Christmas Tourists Still Jam Paris
Bonjour,
It barely got above freezing yesterday so a very cold (hatless) day. Ah, Bernard. We did not stop out of the apartment until after 3pm for some grocery shopping and then a last effort to see Christmas decorations after dark at the suggestion of Google’s Top Ten. I had only missed one, GalerieVivienne behind Le Palais Royal.
The areas around the Tuileries, Place Vendome, and Palais Royale were the worst, mobbed with people. This was confirmation of our decision to shun the massive crowds on New Year’s Eve. It’s impossible to take a decent photo with all the people but I gave it a good go. It was beautiful, despite the crowds. We ended our evening with a dinner at Cafe Francais at La Bastille with our friend Hannah. It was warm, quiet and totally enjoyable.
We believe in a few days, the Christmas masses will depart and we will have a week to enjoy a more quiet Paris.
A Bientôt
L & B
December 29, 2024 @ 8:46 am
Bernie will catch pneumonia without a hat! It’s very cold at the moment! All the locals do! Xx
December 29, 2024 @ 10:30 am
Well, how amazing. Paris was always warmer than NYC when I lived in Paris. and now, aside from a few really cold days, we are well above freezing. And we are 50 degrees right now, and expect to be 55 all next week, The weather people are teasing 60. While 60 is double sweater and heavy coat weather to my cousin in Florida. I think it is warm, almost swimming time!…Strange to think of Paris as being colder.
Im curious to know if the crowds are leaving. Your pictures are so wonderful that I am now thinking of Christmas time in Paris next year. But I would like to come after the 25th. and stay into January to avoid masses of people. I have enough of people in NYC!~
And yes,,, Angelina! I had an Angelina hot chocolate the other day. We have 2 in NYC, and while one was safely a long way away so I rarely thought of it, they have unfortunately put one in but a scant 3 blocks from my apartment. And I pass it on the way to the subway, and of course then I pass it on my way home. It is the way home time that is the most dangerous, and thus I succumbed to a cup the other day! So good!
Happy New Year to you all,stay well.. I hope the cold weather changes for you,,
Take care, and of course I love the pictures, keep ’em coming please. Many many thanks!
Bisous de NY, Ellyn
December 29, 2024 @ 10:41 am
Holiday hordes around the world, especially this week!
My Aussie family’s currently in Japan and same thing for them (Kyoto/Osaka this week). Their photos basically show mob scenes everywhere. They were here (England) two years ago at this time to see Clive and went to Rome this week and it too was mobbed everywhere.
Hope things for all of you do calm down when many return to work and school. That said, the problem of overtourism in these popular places does seem at least to me to be increasing.
All fingers and toes crossed for your upcoming final days in our beloved Paris.
December 29, 2024 @ 12:13 pm
Read this first thing every morning, and usually have a comment, but the Comment button doesn’t always function. Yesterday I was taken with the mannequins with fern hair! So many lovely decorations. Can’t believe that you two hardy souls continue to get out in the cold, but the rest of us benefit. Keep getting well and enjoying sights and tastes.
December 29, 2024 @ 12:49 pm
Good to see you out and about enjoying the holidays scenes. Thank you for your photos. Keep on keeping on and enjoy the remainder of your trip.
Cindi
December 29, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
Thanks, Linda.
Love the goose!
December 29, 2024 @ 3:26 pm
I wondered if you ever see knockoff Louis Vuitton’s being sold.
Is the Chocolat Chaud and Beignet combo popular there as it is in New Orleans?
Nice pictures. Looks like a nice day.
December 29, 2024 @ 3:42 pm
I’m sure knock-offs are sold in and around the big flea markets. Haven’t seen the beignets but I’m sure they’re here at some of the patisseries.
December 29, 2024 @ 3:58 pm
Hi Hannah!! Glad to see you keep these two warm in spirits!! Mom, any idea the price tag on those wedding dresses?! I love how they pose their manikins too! Since it’s so cold, you’re doing lots more “dining in” which I hardly did while visiting. A whole diff experience! Thx for sharing all the lights!!