Online video shows Belle Époque-era Parisian life

A short film offering an insight into life in Belle Époque-era Paris caught our eye this week - and we wanted to share it with you here.

The film - on Youtube - has been put together by Guy Jones, from original footage by the Lumière company between 1896 and 1900. He said in the notes the images have been slowed down slightly to a natural speed and sound has been added for ambience.

It features Notre Dame Cathedral in 1896, the Champs-Élysées in 1899 - watch out for the cyclist crossing traffic - fire engines heading to an emergency in 1897 and the moving walkway at the Paris Exposition in 1900.

He has put together other historic films, including this sweet minute-long one showing children playing marbles in Lyon from 1896.

And this one of families enjoying the beach in Biarritz.