Paris, France : water, water, water everywhere !

Paris, France – The lamppost that wanted to be a periscope

Flooding ! Two years after what the media described as one of the worst flooding Paris and its surroundings had known since 1982, the Seine river has decided to give it another try. Of course, not a day goes by without the local newspapers writing about the flooding of 1910, when the river rose 8 meters above its normal level, and I’ve even read some article about the different emergency plans that exist in case of one major flooding like that of 1910. Quite a sensational moment to live, to say the least ! At least if you read the newspapers.

In real life, though it’s impressive, this new flooding is nothing to be afraid of. The Seine river won’t rise more than 6 meters above its normal level, which is about the same as in 2016. No need to run away from the city ! Especially when the flooding creates quite fascinating  and unique scenes to photograph.

Of course, since I had already experienced a similar flooding here in Paris two years ago, I already had an idea of the pictures I wanted to take, and the surprise effect was quite nonexistent. But thanks, I found walking along the overflowing Seine river way more soothing this time than two years ago. No need to run for the next picture. I could just walk calmly, take the time to get the shots I wanted, and then just enjoy the day, throwing away some thoughts in the river current.

Despite the crowd, indeed, I found the atmosphere quite prone to a calm introspection. Staring at the water that flows away, especially when the current is so strong, has quite a soothing effect on me. It just makes me feel empty, maybe even a bit exhausted. I guess that that’s what I wanted to capture in the photos I’ve taken : the kind of unreal calm that inhabited me while walking along the overflowing Seine river.

I hope you’ll like the pictures, as usual !

Paris, France – Standing in the flow

Paris, France – filling the arches

Paris, France – feet in the water