Paris - June 25

I have a mixed relationship with Paris.

The first time I visited was at the end of a 56-hour return train journey from Bulgaria, so I was just happy to touch down in any city for some respite. The second time was a three-day trip, which involved A LOT of walking and very little food, so I was more exhausted and hangry than anything. That said, the so-called City of Love is beautiful to take in, but probably more agreeable on a full stomach.

This time around, I visited primarily for We Love Green, but I was fortunate enough to have some time to spare outside of the festival to wander through the city. I enjoyed many of the green spaces throughout the city and its suburbs, as well as walking down the Seine and seeing people cycling or tucking into lunch on its banks.

Even without going anywhere in particular, there's a nice atmosphere around the landmarks. Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower weren't necessarily on my list to photograph - in some self-indulgent attempt to be niche - but they inevitably appear (a fair bit, actually).

There are few things more humbling for me than visiting a country where I don't speak the language. I'm always encouraged to go away and learn something upon my return, which hasn't happened as of yet, but this time I'm determined to pick up a French book before I go back. I don't know how many more "Je ne parle pas français" I have left in me, to be honest.

I'm glad to have come away from Paris this time with a better lasting impression of the city. It certainly has its pitfalls, but everywhere does. I'm also looking forward to my next visit, whether it be for a brief city break or for next year's We Love Green, which I'm keen to attend.

Anyway, I've completely forgotten what these pictures were shot on, but I'm pretty sure it was an ISO of 100, on B&W 35mm, of course.