We've been doing some holiday visiting and window shopping, getting in "l'esprit du moment"! From the tiniest village to bustling cities, signs of Christmas abound.
I am sorry you couldn't make it here to come along, but I've some pictures to share so armchair touring, here we go!
First stop Reims, (pronounced 'rance'), a gorgeous city east of Paris with prerequisite drop dead cathedral ... important to France's history as many, many kings were crowned there.
Reims is sprinkled with pretty plazas, shopping districts and restaurants... all connected by tramway...
They were putting on their annual March de Noël (Christmas Market) ...
a crêche scene with an empty manger ... the wise men await!
French patisseries (pastries), including beignets (like donuts but yummier), pomme d'amour (apple of love, delish), crepes and gaufres (thin pancakes and waffles) and of course, barbe de papa noël (cotton candy)
Rows of wooden cabins lined the main plaza and merriment seeking folks from all over walked the aisles to view their wares. This was a merry evening with crowds strolling around ... just enjoying the scenery.
It was a nice warm- up for our Paris visit. Come with me as I stroll down the Champs Elysées ...
We started at the Arc de Triomphe ...
went along with the crowds looking at all of the various building decorations and displays ... like this full sized sailing boat on the Groupama building ...
and the giant Chinese dragon ...
a Famous store with Famous french purses ... yes a WHOLE store dedicated to purses ... le sigh!
another pièce de resistance, the Louis Vuitton store ... with a cirque theme. Shades of pearly grey, orange and fuschia made an inspiring backdrop to balancing elephants and whimsical monkeys ... and trapeze artists, too! (don't try this at home, it is way too high!!)
can't wait to try this color combination on some furniture ... that will be a real color punch ... merçi monsieur vuitton !
after braving the crowds along the avenue, we braved the crowds on the peripherique for the ride home!
hope this short stroll gave you a taste of France's holiday action... I am sorting through my camera pics and may have a few more to pop in here, so check back later this week! so many colors and sights along the avenue to amp up my santa spirit!
à trés, trés bientôt! (see you very soon!)
Our guest correspondent for The French Connection is Kimberlee Mancha, mother of Johnelle and co-founder of Mignonne Décor. Now living in France, Kimberlee started our sister shop "The Bohemians" in 2009. She will be providing live updates for all you Francophiles and lovers of beautiful European inspirations.
all images courtesy of Kimberlee Mancha
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