I like this picture because it seems so very French, or perhaps I should say, très Français? As pictures go, it’s pretty ordinary, but for me it captures the feel of Paris.

There’s the French cafe where one might sit outside sipping an espresso or a glass of wine while watching the world go by. There’s the cyclist riding by on the cycle path, peddling one of the ubiquitous grey Velib’ rental bikes that can be picked up and drop off at more than 1,800 self-service rental stations across the city. And there’s the tiny little Fiat 500 car, vintage yet perhaps more practical than ever in a city where parking is at a premium.

It’s just another day in Paris, and that’s why I chose this picture today.

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Stand where this picture was taken, using Google street view.