An exhibition featuring photos taken by French journalist Michel Blanchard in Hanoi during the 1980s are being displayed in the capital.

Michel Blanchard, who worked as head of AFP’s office in Hanoi between 1981 and 1983, recorded the country prior to the impact of the Doi Moi economic reform process and the growth that followed in the 1990s.

The exhibition was opened at L’Espace on April 8 and will runs until April 30.

The AFP journalist had the chance to experience the lives of local people, and travel nationwide to capture everyday moments with his camera.

Vietnamese ambassadors in Hanoi Jean-Noel Poirier and Nguyen Duc Chung, Hanoi People's Committee Chairman at the exhibition

Michel Blanchard at the exhibition

Nguyen Thieu Phong looking at a photo of himself as a little boy having a bath at Phung Khac Khoan Street in 1983

Tramcars on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, in 1983

Exciting moment on Hang Dao Street in 1988

Flower market near Dong Xuan Market in 1982

By Thien Quang Lake in 1983

Father and son besides Hoan Kiem Lake

Water stall near Hom Market

A child playing at at Military History Museum on Dien Bien Phu

Hairdressers on Hue Street

By Truc Bach Lake

A propaganda painting on Hue Street