We’re going to take a little break from our far-flung travels to share some images of sparkling Paris.
Happy Holidays to all!
A wintry day near the Hôtel de Ville:
Decorations in France can be a little casual, almost ad-hoc.
Behind the Garnier Opéra:
In the Marais:
But at the Grands Magasins — the famous Department Stores — the season comes alive.
At Printemps, the theme was paper: elegant and fun.
Inside, up a few floors, we find a famous glass dome. Subtle seasonal decorations:
The competition, right next door, is Galeries Lafayette.
The windows here are less reserved — super-saturated Raold Dahl?
The fantastical theme continues inside under Galeries Lafayette’s rival glass dome:
Not so Christmassy but festive nonetheless is the “Jungle en voie d’illumination” or “Illuminating Jungle” at the Jardin des Plantes. The Jardin des Plantes is the ancient botanic garden of Paris, founded in 1626. 2023 is the fifth time that the nighttime garden comes alive with natural-history themed illuminated sculptures. A delight for both adults and children; you wouldn’t believe how many little kids in strollers there were.
The urban night sky glowed red above the green bamboo:
OK: Out of the glowing jungle and back to holiday Paris:
