France in Focus

Every picture tells a story, should be enough, an impression of what's going on in Paris this year. A Dutch photojournalist in action, a free Christmas trip to this city. For even more details click on the pictures to enlarge, almost as good as being there.

Thank you RobertArthur - such a treat!

Thank you RA.
When OH was working in Paris, it was always a pleasure to see the lights there and everyone clamoured to see the window displays in Printemps - they were always impressive.

Closer to home, vandals recently cut the wires of the lights in Paimpol (22), a town well-known in music circles for its huge sea shanty festival. The damage is estimated at around 20,000€, impossible to repair in time for the New Year fêtes. It's thought the perpetrators might have been "eco-warriors" or disgruntled locals yet according to the Maire, the lights cost about 8€ a day in electricity.

I wonder how many reductions in Christmas lights there have been this year - as everyone is being asked to cut down on electricity?

Bayleaf wrote: ↑Sat Dec 10, 2022 10:18 am I wonder how many reductions in Christmas lights there have been this year - as everyone is being asked to cut down on electricity?

There's a house in our village that does a wonderful display every year - people come from miles around to see it. Because they use LED bulbs, the amount/cost of electricity is very low and I doubt anyone here would want to see them not displayed. People leave little contributions which is nice - it takes a while to get everything up and running every year.

With any luck we might see fewer of the horrors ......

@ Blaze, more sightseeing in Paris? You can continue your virtual visit to Paris by scrolling down this website, right hand side where you'll see: "zoeken per onderwerp/arrondissement" = search for arrondissement. From there it's an invitation to start your free walking tour, with a certain Ferry (photographer) as your guide.

Our village used to have displays attached to the lampposts but nothing has appeared this year.
I have 2 systems linked to a timer and I’ve bought 2 solaire systems. I live in the centre of the village and just think we need something seasonal and I’m happy to cover the cost to bring some Christmas cheer.

Christmas this year in Paris. Place Hôtel de Ville - Photo credits: © Ronald Balder.

Also a website update.

Have noticed in the town and our village that there is very few lights and not many decorations about which suite me just fine, Iam not a Christmas lover, got too commercial for my likening.

I am taking my grandchildren out this evening to see the Christmas lights. Not many, but very pretty and at 5 & 7 years old they will love it.