The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

Categories: Europe | History |

These photos, this year marks 80 years. They did the LIFE magazine photographer William VanDiver during his prewar trip to the French capital. People in the pictures do not suspect that this is the last peaceful summer of Paris, and very soon their life changes.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939
The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

1. Such was Paris in July 1939. Who know the place?

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

2. Cars of the Vendome column.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

3. Autopatch wraps around the arc de Triomphe.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

4. Ibid.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

5. Advertising the National lottery.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

6. This cosy cafes Parisians going to spend the entire occupation. Only, perhaps, they had to drink ersatz coffee instead of natural.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

7. Flower market.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

8. At first thought it was a flea market in the Warsaw ghetto, but was too pre-war Paris.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

9. And this is a classic - stands booksellers at Notre Dame. It seems there is now trade books.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

10.

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

11. Concorde

The last peaceful summer of pre-war Paris, 1939

12. Parade on the occasion of Bastille Day on July 14. Less than a year on the Champs Elysees will March the Germans.

Keywords: 30th | Summer in Paris | Color photo

     

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