Dear Christmas in Paris, Why did you have to end? We were SO good together. Please write back. I miss you. Love, Hopeless in California.
I’ve been reciting this love letter in my head, day and night, ever since we returned home from our trip. The City of Light is undeniably magical anytime of the year, but during the winter months, it’s especially so. The city is effervescent, almost buoyant. It’s chilly, but never too cold. Just enough of a bite to lend itself nicely to studious and dedicated café hopping. Crowds are at a minimum, which means one, and only one thing: more pain au chocolat for moi. We spent Christmas dinner at our favorite neighborhood bistro in Le Marais, and slowly strolled down the snow-dusted street back to our apartment, whilst trying not to think about the hauntingly delicious chocolate mousse we had left behind. I have no mailing address to send my love letter, so I’ll settle, instead, by reminiscing the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Winter, and why I fell for hard for it.
1. Less crowds. The once unconquerable will now be yours.
2. No jet-lag. For the first time ever, I escaped the arduous jet-lag monster. Walking briskly in chilly Parisian air is the antidote.
3. Shorter line for macarons at Pierre Herme. (Ladurée doesn’t hold a candle to Pierre Hermé). You’ll be surrounded by a rainbow assortment of flavors in this jewelry box of a stop, but trust me…you need only know one. Mogador. Soliloquy worthy good.
4. More of a chance the Chocolate Mousse won’t run out at Chez Janou. The mousse is served up in a bowl the size of Texas, which you are encouraged to scoop up with a gargantuan spoon to your heart’s content. Ou la la.
5. Availability of flights and lodging. We booked our flights and apartment one week before we left. Forget the hotels costing beaucoup bucks full of tourists, rent an apartment and live like a true Parisian.
6. For the Passion Fruit Eclair at Eric Kayser. Yes, he’s legendary for his breads, but after one bite of his Passion Fruit Eclair, you’ll no longer have any time for baguettes. His shops are strewn across Paris, but my favorite is the one on Rue Montorgueil.
7. To buy cookware at E.Dehillerin. You’ll feel like an interloper, but forge on ahead. It’s one of the most arse backwards, exhausting, incomprehensible purchases you’ll ever make. It’s miserable and delightful. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. What I love about E.Dehillerin, is you can have the most checkered past, or you can be The Queen of England — they don’t care. You’ll be treated with the same degree of incalculable delirium. Hello 1820.
8. For the secret shortcut to enter the Louvre. The entrance sits in the passageway leading to Rue de Rivoli. It’s so stinkin’ sneaky and speedy, you’ll feel like you just got away with heisting Mona Lisa herself — in broad daylight, no less.
9. To channel Victor Hugo. Wander the rooms where this famed poet, writer and dramatist who penned Les Mis, lived and wrote. The Maison de Victor Hugo is one of my favorite small, off-the-beaten-path museums. Plus, l’entrée est gratuite.
10. A chance to hold your husband’s hand, as you stroll through Le Jardin des Tuileries, with the winter sun quietly setting behind the Eiffel Tower…and never letting go.
Oh, and a little housekeeping for the new year: I’ve finally joined the masses, so come follow me on twitter!
lovely photos! makes me thoroughly jealous :D
OMG just booked a winter wonderland getaway in Rome and Paris. This website has given me goose bumps I just want to leave Australia NOW!!!! Can’t wait as Paris is my favorite city in the world rain,snow or shine
Seriously want to curl up in this post and stay. Love it! Great photos. Making this my new years resolution goal by 2013!
10 convincing reasons! What a tempting trip to book.
Fabulous shots! Favorite shopping in Paris? Dehillerin – no contest. I spent a LOT of time there – didn’t come home with nearly enough, but what I did come home with is used, daily. I so wanted to buy a pot large enough for my youngest to fit inside.
I love Paris in the winter – it is terribly romantic – with your husband, your girlfriend, yourself. So happy you had such a magical time~
xx
oh .my .gosh .
stop it. no, don’t stop it. keep going!
Such gorgeous photos — I’ve never been to Paris but it is definitely at the top of the short list after my coming trip to Asia. Thanks for the heads up about Pierre Herme. Until now, I’ve only ever heard about the macarons at Laduree.
I absolutely adore your photographs and now after reading this post miss Paris even more than I did. The light is absolutely amazing and I just love your point of view. Bonne année!
Oh. I am irredeemably jealous. I love Europe in winter.
What a beautiful post. Love every single detail of it (the photos… wow!)
I went to Paris in the fall and now I want to go back again – in the winter, because of this post. ;)
What romantic, nostalgic photos. Ah. I can see why you miss. The tip on the Louvre is awesome!
I sit here in the early morning at my kitchen table, snow softly falling outside and I am transported to the streets of Paris as you have captured it so deftly. I feel as though I was there…thank you
Yep. Definitely got homesick just looking at these. But in a good way! Fantastic shots!
Like you, I just came back from being in Paris and also like you, I fell in love. Your writing is beautiful and your photographs are inspiring – you have managed to capture this beautiful city in a way I have not seen before. Love your work! If you have a sec, check out some of the pics I snapped while out there http://www.26mertonroad.com/category/travel/paris/ …x
These pictures are fantastic!!! I am so jealous!
Stunning! I love Paris through your eyes.
Beautiful. I am ready to pack my bags!
What beautiful pictures of Paris!!
Looks like a wonderful trip and a great time of year to go! Love your photos and your 10 reasons.
Memories…what sweet memories…. Thanks Hon. Love you LOADS AND LOADS.
Your photos look dizzy with happiness.
Really cool photographs.
Ella
http://www.bighugstudio.blogspot.com
Bonjour!
Bonne année les amis!
Thanks so much for the wonderful comments and for sharing our mutual love of Paris, my most favorite city in the world.
thank you so much. happy new year.
oh i am jealous! I need to find a way to make this happen next year. Must happen!
I think #3 would be reason alone to visit Paris in the winter. How I miss those macarons! I only wish they shipped to the US.
I’m really happy to have discovered your blog, your photography is just gorgeous.
Magnifique! If you need to take an interpreter, pick me!
Mensagem do Brasil ;)
Feliz Ano Novo!!! lindas fotos
How sweet this old Paris through your camera lenses!
was in paris end of summer! not so crowded too i would say…
lovely shots :)
Beauty. Your photos are just heart stoppingly beautiful. Thank you.
absolutely stunning photos! and i must say, i too love/hate the complete disregard you get at E. Dehillerin. I was so worried about going in as an American who speaks very little French, but I quickly realized that American or French, it didn’t matter… interesting to find out it wasn’t just my experience there.
always love your photo work. always. cheers!
Love Paris!! Nice pics!
Love your photos!!
I worked for Laduree and I still love Pierre Hermes the best, but don’t tell anyone! AND yes the Mogador is the BEST! Lovely post. I just moved here permanently in November and its the first time I’ve seen Paris this time of year. Definitely discovering lots of cold weather Paris charms as well.
beautiful images, as always. sounds positively dreamy. do you have any recommendations of places to stay in paris on a tight budget? my partner and i are looking to go, but don’t have much in the way of vacation funding….
thank you, for reading and for sharing!
Myyearoffood – Thank you so much! As for rec’s, try vrbo and seek out arrondissements a little further away from the center of Paris. You’ll find fabulous deals…especially on smaller, newer rentals. Hope that helps a little. Enjoy!!
Pierre Hermé alone would be a sufficient reason for me to visit Paris anytime. But really there is so much more to Paris. Winters are especially beautiful. Great photos!
Cheers,
Nisrine
You’re killing me. I need a plane ticket to Paris. Now. Right now. And I need a macaron (or six of them). But mostly I need to stroll Paris holding hands with my husband.
One of my favorite places on earth. Thanks for the photos and reminder of why.
What a talented photographer you are! I mean everyone knows that Paris is beautiful but you just made it look out of the world gorgeous :-)
Just stumbled upon your blog and I’m so glad I did! Would love to come back again!
Breathtaking photos. . just this morning I was trying to make up my mind about whether or not to go back to Paris for a few short days in April . . your photos completely sold the idea to me. Bonne Annee!
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos – Paris at any time is lovely, but a little dusting of snow and I have to imagine it would be magical! Perhaps next Christmas, but Valentines is just around the corner…
I will be in Paris this Tues for about seven days. I think the winter time is a great time to see and plug into paris. It is a trip of three generations of woman in our family. My daughter is a professional photographer and Paris just filled with exciting visuals is a artist dream. Thank you for sharing your personal insight and concuring that Xmas is Paris is a dream.
Cheers,
NL
These photos are absolutely divine. I’m having serious wanderlust imagining myself strolling the quiet streets and becoming immersed in a new culture. Everything seems more beautiful in France.
I don’t get to Paris nearly enough
Beautiful pictures! And your reasons have convinced me, I wish I could leave for Paris now.
Thank you for sharing!
Paris has been unseasonably cold this year, but all the more reason to stop in a cafe for vin chaud! :) I very much loved reading/seeing your impressions of the place I call home these days.
Bonne Année!
Anne
Stunning photos! I was there in October; it was pleasantly brisk and we enjoyed many of the perks you mention. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the passion fruit eclair (was focused on the bread) at Eric Kayser – next time :) I’ve never been at Christmas but I’m sure it’s magical.
Wow, your photographs are beautiful. I cannot wait to visit Paris–it looks like a dream. I can’t wait to eat, smell, love, breathe my own way through that beautiful city.
Just a comment to say your article is pleasant & funny to read.
I’m living in suburbs in about 30 min’ from the heart of Paris and go there as soon as I got free time every weekend. Your shots and words totally change our way – as Parisiens – to see the city. Hope you enjoyed your trip and back soon over here ;)
Btw.. Bonne année2011 mademoiselle.
Amazing Pictures!
Gorgeous photos and gorgeous article. It makes me miss Paris SO much. My husband and I were there in September for our honeymoon. I love that city more than words can say.
I came upon your blog today while starting mine…it’s SO wonderful…a visual feast!!!
A wonderful 10. I’m now looking forward to Maison de Victor Hugo. Thank you.
Wow, you have certainly convinced me! If only I had some more vacation :(
The Parisian Tourist board should hire you immediately! Your gorgeous photos and passionate descriptions have totally sold me on Paris in winter.
Hello there! I have good news!…you’ve been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award!!! Congrats!
So this is what’s up, I really love your blog and decided to give you this award, now you:
1. Make a post and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers so we can share the love
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won!
Always the best,
Amalia, from ButterSweetMelody
http://buttersweetmelody.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/feel-the-style/
Beautiful photos, how I wish I could be in Paris right now:)
beautiful photos! I’m envious :)
so beautiful! i hope to one day spend winter in paris but for now i can live through your photos!
Do you get commission if I book a trip? ;) You have me totally convinced!! I just loved looking at these photos. You’re photography is such an inspiration to me!! Hope you’re doing well lovely. :)
I have been saving this post because I knew it would make me cry. And it did. Paris is my favorite city in the world. I was there this past summer for my 40th but for a woefully short period of time. I have been there in every season, but not during Christmas proper and I can think of nothing better. Your photos Giao! Like we are all right there. I want to hop on a plane this minute! I have to say, I bought my copper double boiler at E. Dehillerin and my guy was pretty nice to me. I think I was lucky. Thanks for the bright moment in my busy day.
beautiful images! I might become addicted:)
good tips… the photos though. wow. really gorgeous.
I’ve just landed on your blog exactely via Twitter – Thanks Christelle Rocks- and I’m happy I did so.
I’ve experienced Paris all year round, but I mostly kept in mind those wintry images you have captured so well…
Beautiful post..breathtaking photos!
What a gorgeous post! My husband and I went to Paris in the winter a few years ago and I completely agree, it’s a wonderful time to go. Your photos took me back. :)
Amazing photographs, and I completely agree with the sentiment, going off season has its own special bonuses. Although for me, I am not sure there is an off season for Paris. Sounds like you had a grand time!
Beautiful post and stunning, stunning photos. Europe in winter is grand!
Your pictures are gorgeous!!! I’ve never been to Paris so I appreciate the tips.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I think Christmas is the perfect time to head anywhere in Europe! That shot of the snow-dusted roof tops is superb. We got a taste of Christmas Markets in Vienna this year. You can see our photos here: http://bit.ly/gPdjVU
Following you on twitter. Your food photos are captivating.
how wonderful! i was there over the holidays as well! (also last year)
paris in the winter is MAGICAL. totally magical.
gorgeous gorgeous photos!
love it! your photo’s look like postcards! trip of a lifetime i think. would love to escape their with my husband (although we do live in montreal – not the same thing!!) thanks for the thoughts…..
I spent the holidays in Paris too! Didn’t know about (4) and (7). You should try Mora if you look for cookware as well (13 rue Montmartre). It’s a “vrai caverne d’Ali Baba”!
Wow, your photography is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing,
Jess : )
And I can say you something : your love letter was read.
By a french girl. Not a parisian. But a Paris’ lover. I hope my eyes can help you. =)
Indeed, I really like your photos : I like your vision of Paris, traveller.
oh, please take me with you next time?
I pack small, and would gladly tuck in to the tiniest corner of your suitcase. thx.
(seriously? oh my. and welcome back. even if you’d rather not be!)
I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and have never really done anything about it. I swear this post makes me want to log onto expedia right now and book a flight. Your photos make me feel as if I’m there walking with the everyday Parisien crowd. Lovely!
Sounds like you had the perfect Christmas Holiday… I miss Paris. and the macarons from Pierre Herme. You brought me back there for a moment. thx!
Great pics! How did you find your apartment rental?
Pigalle / Place de Clichy has reasonable prices for hotels
Paris anytime of year is wonderful. I do like that there are shorter lines in the winter, and a wonderful sale that happens as the year turns. These are beautiful pictures.
Brings back my memories of a month of Dec. in Paris! Oh, to do it again.
Bonjour de France,
I really love all of your pictures. The light is admirable. May I know which technique do you use to take your pictures?
I would like to make pictures of some design objects and I was looking for such effect.
With my kind regards,
Stéphanie
Lovely pictures. How do you process your pictures?
beautiful pictures and great recs. Hubs and I will spend some spring holidays in La Provence and Paris; which it may not be winter but hey, pas mal non plus!
What an absolutely gorgeous post! Went to Paris once in summer… but that was when I was in high school. So looking forward to making a trip in winter now :)
I also love Paris in winter, your post brought back those memories. Thanks for the armchair travel, your photos really capture the winter light.
Hi!
Love your blog.
Just wondering whether I would be able to obtain/buy prints of your Paris photos?
They are lovely and I can see them gracing the walls of my room!
Thanks,
Anita
Your pictures are marvelous! Thanks for all the fun facts about Paris. So cute. :)
[...] my Friday roundup that my mom and I are getting for Paris (just a week more!) I came across these photographs in a post “10 Reasons To Visit Paris in the Winter” on kiss my spatula and I’m so [...]
Unbelievable photography!
oh this post makes me sick to get back to paris!!! there really is no place like it. and you captured it beautifully, with words and photos. when we stayed (in an apartment!), we were one block from an erik kayser bakery, and that was breakfast every morning for a week. I think it’s time to go back!!! :) thanks for a lovely post.
My husband and I were just talking about how we’d love to start a family tradition of traveling for Christmas every other year. Paris is, of course, on the top of the list. Thanks for the inspiration. p.s. Beautiful blog, btw. It’s my first time here.
I went to Paris this past December, too! I’ve been pining for it…and this post and your pictures are filling me with a longing to go back!
It was DANG cold though. I think I’d like to see what this whole “Paris in the Springtime” is all about, too… :)
[...] drop-dead gorgeous photos from Kiss my Spatula on her recent winter visit to Paris. I want every single one framed in my house. [...]
I am unbelievably in love with your blog and your photography. That Paris photo makes me weak in the knees. I think I’m in blog love.
great photos – breathtaking
Gosh, I am so in love with your fabulous, wonderful, pretty pictures!
So glad that I found you, happy to come back!
Kristina
[...] Our Love affair starts sooon. Cant Wait!!! ♡ http://bit.ly/goEHx4 [...]
this is a fall-straight-in-love blog, if ever there was one! and paris on your pages would make a romantic out of the most hardened soul. love the words, love the photographs, LOVE the art-direction. I’m in utter awe.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Pia! So sweet of you and happy to have you here.
[...] great piece from a beautiful blog called kiss my spatula. Like you needed more reasons to go see Paris at any time of the year. Read some more reasons [...]
So happy I stumbled upon your wonderful blog. The recipes and photography are simply beautiful.
If I woke up missing Paris, now I’m craving its beauty even more…The photos are so dreamy!
I miss Paris on a daily basis, so this was a perfect bit of nostalgia for me. One of my favorite reasons for visiting Paris did not make its way to your list?!? Almond cream croissants! I documented the ways I treated myself during my Paris nanny stint… http://withthegrains.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/en-parlant-de-paris/ and then some older scenes of Paris here: http://withthegrains.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/en-parlant-de-paris-part-deux/
Thanks for putting a piece of Paris in my day! I can almost feel the dampness and the coolness in the air when I look at your photos. Really well done!
This is absolutely lovely. I’m missing Paris right now, as well, and cannot wait to someday go back. I was in Paris around Christmas of 2010 as well! :)
Thanks for sharing some great tips! Question: what company did you use to rent an apt? I don’t know which ones are legit.
I almost cried reading this entry! Just one word to describe – beautiful!
Thanks for sharing!
great article.
so giddily happy to have found your blog (through Anthology). My husband and I are planning a trip to Paris this summer and couldn’t be more excited. I’m keeping notes… E. Dehillerin, Pierre Herme, and Tuileries Garden… can’t wait.
I have just scrolled through your blog & all your images take my breath away. amazing. stunning & full of life xx
AMAZING, great photographs! thank you for the tips!
just found your blog – it is SO nice and totally inspiring!
Spent a very lovely Christmas in Paris last year myself and the city is indeed very well suited for a winter vacation. I would also recommend spending Christmas holidays in Berlin even though it isn’t as magical as Paris.
A year later and your post is still so true! I love Paris in the winter. :)
love your blog!! And your stunning Images of Paris are just dreamy!! I’m going to share it on my FB page, I hope you don’t mind. Well done and keep up the gorgeous work xx
Oh my goodness, I was in Paris at the same time and stayed in the same hotel no less. I want to print out all your photos as they perfectly depict my experience. I am sooo enjoying reminiscing about my own romantic winter holiday in the most enchanting city in the world, we’re likely going to head back again at the same time next year and rent an apartment there for two weeks. #lovethememories