The holiday spirit is in full swing in Paris. While decorations in France are more subdued than those in the U.S., festive sights abound this Christmas season. From the massive sapin de Noël (Christmas tree) in front of Notre Dame cathedral, to the shower of street lights illuminating the Rue St. Honoré, to Christmas cookies cooling at the boulangerie Poilâne, to the outdoor Christmas market at the foot of the St. Germain des Prés church, to the Salvation Army bell-ringer outside Le Bon Marché department store, here are some of my favorite images from this Christmas in la Capitale:
Rue St. Honoré
Christmas decorations for sale in Monoprix,
a.k.a. the French version of Target
The smiling Armée du Salut (Salvation Army) bell ringer
Un monsieur decorating the windows
of a neighborhood café in the Rue du Bac
Choosing a Christmas tree with baby in tow
A beautiful holiday wreath from the Boulevard Raspail outdoor market
Christmas angel cookies at Poilâne bakery
Christmas stollen for the Fête of St. Nicolas on December 6th
French vins et spiritueux (wines and spirits)
to ring in the holiday cheer
The Marché de Noël at St. Germain des Prés
I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season–Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!!