The City of White

How do you enjoy snow in Paris? You go out in search of hills, of course!

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And there’s probably no better place to find them than what used to be a sparse, windmill-dotted countryside outside the city limits: Montmartre.

There was a sense of event in the city this weekend as Paris got hit with the most snow it’s seen in 24 years, and not wanting to miss out on the spectacle I abandoned the promise of a cozy peaceful Sunday at home and schlepped a camera and many layers of clothing into the great white tundra. I expected the picturesque streets; what I didn’t expect was to see so many Parisians, who are normally reserved and measured, giving into pure unadulterated playfulness.

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And where there’s no hill, you make do:

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The area buzzed with a sense of village community and camaraderie, and the weather only strengthened the feeling of rural and rustic that Montmartre does so well.  It made you forget you were in a city at all, and with snow like this being so rare here, around every corner was a reminder that you were witness to a fleeting version of Paris, one to be revered and locked into the memory banks.

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And for every charming landscape there were an equal number of quiet details to complete the wintry scene:

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One detail I was happy to have at hand were the metal pylons along most streets, which had always seemed to serve a dual purpose – to prevent sidewalk parking and to protect pedestrians – but which now assumed an indispensable third function as an aide to hoist myself up some of the more slippery slants:

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The usually bustling Place du Tertre was subdued and still, with only the most dedicated (or broke?) of outdoor painters braving the elements for the occasional commissioned portrait:

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And of course you can’t leave the area without acknowledging the big white elephant in the room, which had received an extra shade to its already milky exterior:

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The basilica’s gargoyles displayed just how cold it was, regardless of how much hellfire you happen to have been born out of:

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And then the winter’s afternoon slipped away from Montmartre, the sun and temperature coasting down the snowy hills into night, and locals and visitors alike admired a view of the city akin to that of a tray of pâtisseries lined up in a bakery window, freshly dusted with powdered sugar for the pleasure of all who pass by.

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(A second series of snowy shots from other parts of the city can be seen in my next post)

285 comments

  • Did I tell you what prompted my most recent decision to come back to Paris? I’d been on the fence, until the night I dreamed I was photographing Paris in the snow. I booked my flight the very next morning. I hope my dream will come true. But if not, your post and your photos are at least a wonderful consolation prize. :)

    • I hope the snow sticks around long enough to fulfill your prophecy Heather, this week’s forecast calls for a bit more of it followed by below-freezing temps thru the weekend, so you may get your wish! :)

    • Well i think your dream will come true and I’m looking forward to visit Paris too although I’ve seen snow in New York and it was like,’AWESOME’! Well i think the pics where great and i feel like joining you!

  • That seems to be real fun! I hope the snow will stay till this week-end, when I’ll be in Paris to photograph the wedding of my friends.

  • I’m glad to see that it’s not just us country bumpkins down in the Pyrenees who enjoy sledging in the streets – if Parisians do it too, then it must be ok!!

    Great blog, I look forward to reading more :)

    • Thanks a lot Fran, I’ve got your blog open as we speak, looks like you folks definitely took advantage of the wintry weather down there! I appreciate you stopping by, and l look forward to exploring your blog more. Take care.

      • Thanks for stopping by my blog – it’s exciting to know someone other than my parents are reading!!
        I’ve really been enjoying exploring your’s too – I love the way blogs can give you an insider/outsider view of a place that you’ve only ever experienced as a tourist! Bonne journée!

      • You’re quite welcome. I’m always happy to make contact with others who are in the same boat as myself. And thanks for the kind words.

        I’ve just subscribed to your blog as well, not only to keep up with your posts but because I’m about to get Freshly Pressed in the next day or two and your blog will be at the top of my Blogroll, so maybe I can spread the love and send a few new readers your way.

        Have a good one and happy blogging. ;)

      • “Freshly pressed”? That sounds painful! tee hee

        It’ll make the locals very happy that people from le capital are reading about our provincial ways!!

        Bonne journée!

    • Thanks Loni, I hope you’re able to one day. I’m glad I pushed myself out into the cold because it was definitely worth it. Glad to have you as a reader, take care.

  • I LOVE this post!! I felt like I was right there with you — and delighted in every moment. Your writing is wonderfully descriptive and the photos — well, you did Paris proud!! Can’t wait for Post Number II!

    • Thanks Betty, I LOVE that you LOVE it! It’s always nice to get a “felt like I was there with you” comment (I’m sure you’ve gotten plenty on your end as well). :)

      Are you still in rest & relaxation mode or is it back to the grind? And what what exactly is the grind, post-Heifer International?

    • Ah, good for you, hope you have a great time here! Yes winter can be fun in Paris, although I admit it’s maybe not ideal for a visitor looking to stroll around and take in the sights. That’s why I was so eager to show this alternate view of the city that folks (including myself) almost never get to see . Thanks for reading Sherievon and take care!

  • I love this post. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and it makes me so sad I had to leave Paris! It almost just looks like a dream.

    • Thanks Christine, I would agree about your dream comment; it did feel like I might be in a movie or a calendar picture or something like that.

      I hear you about the sadness of leaving — before I moved here for good I had to say goodbye to Paris quite a few times, and it was never easy! I hope you’re able to make it back here one day. :)

      Thanks for reading and take care.

  • wonderful! I have been in Paris when it drizzles and when it sizzles, but never when it frizzles! the vista of the snow-topped roofs is particularly amazing, as are the photos of smiling French folk.

    • Ha ha, thanks. I think you point out one of the charms of these scenes, and it’s something I felt while I was out there, which was the playfulness of everyone involved. My mother-in-law commented on how in her neighborhood everyone just seemed nicer and more cordial lately…I guess a winter wonderland can have this effect, especially on people who rarely get to experience it.

      Thanks for your comment and hope to see you again in the blogosphere!

    • Awesome, thanks! Hey I saw on your blog that you also did the skating in the Grand Palais, how cool was that? I enjoyed such a rare experience in a historical building like that; I’m glad I didn’t pass it up. I could’ve done without the ass-soaking wipe-out I took at the end, but c’est la vie. :)

      Look forward to checking out your article on the 24th. Take care and happy blogging to you!

  • wow what a magical sequence – especially those gargoyles spouting icicles..

    • Thanks Catherine. Yes truth be told, the gargoyles were my favorite detail of the day. :) I’m still a sucker for some good Gothic throwback architecture.

      Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!

  • The snow currently falling in New England just doesn’t have the same magic as the snow of Paris. So glad you shared it with us.

    And, seeing those ice-spewing gargoyles, I was excited to remember an earlier post of yours that explained their function in a French roof’s drainage system. My downspouts never look that cool!

    More, please!

    • Nice to hear from you Linda. Yeah Paris snow is pretty special. I think if it happened every year it would maybe be less so, but winter in this part of France is mostly a rainy season, thus having snow that actually stays on the ground feels like a meaningful moment somehow. I’m glad I could share it with the fellow Paris lovers of the world!

      My next post will feature some more monuments under the snow, stay tuned. :)

      Thanks for commenting and take care.

  • I love the smiling faces, and your description of the “village” camaraderie. Weather events like this are beautiful in their ability to bring a community together. Thank you for capturing the city on film for all of us to see. We usually think of winter being cozy because of the warmth we cling to indoors, with hot cocoa and fireplaces, sweethearts and snuggly blankets. You’ve captured a different sort of coziness here, the comforts of coming together to enjoy the fun and beauty and playfulness that winter has to offer.

    • Thanks for your comment Andrea, yes I think you’re right about a different sort of coziness; somehow you feel closer to the people around you, maybe because everyone lets their guard down a bit more, and instead of using the streets simply to get from point A to B, everyone’s outside to just enjoy the moment. It was a cool thing to experience, especially in Paris of all places. Thanks for reading!

  • your photos were good and your dialogue was entertaining and enjoyable. I also would love to have a chance to be there. We had some snow here in the southern USA this week which was pleasant. I took a few pictures but they don’t compare to your old buildings and gargoyles! just trees and stuff sticking out of the snow. good luck with your photography–my favorite hobby

  • Great photos! It brings back such fond memories for me. It has been far too long since I have visited. I may have to put that on my list.

    • Thanks Soul Walker. Like the famous Audrey Hepburn line goes, Paris is always a good idea. :)

      I hope you make it back over one day. Until then, feel free to stop by for a Paris fix from time to time. Thanks for commenting, take care.

  • I was in Paris 2 weeks ago, and then there was also a very small ice rink almost immediately opposite of the Eiffel Tower (among others I happened across). Of course, I don’t know if it was still there at the time of this snow, but I can imagine that, plus the various marketstalls, would have made for a very nice sight as well :)

    • Thanks for your comment. Paris is (obviously) a picturesque place, but adding snow is sort of the icing on the cake. I think most people realized that it was a rare chance to enjoy a version of their city that only comes around every few years. Although I have to say I didn’t expect so much sledding! I’m glad I chose to go to Montmartre that day.

  • Ahh…Montmartre, always been my favourite area of Paris. It’s like being in the French (Parisian) film you always imagine when talking about Paris… such beautiful photos. that cardboard sledge is genius!

    • Yes I appreciated some of the ingenuity I saw out there! You’re absolutely right about feeling like you’re in a film sometimes in Paris, and I’d even extend further, to feelings of being in an Impressionist painting, or in a postcard, or in a long-lost poem…and all of those wonderful sorts of things. Can you tell I’m a Paris fan? :)

      Thanks a lot for reading and commenting. Hope you stop by again sometime!

    • Look at that little hamster face popping out from the crowd! Thanks Heather, you were one of the loyal fans from the beginning and I’m grateful for your support and interest.

      I’m trying to hold onto this snow until your arrival, but it’s getting tough!

  • Well I do believe this is your second time being Freshly Pressed. Well done! Thank you for sharing the photos. North Carolina is made fun of all the time from the North when we get snow and don’t quite know how to handle it. These are great photos, I look forward to seeing the rest.

    • Thanks Sophia! Actually I’m fortunate enough to have this be my third Freshly Pressed, but who’s counting? ;)

      It’s great to have photo compliments coming from you, so thanks for that. Interesting you mention the unpreparedness for snow, because there was some of that in Paris too. Because it’s rare to have so much on the streets, I noticed many areas felt like ghost towns as far as cars go.

      Thanks for your great comment and take care!

      • Who’s counting indeed;). I thought it may have been more than twice. I am following another Parisian blogger who mentioned the lack of preparedness for snow in Paris hence that comment. I am planning a road trip in France for May or June so I will be delving through your archives to find some interesting yet not touristy (read: awesome hidden jems) of things to see. My time in Paris will be short though since we will be heading to Brittany where I have family I have never met and then heading to the Geneva/French border where I spent the first 6 yrs of my life. I am so excited for this trip I am literally jumping out of my skin. I just hope I actually get my American passport in time otherwise I am not going to be able to return to the U.S. ;).

      • How exciting! It’s cool enough to have some French blood but to meet relatives you’ve never met, followed by a return to your hometown: that sounds like a great adventure.

        I’m all about awesome hidden gems in the city, so don’t hesitate to ask when the time comes. :)

  • Wow, this is a wonderful new side of Paris that I have never had the privilege to see… Thank you for the festive photos :) Let’s hope there are more weekends like this to come. Bises

    • Thanks sofie! Thanks for reading and commenting, I’m glad you like it. Yes Paris under the snow is a special sight to see!

      I enjoyed the pictures on your blog but unfortunately I can’t read the text! Is that Swedish? Danish?

      • Well, I’m glad they freshly press blog posts like this one, I really enjoyed it! My blog is in Norwegian which is almost the same thing :) My next blog experience will be entirely in English which i hope will be a success. Hope to read (and see) a lot more from you!

      • It’s no problem, we’re not that many to be offended ;) Glad to have discovered your blog! Good luck

    • Thanks Amanda, it’s my favorite city too! (In case that wasn’t obvious)

      I have to say I’m enjoying your blog as well. I’m glad you stopped by and hope to see you again sometime.

  • Suddenly the palm trees in my neighbourhood are leaving me with the desire for snow! It’s crazy, but the extreme Manitoba, Canada cold winters of all my past years have left their mark. I miss the slightly subzero temperatures and the crisp fresh scent. I don’t miss the -15 to -42 temperatures.

    But France with snow!!! Mon Dieu! Que je l’aime!

    • Thanks Loca Gringa, yeah I think the cold weather never quite leaves you, and having grown up in a cold climate myself I was bummed when Paris went snow-less last year. So this time around I’m twice as grateful. I even put our old Xmas tree out in the backyard so it could collect snow and add to the festive vibe. :)

      Happy to have you as a reader, take care!

    • Thanks for your comment NiinaMaria. I would love to visit Finland one day. I’m glad you stopped by, and good luck with all of those creative projects I see on your blog! :)

  • I was in Paris last month! I really enjoyed this post. I love that city :)

    • Thanks, I also enjoyed your picture of the Eiffel Tower vanishing into the fog. I know someone who’s visiting the Bahamas in few days, so jealous!

      Thanks for commenting and take care.

  • Paris under snow. :) That’s not something you see every day. You usually see this kind of thing in the Northeastern US (I’m from the New York City suburbs). Luckily we’ve been spared so far this winter–looks like Europe got all our snow this year. :D Enjoy it!

    • Thanks Amélie for commenting. Yes it seems New York was content to get pummeled with wind and rain but has stayed away from the snow. It’s just as well — I have family in NYC and although snow makes Central Park pretty for a day or two, the rest of the city turns into a pile of brown mush pretty quickly.

      I enjoyed visiting your blog, especially all of the French regions you were able to see. Lucky you to have international parents with feet on both continents! I also envy your French/English bilingual-ness. :) Maybe I’ll get there one day!

      • It’s mostly been so frigid this week–I’m sure you’ve heard from your family! I’m all for the snow to stay up in the mountains where it belongs. :)

        Glad you enjoyed my blog. I am blessed with a bicultural family–it has allowed me a unique perspective of two cultures growing up immersed in two languages and cultures. As for learning French, I recommend you read the book Almost French by Sarah Turnbull. It’s a memoir about an Australian woman who moves to Paris after meeting a French guy while traveling and her experiences in France. My mom thought it was hilarious because so many of the anecdotes were things she could relate to while learning to navigate French culture and the way of life. I think you’ll enjoy it!

      • Thanks Amélie. Actually I have read that book and it’s sitting on my bookshelf as we speak. :) An Australian friend gave it to me before I made my big move to France. I’d love to write my own one of these days, but for now I’m just sticking to blogging. :)

        Thanks for your great comment and take care!

    • You’re welcome, my pleasure. Yes it was a unique kind of afternoon, especially considering that a few days later it’s almost all melted away. I think that’s why the locals realized they had to get out there and take advantage!

      Thanks for reading and commenting, hope you stop by again one day!

      • It’s that impermanence, along with the feeling of “being in the moment” that makes these photos particularly special for me. Just serves to remind me of how I should be living my life, another kick up the ass to get on with stuff!

  • Beautiful pics. Your shots evoke in the viewer, at least this one, an almost magical sense of the atmosphere of this city.
    Congrats on a well-deserved FP!

    • Thank you very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. There certainly is something magical about Paris, and it never seems to run out of ways to remind me. I’m happy to share it with my readers. I appreciate your comment!

  • So amazing. Thank you for capturing this and sharing it! I felt like I was there.

    • Thanks Melanie, I dare say that everything cool and interesting you’ve heard about Montmartre is probably true! Although it has been spruced up a lot in recent years to accommodate the tourist visitors, you still feel as you’re walking around that Picasso or Renoir could pop out of one of the doorways, or that you could slip into a cabaret and live it up with good wine and dancing and all night long. :) The neighborhood has held onto its charm for the most part, which is why it’s such a special destination.

      I hope you’re able to come visit one day, and I hope it lives up to your expectations!

  • its true saying that ‘a picture says a million words’…its hot in Sydney at the moment and seeing this pics is quiet nice. Great work and I really loved how your article actually summarized the snow season nicely.

    • Oh thank you Kavita, I’m glad you liked it. I have a French friend living in Australia and I always forget that you have opposite seasons compared to us. I’d love to visit Sydney one day, I hope I’m able to!

      Thanks for your comment and take care.

  • Lovely post and great photos! You really capture the delight and pure fun we witnessed with all Parisians this weekend :).

    Cheers and look forward to the next one.

    • Thanks Carolyn, I didn’t expect so many folks to be out and enjoying the snow to the fullest. I almost chose to photograph a different neighborhood that day but now I realize that Montmartre, with all its hills, was the perfect place to be.

      Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting and yes, stay tuned for another set of winter pics. :)

  • been to paris on summer time….i hope one day to visit during winter with snow…interesting photos….

  • I absolutely love these. I reblogged (not sure if I am doing this right just yet) on pjcharlescolors.com. This month we are featuring the color white and these shots were perfect. Check it out. I love Paris. And my husband’s last name is Frye. Seems like the perfect blog for me. Thank you for sharing. pj

  • Love, love, love your photos! I’m so glad I found your blog, following you now. I adore this city and last I visited, I experienced actual, falling snow for the first time, though it wasnt as pretty as what you’ve got now. It was more sludge-y what I saw, but all good just the same time. Cheers :)

    • Thanks Charmaine, happy to have you as a new follower! You were lucky nonetheless to see snow falling in Paris, because it’s pretty rare. Last winter it barely happened at all.

      I appreciate your kind words, thanks for subscribing and commenting.

  • [ Smiles ] It looks as though you know how to have fun.

    I enjoyed your pictures.

  • Beautiful photos of a beautiful city (I used to live there and I never saw it under cover of snow so this really does make me smile, to see the Parisians out making merry like that).

    You have a great eye for detail and I also loved the dynamics of the photo of the snowboarders (fourth photo) – I really get amazed by how photos can appear to be moving like that! For an amateur photographer like me it’s an inspiration :)

    • Thanks for your kind words. I love finding the details of a scene; they always speak to me a bit more, as if they’re hiding there alone and waiting for someone to notice. :)

      It was a great vibe that afternoon and I’m glad my photos could get that across to my readers. It looks like you’re doing a bit of the same thing in London, and I wish you many successful late night photography walks. As a lifelong fan of your city I’ll be interested to see what you post in the future. Take care!

      • Yes, the devil is in the detail. Thanks for the positive vibe! It’s not likely to be updated so often but I have just started a second blog, on http://themusingsofman.wordpress.com where I’m going to be spouting on about anything and everything – quite philosophically, likely angrily at times, sometimes uplifting, others depressing, like life itself – if it’s of interest to you? Anyway, I will keep an eye out for your blog, I love Paris and I wish I could visit more often but in the absence of visiting it’s nice to see these lovely photos! Cheers, Mike

  • Thank you for these lovely images! One friend travels there this weekend, so this blog will remind her to bundle up and wear cleats! 10 degrees F here in central Virginia- US this morning, yet snow has eluded us. Cannot say that I mind. Stay warm and keep the photos coming! Please stop by my blog when you have a warm moment.

    • Thanks for your comment. I think a lot of people are happy to avoid the snow at home, but everyone seems to come together on the idea of Paris being doused with a bit of it. :) I guess there’s some kind of fantasy there that makes it seem magical.

      I appreciate your kind words. I checked out your blog, and I’ve never seen a whole roasted pumpkin like that! The soup must have been amazing. Hope you stop by again sometime!

      • I made soup from one of the frozen containers of pumpkin with onion, veggie broth, a splash of heavy cream, lots of cayenne and ground ginger to ward off the cold of late here. 2.5 inches of the white powdery stuff in central Virginia today. Pretty. Thanks for stopping by. Love your work.

  • Beautiful pictures! I just found your blog and instantly fell in love. Paris is one of my favorite cities and this just takes me back to my time studying abroad!

    • Thanks Jane, I’m happy to bring back some of those memories for you. I checked out your blog…is it wrong to admit that I want to try a bacon cupcake? :)

      Happy to have you as a reader, and I hope you come back again sometime to relive a few more Paris memories. Take care!

    • Thanks J.C.V., I expected to be photographing streets and buildings mostly, but when I saw the fun and playfulness all around I knew I had to try to capture some of it. It was a unique experience and I’m happy I chose Montmartre to visit that day!

      Thanks for your comment and take care.

  • i’ve been to paris several times, including winter in february, but it was just cold and no snow like what you shared. spendid, nice pics! montmartre is one of my favorite district in paris. the dragon statues on top of the church with frozen water coming out of their mouth is something rare to see…love it lots….

    • Yes the gargoyle were probably my favorite picture I was able to take. When you’re discovering a new place, always look up. :)

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post, thanks for commenting. And good luck with all of your travels!

  • I was living in Paris near Canal St. Martin in the early 80’s when we had fresh, heavy snow fall in Paris. It was stunning as are your photos. Took me back to a magical place. Wonderful shots!

    • So you were living in that area before it got all hip and trendy, it must have been fun to see the canal covered in snow like that. Glad I could help bring back a memory or two!

      Thanks for your comment and take care.

  • I’ve been tossing around the idea of visiting Paris in the next few weeks. I think your post has served as very convincing fodder! Thanks!

    • You’re welcome! Audrey Hepburn said “Paris is always a good idea”, so…. :)

      I just checked out your blog — stunning! It gives a real sense of discovery and experience, and the photos are beautiful. If you do ever make it to Paris, feel free to drop me a line if you want to meet for a tea and share blogging philosophies.

      Thanks for your comment and take care!

  • Woo-hoo! Congrats on the Fresh Pressing!! I actually had this post linked in something for tomorrow so now I feel like WP has confirmed my good taste!

    • Great, thanks so much for the link-up! Yes I’m very fortunate to have been Freshly Pressed again, it opens me up to meeting a lot of interesting people.

      Thanks for stopping by again!

  • Wonderful pictures and post. It made Paris look like a destination location for winter sports.

    I have visited Paris many times from the States, but I have never seen it in snow. I always seem to end up there in late fall when the leaves are turning and leave before the real winter arrives, Now I NEED to see it in winter.

    Great Post.

  • Your photos are spectacular….such a fun side of Paris you so rarely get to see! How I wish I could come back!!! I have been loving the fabulous snow here in Canada, but somehow, Montmartre looks so much more exotic, especially with the ice breathing gargoyles! Beautiful.

    • Thanks Anita, yes the gargoyles were a highlight for me as well! I have a couple more of them lined up for my next snow post, coming in a day or two.

      Thanks for commenting and take care.

  • Looks like such great fun! I am glad you forced yourself to go out. It’s not often when such a big city comes together with so much joy and a single, uncomplicated purpose. Wonderful images!

    • Yes I’m happy I got my butt out there, because to be honest there’s always something in the city worth seeing, I’m never disappointed. I’m especially glad I ended up in Montmartre, where because of the hills people were really taking advantage of the weather.

      Thanks for your comment!

  • Dream of Paris in the snow… But wIth this post and your pictures, the dream is now so true. I suffer death by envy but everything this post conjures is worth the suffering.

  • These photos are great! I never thought Paris would seem so beautiful with snow!

    • I know, since I moved here we’ve had only a few substantial snow storms, but this was the first time I was actually in the heart of the city while it was happening. A special experience indeed! Thanks for commenting.

  • Reblogged this on Promotewho and commented:
    This look like fun to visit and do – but by no means I want to live where its snow anymore.

    • Sure are! Montmartre was outside of the city for centuries before it was annexed, and it was mostly farmland and vineyards, so it never got developed (i.e. flattened) like so many parts of major cities. There are a few other areas in Paris with hills too, mostly parks, and I’m sure the Parisians were living it up over there too.

      Thanks for your comment!

    • Thanks Jenny. I hear things aren’t exactly balmy over there in Boston right now either…hope you’re managing.

      I loved the gargoyles too, and I’m adding a few more of them from another famous church in post that’s coming…tomorrow I think. :)

      Thanks for taking the time to comment, and happy blogging to you!

  • Pretty Paris Pictures : Snow! « Prête-Moi Paris !

  • gorgeous! i would love to be in Paris at this time in the year next. I visited Paris in summer last year. :’) beautiful heart felt pictures.

  • So excited to be staying in Montmartre in just over a week! Hope the snow sticks around :) Thanks for sharing these great pictures!

    • You’re welcome Alex! Hope you have a great time in Paris this time around. I checked out your blog and I can’t believe how much traveling you’ve done!

      If you can specify a bit which sorts of things you’d like to see, maybe I can give you some tips on where to go off the beaten path to see some cool stuff while you’re here. Take care!

  • Gorgeous blogpost, great detail captured in the pics – love the snow formations dripping out of the gargoyles mouths. Absolutely divine take on the normally reserved frenchmen – the snow brought out the kids in them. I loved reading and viewing the pics in this post – hope to see more of it soon.

    • Thank you. I didn’t expect the afternoon to be quite so rich, so it was a surprise for me too, right down to the smiles on the faces and the frozen gargoyles. Just goes to show that it’s always worth it to get out there and be part of something, because you never know what you’ll see. (Especially in Paris!)

      Thanks a lot for your comment. :)

  • Coming from a place that usually gets snow (but has been deprived for the last two years), snow doesn’t hold such warm memories. But these photos are wonderful and I love seeing the inventiveness of people who are typically without snow making snow riders and combining clothing to keep warm and dry. Somehow this group has made that into another fashion statement. Love the cardboard box sleds.

    • Ha, true! You can always count on Parisians to do things with a bit of style. I also appreciated the cardboard sled, and every other manner of makeshift sledding material I saw out there.

      Thanks for commenting and take care!

  • These are beautiful photos. I lived just outside of Paris (near St. Cloud) for 10 years, and although there were certain years we got a lot of snow in our area, it was never that much in Paris itself. My parents and sister are still there though, so they’ve told me how much it snowed! I loved seeing these photos, and I do miss Paris very much, so thanks for sharing!

    • You’re very welcome Dounia, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s true that even when the suburbs get snow it’s rare for it to stick to the ground in Paris. I guess we were also lucky that it happened on a weekend which meant fewer cars and people, and allowed the snow to stay around for a couple of days.

      Thanks for your comment!

  • What an unusual account of Pictorial Paris! Good story, really made me feel as if I was there – and it’s been so long, decades. I think those painters who braved the cold were just passionate, not broke. ;)

  • P.S. Loved, loved, loved that you used the word ‘schlepped.’ I lived in Johannesburg for a long time where it was a common word, but not in N. America. I miss those words.

    • Ha, not sure where I first learned that word, but things tend to just pop up when I’m writing and I go with it. Interesting that it’s so common in Johannesburg, I would have never guessed!

  • Paris could certainly do with a clean so hopefully the snow will oblige.
    no, seriously i love paris but yeh.
    what?
    cool pics,
    thanks

    • You’re welcome, glad you liked it. After spending 10 years in New York I can assure you that Paris is generally clean as far as major world capitals go. Although, Parisians do still have trouble with this idea of picking up after their dog, which bugs me.

  • Hey! Lovely post. I think 2 years ago there was also a few days of unexpected snow in Paris. But I have not seen anyone going sledding or taking the pleasure of a snowball fight! The parisiens were rather sliding down the streets in there very unappropriate shoes :)

    • Ha, yes I’m sure they were! I think I know what you’re talking about because the winter of 2010 in Paris offered up some snow a well, and as it was my first winter here I just assumed it was normal. Boy was I wrong! I realize now that when it snows like that you have to get out and enjoy it while it lasts, hence this post. :)

      Thanks for your comment!

    • Thank you, it was fun. I would recommend coming in the winter for the snow, but at the same time the cold temperatures make strolling through the city harder, and that’s one of the best ways to see Paris. So an April trip isn’t a bad idea at all. :) I hope you have a great time when you get here!

  • I can just imagine all the little kids running around shouting French to each other! Must’ve been a great scene–the pictures are smashing!

    • Ha, yes you remind me of that wonderful phenomenon of being surrounded by people speaking French. I’ve maybe gotten a bit too used to the language and I’m afraid the newness and foreign charm is slowly slipping away…but that’s the obvious price to pay for learning it. :)

      I remember one of the fun parts of each Paris trip was right at the beginning as I got on the plane and the flight crew would switch from English to French when speaking. The language is really a great way to experience the vibe of France, and any other country for that matter.

      Thanks for your comment!

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  • Wonderful photos, seriously cool! I have not been in Paris in winter; I have distinct and very pleasant memories of the place in springtime. It clearly becomes a different – but equally magical – city in winter. Thank you for sharing.

    • No it doesn’t snow often in Paris, and even if the suburbs get some it’s rare for anything to stick on the ground inside the city. In general winter seems to bring more rain than snow, and I can still remember my disappointment in the lack of wintry precipitation in 2011-12. That was why I was especially determined to get out and experience it this time around, and I’m glad I did!

      Thanks a lot for commenting.

  • Great Pictures! The architecture of Paris looks absolutely stunning and I am having regret that why I am not belong to this incredible city.

    • Thank you Jeff, its true that it’s difficult to get a unique shot of Paris these days! I almost didn’t force myself up to Montmartre but I’m glad I did, it was worth it.

      I appreciate your stopping by, take care.

  • It made me think back of the time I used to live there….is it possible I got a little homesick….I do miss Paris….

    • I imagine sometimes what it would be like if I left Paris for good, and how much I’d miss it…those are unhappy thoughts indeed! :) I’ve fallen too deeply in love with it.

    • Yes it certainly was beautiful, and fleeting! Everything’s back to normal now, but I’m glad I was able to capture it while it lasted. Thanks for commenting, I’m glad you liked it!

    • Indeed! I really thought I was on a photo trip to find streets and alleyways covered in snow…I never stopped to think that with all the hills in Montmartre the locals would be taking advantage and having so much fun.

      Thanks for commenting karoline!

  • Was in Paris for a week in Jan end, though I didn’t get to do the fun sliding bit, I did manage to slide otherwise. My back still hurts :P.. I wish Aix en Provence had as much hills. Great pics! Thanks for sharing

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