Paris in winter
 

 One of my most satisfying winter Holidays was spent inParis. It was more than walking in this decorated city. It was being at home by the fire with loved ones or contact with those far away by telephone or computer. The warmth of our fireplace and the decorated apartment filled with wonderful smells and music of Christmas made it a dream come true.


 

How can one forget the store decorations or the white lights that came alive all at once along the Champs Elysees. It was especially cool even for Paris but the trees sprayed with white stick-on foam made them look all the more wintry. 

But Paris sometimes has snow by Christmas and so one looks skyward for Pere Noel even that far from home.


Add to that the skating rinks in front of the Hotel de Ville or the rink below the


Eiffel 
Tower where children and adults can skate daily from 9:30 AM to 11 PM when it is gaily lit. The best news about skating at the 
Eiffel Tower is that admission to the rink, a pair of skates and entry to the tower itself is all contained at the price of the tower alone. 

At the city hall the entry price is 5 Euros but that too comes with skate rentals or you can save money if you bring along your own.

Paris is less crowded in winter and in most cases, less expensive but a free skate for the Eiffel entry allows many Parisiens to go up their famous tower which they may not otherwise do. It’s a family thing and Christmas is the best time to do it ‘en famille’


Paris is inviting by itself but being there when it’\s cool is in itself a bonus. True there is not snow on the ground most of the time but the plus is that it rarely falls below zero and that makes it easier to get around. 

I did have my raincoat handy when I last skated there but a slight rain didn’t otherwise deter me.


The city seems more relaxed and with less visitors the museums become more inviting. It’s a winter thing to do and there’s always tea, coffee or hot chocolate at the end of a visit.

 A visit to Au Printemps is always a treat but with thir enormous Christmas decorations they draw you in. Once inside, you’ll see gift ideas galore.


My first visit t0Versailles was in winter. The grounds showed little patches of snow, but inside it was warm and certainly less crowed. One can stroll around the gardens or the lake on the property. It is very romantic and memorable.

In many corners ofParis, markets appear with Christmas bargains and if you like the traditional Nativity scene, head for the Notre Dame. It’s a yearly display and speaking of the Cathedral what better pla ce to go if there happens to be choir concert. 


There are many restaurants featuring seasonable food like rabbit, pheasant and wild mushrooms. It’s also the time for mountain cheeses, fresh fruit or Moroccan oranges and the new wines thatFrance is famous for. The restaurants feature oysters, foie gras, lobster and truffles. The bistros and ethnic restaurants remain open and they exist in every arrondissement.

Yes, one can relax at home with friends or family but with a little imagination you’ll find so many things to amuse you wherever you stay.


We were lucky to be inParis during the Christmas season for the last few years. We were joined by family coming from other countries. We felt special. We were warm, in Paristogether. Who would possibly want more.




Montreal. It always looks nice the first time you see it but the problems attached to snow removal, big snow boots and back breaking shoveling make Paris look so much better, especially for the holidays.


 

Bonne Noel! And Hapy New Year!!!

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