Days after attackers targeted sites around Paris' downtown core, killing more than 100 people, the city remains "on edge," a Canadian tourist says.
For visitors, it is both a sombre and inspiring time to see the city of lights, Canadian Josh Coles told CTV's Canada AM.
The Prince Edward Island man arrived in the city just hours before the attacks began on Friday, in time to catch a soccer match at the Stade de France.
He was inside the stadium when he heard loud explosions outside.
Coles said he remained at the match, but in the closing minutes of the game, he became aware that something had gone wrong.
He managed to get back to his hostel, where he found the usually busy bar and lobby empty. As he stepped into the elevator, a staff member told him what was happening.
"One of the hostel staff members said, 'Just to let you know, something's going on. We're not really sure what,' " he said. "(The staff member said) 'You're welcome to leave, we're not locking you in, but everyone else has gone down to the basement.'"
Coles said he looked outside at a nearby canal and saw ambulances and commotion on the streets.
Now, three days later, he said the city is still trying to come to grips with Friday's violence.
Speaking from the busy Place de la Republique, Coles said the atmosphere has been both "stressful" and "hopeful."
The sound of firecrackers sent crowds stampeding out of the same square on Sunday, and armed police charged in to clear the area.
But earlier in the evening, Coles said, the Place de la Republique had been filled with people singing and offering free hugs. And on Monday, as Coles spoke, the square was sunny and filled with people and flowers.
"People are really on edge after we saw what happened last night," he said. "It's very complicated depending on where you go in the city and what time of day."
