New insights on Paris @night & Catacombs

<p>All,<br>

I am traveling to Paris Sept 9 for 3 nights. I arrive on a friday morning. I have commitments all day Sat and Sun (until 3pm) and leave Monday around noon.<br>

I want to really check out the catacombs and would be interested in any advice on "where people are" and things off the beaten path I can shoot. Friday night and Sat night, I'd probably be shooting after 9/10pm<br>

I've read the stuff on here, and some of it is pretty dated, so i thought I'd use a fresh post (to an old question) to see if anything meaningful has changed.</p>

<p>I've been fortunate enough to travel a bunch this year, so I'm not interested in seeing another huge Church or going to a museum. Also, architecture photos bore me 8-)</p>

<p>I prefer street photos and stuff people don't normally see (e.g. the catacombs)</p>

<p>Advice on shooting the catacombs would also be really helpful.</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Keith</p>

 

<p>Keith,<br>

You are aware that the catacombs are only open until five right? Would your plan be to go there on Friday, after you arrive?</p>

<p>Paris is the number one tourist site in the world -- unless you live there, I'd say it would be pretty hard to get off the beaten track anywhere in that city (unless you go out to the suburbs). I lived in France for two years and my advice for Paris is to pick a neighborhood and go walking. If you're not focused on getting somewhere, I think you'll be more aware of what's around you and get some good photos that way (at least, in my experience). As you don't seem interested in the sites or any of the beautiful architecture of the city, that's what I'd recommend.</p>

<p>Expect a long wait for the catacombs. I was there a month ago and the wait was 100 minutes on a weekday. There is some dripping water from the ceiling in some areas, but you won't need a waterproof camera or cover if you're careful. The lighting is good enough for human eyes, but pretty dark for photography. Bump your ISO way up and prepare to live with the noise/grain.<br>

<br /> There are people lining the Seine day and night, so walk along it and you'll find plenty to photograph. Boat rides are nice, you can board them by the Eiffel. I liked going at night (10:30). In front of Notre Dame (and underground) is a nifty crypt showing old Roman foundations and storyboards of the history of Paris. The line to enter the crypt is usually short. Otherwise, walk around and soak up the scene.</p>

<p>Paris is a place where something is always happening. Go where there are people and watch for a while. You will be overwhelmed with opportunities.</p>

I was not aware of the 5pm closing. I was planning to go when I arrive either way. I'll just throw my bags in my hotel and head over.

Hopefully the line won't be to long.

 

Once you are in are you free to wander and shoot? Or do you get stuck with a tour group and shepherded through? I just want to

know what to expect as best I can. Insight much appreciated.

<p>Once you're admitted to the catacombs you're free to move at your own pace. I went leisurely and saw it all in 50 minutes. Entry and exit are by steep, narrow stairways - people with mobility problems are going to find it very difficult or impossible. The floor is wet and slippery in some places as well, use caution. Some find it chilly (55 F, 13 C). There are no bathrooms above ground or below, so plan ahead. It's a popular site - there's lots more info on the web.</p>

<p>I am a regular Paris visitor and prefer street photography to tourist sites. If you are staying on the left bank there's lots to see around Boul' Montparnasse and the Montparnasse cemetery area. Sometimes the guards in the catacombs try to prevent photo taking. If you are on the right bank, good places to visit are the Marais area and the Bastille area and a walk along the St Martin Canal is fun.</p>

<p>thanks for the help everyone. I will make the catacombs my first priority. I have a hotel, but i'm not sure where it is (haven't checked). It sounds like there will be no shortage of spots for me to check out at night. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully, I can get some good shots without the crowds in the catacombs... 8-) (wishful thinking, perhaps)</p>

<p>Give light painting a try. I've got an old slide (I've not scanned in) that has a great light painting of a skull in the catacombs. You'll be able to try out all sorts of different things. Just bring a little flashlight (torch), bean bag for a tripod and you'll be set.</p>

 

<p>How's your French? You can always find people eating and drinking near the train stations. Be polite, join in, see where they go and what they do.</p>

<p>And sometimes people you might think were disreputable will turn out to be friendlier than you can imagine, especially among the emigrants. This is not a night shot, but an example of friendly laborers drinking near the Gare de l'Est.</p><div></div>

<p>I speak a bit of Spanish and Zero French. I think I'm friendly looking though 8-)</p>