Friday, February 24, 2012

Deux vélos


In the elegant halls of Galerie Vivienne, this pair of bikes parked just around the corner of the old librarie (bookstore) founded in 1826.  The large flat baskets on the front of each of these bikes appear to be the perfect transport for stacks of books.

I would love to think that I could sport around Paris on one of these, but the challenge of taking photos and riding would likely be a bad combination.  

Would you ride a bike in Paris?

bon weekend!


Galerie Vivienne
Rue des Petits-Champs
75002 Paris
 

24 comments:

  1. I would not... and I still don't understand how so many people can ride the Velib rental bikes [with no helmets on] and make it to their destination in one piece. Sheer luck, certainly ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  2. I would do anything I could to get to Paris! Nice photo...

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  3. I love to ride a vélib, preferably at night, on a holiday (less traffic) or just for a short distance - it makes me feel like a real French girl. But I have to admit that sometimes it´s rather stressful - riding a bicycle on Place de la Bastille is no fun...

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  4. No way! Cars and traffic in Paris are a nightmare, I would be so afraid! I'm with Veronique on that point.

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  5. I don't trust myself on a bicycle here, let alone in Paris. Too many jaw-dropping distractions ~ I'd wobble hopelessly. But I'm glad others do, as it makes for beautiful photos like this. Gorgeous, Genie.

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  6. Me gusta la foto.

    Las bicicletas no son solo para el verano.

    Saludos!!!

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  7. Would I and yes I do on our visits to Paris. Drivers in Paris are more aware and courteous than here in Melbourne where Tradies in Utes chuck stuff at you and tell you to get off the road. Not all drivers are like that but its getting better as bikes start to take over in this car minded city.
    Give me Paris on a bike as often as I can be there.
    Leon

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  8. Maybe I would when I was younger and certainly my kids and grandkids would do it because they cycle all the time in these busy cities here. Everybody in Holland rides a bicycle and all cardrivers are friendly for them.Have a nice day!

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  9. Would «Louis» ride a bike in Paris?
    Mai non!
    Hooves, handlebars and foot pedals are NOT a combination made in heaven...

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  10. Oh no I don't think so Genie, even here in quiet Perth I'd be a danger to myself and everyone around me on a bike..I like to think of those two basket filled with interesting books.
    With all the gorgeous French cafes and bistros around I definitely wouldn't go into an American styled cafe called 'Jet Lag', we have a chain of cafe's here called 'Hog's Breath Cafe' I just couldn't even enter, I mean...ugh! haha! Also your image of Rue Mouffetard could have been snapped by Doisneau himself! Hard to believe it's Friday again Genie, where on earth do the days go!

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  11. Yup! Vintage bike are the rage all over. We even have a ghost bike here.

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  12. It depends on where in Paris you want to ride --- Canal St. Martin, certainement!

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  13. Are you kidding me???? I wouldn't even ride one inside Galerie Vivienne in Paris! :)
    V

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  14. Never in a million years!!! I won't even ride in areas where the traffic isn't busy!!

    Oh to be a child again. I was fearless then and rode all over the place. I especially loved to ride hands free having the wind blowing in my face. I never felt so free as I did back then.

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  15. When I lived there, it was still reasonably safe to ride a bike...and I think it is if you are careful. But not taking photos!

    And you must know this song by Joe Dassin?"

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  16. genie, i do ride in paris. the only problem is when someone steal your set post.

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  17. You'd need a much deeper basket than that to carry a stack of books.

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  18. don't you wonder how bill cunningham does in it nyc?

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  19. Great shot but the thought of riding a bike in Paris terrifies me. The drivers are crazy and the moped riders are worse.

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  20. I've ridden a bike in Paris...certainly an experience! I'm thinking that large flat basket is perfect to put some pain et du fromage in, and cycle off to a nice park for a picnic lunch...even in the cold!

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  21. I think I'll walk chere Genie!! (I don't know how to ride a bike!..am I the only one?)
    And please don't attempt to ride and snap at the same time! :))
    A great shot...always love the B&W.
    Bon weekend sweet friend!
    Bises,
    - Irina

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  22. Absolutely! It would be a great place to bike. With my camera bag in the basket.

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  23. I'm too much of a klutz - I wouldn't trust myself to ride in Paris! But perhaps in a more rural area of France, where there wasn't so much traffic....

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  24. Mais non -- au pied [?] suffices. Love the image and the vignetting.

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Merci for your comments!