Amazing Color Photos Capture Street Scenes of France in the 1950s

The surge of economic growth that lasted from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s brought extensive changes in French lifestyles and in some of society’s basic structures. As the century neared its end, most French people had come to enjoy greater comfort and security than their forebears; they took for granted automobiles, modern household appliances, and vacation homes in the country, which had been regarded as luxuries not too long before.

The French had been converted to installment buying and supermarket shopping; they spent less on food and drink and more on health and leisure. Thanks to the social security system that was expanded after World War II, they were better protected against the hazards of illness, unemployment, and a neglected old age.

These amazing photos from Michael Leonard were taken by his father Max Leonard that show street scenes of France in the 1950s.

Donkey carts, France, 1950

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France, 1950

French beach, 1950

French coast, 1950

French coastline, 1950

Jardins Biovès, Menton, France, 1950

Max Leonard on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. The hotel Negresco is at the far end, France, 1950

Max Leonard on waterfront, France, 1950

Monaco harbor and boats, France, 1950

Monaco harbor, France, 1950.

Monaco harbor, France, 1950

Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco, France, 1950

Notre-Dame, Paris, France, 1950

Palm lined street, France, 1950

Pont d'lena, Paris, France, 1950

Soldiers posing, France, 1950

Top of Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France, 1950

View from Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France, 1950

Église Saint-Ausone d'Angoulême, France, 1952

Monaco harbor, France, circa 1952

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, France, circa 1956

Flower market in Paris, France, circa 1956

Joan of Arc at the Place des Pyramides on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, France, circa 1956

Paris garden, France, circa 1956

Palace of the Popes, Avignon, France, circa 1957