Paris insight: ‘Tour de France’

Paris is a city of so many stories: historic, red-letter events and intimate personal occasions. They’re woven together in the fabric of the city of light. In this new series, you’re invited to indulge your curiosity with a spot of virtual people-watching and creative insight into the lives of Parisians.

Join us to discover the candid, quiet and sometimes comedic moments of everyday humanity in Paris.
See how the daily grind takes on an intriguingly beautiful quality against the backdrop of the beloved capital.

Thanks to our favourite Parisian Instagram accounts.

Paris insight – ‘Tour de France’

One of the more striking social features of Paris is the
great number of families that inhabit the city. Suburban relocation is not a
prerequisite for child-rearing – plentiful parks, excellent schools and
free child care encourage large litters, and the City of Light is
filled with little ones…usually on their scooters.

Digital devices are mandatory accessories for youngsters
in the States, but most Parisian children still play in the
analog world – running, laughing, hiding, seeking
and then gliding home on their trotinettes;
utterly charming, if sometimes dizzying.

Adorable tykes zoom everywhere, casually indifferent
to the splendor of the ancient city around them. Photos abound of
such endearing scenes (and some will follow on this page),
but I appreciate this image for its spirit more than
its setting: the frenetic subjects, the kinetic energy,
and the magic way that a passing whirlwind of
youthful exuberance can transport
you back in time.

Tour de France – Meet Kevin Doolan from @midlifeinparis Instagram – merci mille fois!

Do you relate to this fusion of image & insight in the city of light? In what way? Let us know in the comments!