Travel

These photos show what springtime was like in Paris in 1960

Jennifer Polland

Updated

2015-05-04T18:15:00Z

Arc de Triomphe

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world — and it's most beautiful in the springtime.

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Over fifty years ago, avid traveler and amateur photographer Charles W. Cushman traveled to Paris in the springtime and documented the city.

The images of Paris in 1960 show a glamorous and romantic city that hasn't changed all that much today.

These photos are being shared with permission from the Indiana University Archives.

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People meander in front of the famous Arc de Triomphe.

Arc de Triomphe

Three elegant Parisian women stroll down the Champs Elysee.

Trois Parisiennes on the Champs Elysee

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Parisians stop at a newstand on Rue Marignan and Champs Elysee.

News stand Paris Rue Marignan and Champs Elysee

People dressed up in suits and elegant dresses to walk around the city. This is Place de l'Opera in the 9th arrondissement.

Place de l'Opera

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They even dressed up when traveling. The legendary Hotel Prince de Galles Paris is still around today.

Hotel Prince de Galles Paris

Rue du Havre was a popular shopping street.

Rue du Havre

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It's amazing how many of the city's iconic sites have not changed at all. The Eiffel Tower looks exactly the same.

Eiffel Tower

Hotel de Ville, Paris's city hall, also looks exactly the same today.

Hotel de Ville

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Notre Dame de Paris has stood in the same spot since the 1300s.

Notre Dame de Paris

And Paris's grand opera house is still elegant.

l'Opera Paris

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Once a haven for artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Montmartre has always been a bohemian neighborhood.

Montmartre

There were quaint sidewalk cafes.

Sidewalk Café Montmartre

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Artists sold their works in the Place du Theatre Montmartre — today the square is a total tourist trap.

Rue Mont Genis Montmartre

The neighborhood definitely seemed a little calmer back in the '60s.

Rue Mont Genis Montmartre

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You won't see any mules in Montmartre today.

Place du Theatre Montmartre

The Seine river, however, hasn't changed.

Barge in Seine

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People still like to walk along the quays.

View up Seine east of Notre Dame de Paris

And tourists still go sightseeing on boats along the Seine.

Sightseeing barge in the Seine

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Many of the city's ancient streets, like Rue Chanoinesse, also look the same.

Rue Chanoinesse

The Haussmann-style buildings have not changed.

Corner of Blvd St. Michel and Ave. Soufflet

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The buildings look ancient on Rue DesCartes.

Rue DesCartes

As does Rue de la Montagne Ste. Geneviere.

Rue de la Montagne Ste. Geneviere

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Only the cars are different.

View north from Pont Neuf.

Now see France today.

lavender field in Provence france

35 places you need to visit in France »

Photography Paris

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