Stream historical footage of Paris from the Silent Era

Sometimes it can feel like there’s too much content out there to ever catch up on it all—so you should get started ASAP. That’s why instead of suggesting you watch something contemporary with a plot, actors or daring special effects, SN&R suggests you watch restored historical footage of life in Paris during the late 1890s. Check out Guy Jones’ YouTube video “Late 1890s – A Trip Through Paris, France (speed corrected w/ added sound)” and you’ll step backward in time to a place without cars, without cell phones and without anyone featured who is still alive.

It’s a series of shots depicting traffic and capturing the goings-on in the city. Late 18th century life on the streets bears a resemblance to the world of today—men ride by on bicycles without laying a finger on the handlebars, most folks adopt a casual, ambling indifference. There are certainly more canes, hats and parasols, but those are all coming back into vogue.

Why should you watch what is essentially stock footage? For the perspective, maybe; to get a sense of the scale and scope of the world through an old lens. Maybe you don’t feel very grounded and need to find something that reminds you that life goes on. Or maybe you just want to see some old-fashioned fire brigades.