Tense
The predominant tense of this passage is the present tense. This makes the writing seem current, as if the writer knows a lot about Paris. It also provides a sense of immediacy, as if the reader is there themselves. The reader can imagine what the Baxter is describing, almost journeying with him through Paris.

Informal writing

'our street' - possessive pronouns are uncommon in formal writing
abbreviation; 'couples, usually' should be 'usually they are couples that are'...
contractions: 'they're' instead of 'they are'
dash after 'uniform -'

Verbs

'loiter' - trying to look casual despite being lost
'huddling' - being closer together; comfort among strangers, trying not to get lost?
'look' - taking everything in, not 'glance'
'transformed' - changing rapidly, magically; wishful thinking

Nouns

'foot'
'couples'
'street'
lexical field of travelling and sightseeing; 'Seine,' 'corner of boulevard Saint-Germain,' 'architecture,' 'map or guidebook,' 'street signs,' Brooklyn or Brentwood or Birmingham,'
lexical field of clothes; 'raincoat or jacket,' 'uniform,' 'trousers,' 'shoes,'

Nouns associated with the tourists seem dull (e.g. 'raincoat,' 'shoes,') compared with the nouns associated with the city (e.g. 'architecture'). The triadic structure of the three cities listed on line 25 ('Brooklyn or Brentwood or Birmingham') are all in America or England, which emphasises the sort of familiarity the English-speaking tourists are used to. Also, all three cities begin with the letter 'b,' and creates a monotonous rhythm, which represents the dullness and monotony of life for these tourists compared with the business and excitement of Paris. This shows Paris to be vastly different than England or America.

Adjectives

'uncertain'
'busiest'
'beige'
'seasonal variation'
'cotton or corduroy'
'sensible'
'folded'
'hopeful'

Most of these adjectives refer to a noun associated with the tourists. They are defined as dull and uninteresting, as the adjectives used are fairly commonplace and overused.

use of contrasting adjectives such as 'fascinating and deceptive' inform the reader that Paris is multi-dimensional
'adrift' - floating in water; free of any ties or guidance - emphasises vulnerability of tourists
'cast-iron' - association with prison bars, windows or gates

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Analysis of the extract of John Baxter's writing, as part of the AQA A-level English Language and Literature 2015 specification (7706/7707) Paris Anthology