographic store near Montparnasse that is worth checking out?

And finally, are there any suggestions of other stuff I should check out while here?

I really do need ideas guys

A quick search on apug found this:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Head for Pompidou Center - always street performers outside there.

If you're through shooting (or even to photograph people, not street performers, though) go to the Louvre. Because photography is not an isolated pictorial art.

I second the Centre Pompidou advice. In fact, you'll find plenty of them if you wander around the Les Halles shopping area i.e. near the fountain and the park. You can also trace the banks of the Seine river under the bridges, favorite spot of classical/jazz musicians and would really make for a good Parisian 'ambiance' picture. There's also the stairs of the Sacre Coeur in Montmarte teeming with tourist this time of year so you'll sure to find them there also. Until two months ago, i used to live just down this hill and after 5 years here, i still do at least 2X a week photo promenades in the area to sharpen 'street photography instincts' with a 4X5 Crown. Very tough and frustrating but like you, i find street performers very good subjects more than willing to be photographed. Some have become really close friends after i give them bw prints or our 'sessions'.

make sure to have a croque monsieur at one of the little
cafés at le jardin des tuileries on your way to the louvres.

and if you go to le centre pompidou go to the basement,
they have the best music collection ...

And note that tourists drink Pernod, the locals Paul Ricard

The modern art in the Pompidou centre is superb. Usually loads of photographic exhibitions in Paris as well. The Month of Photography's not until November, but is well worth being there for.

Ian

there are a bunch of open air markets around paris, not as good as the old les halles, but interesting. some are food, some art, some clothes, some a mix... always found interesting. you need to asksome locals....

You can find various kinds of performers across the river from the Eiffel Tower, over at the Trocadero, either up on the esplanade or down around the fountains. As for film, head to Avenue Beaumarchais, between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Republique -- that's the main area in Paris for camera shops. Or ProPhot on Rue Condorcet -- they have a great selection of film:37/39 rue Condorcet
75009 Paris
01 42 80 58 41

Hi,

I'm afraid there is less and less shops on Beaumarchais boulevard who sell films, it's preferable to follow the thread given by ajmiller, you will find a rather up-to-date list for shopping film.

When I was a Parisian, a good place to see musicians was the underground stations, I don't know if it's true again. See to the large interconnecting stations, like Chatelet-Les Halles, Charles-de-Gaulle.

Have a nice stay,

Regards,

Raphael