Festive lights brighten up the gloomy winter and the charming Paris city as soon as we enter the months of November and December. As Christmas is the most important season here, Parisians spare no effort in decorating the streets and shops. Below are my top 5 best portrait photoshoot spots:
1. Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne is one of the most beautifully decorated passageways in Paris. It is actually a small shopping arcade with some restaurants and shops. When you enter this historical building, you feel like you have travelled back in time, and during Christmas, there are lights everywhere in this little passageway which adds a lot to the festive atmosphere!
2. Christmas Markets
There are Christmas markets in several neighbourhoods around Paris, and they are generally open from mid-November to end of December. The one at Jardin des Tuileries is one of the largest and most glamorous with numerous food stalls and games stalls. Why not stop by to have a hot red wine or a hot chocolate and to soak in the festive Christmas ambiance?
3. Place Vendôme
Place Vendôme is one of the most spectacular plazas in Paris, showcasing the abundance of luxury jewellery shops. The long line of sparkling Christmas trees in front of them gives it a lovely glamorous air. The same decorations extend to the long boulevards nearby, like the Rue de la Paix.
4. The 1st arrondissement (Rue Saint-Honoré, Le Village)
Along the shopping street Rue Saint-Honoré, you will be absolutely amazed by the glittering Christmas trees next to the window displays, while the lights from the shop windows add an extra warmth to this festive season. And! The impressive big hot air balloon of lights set up near the Catholic Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption is definitely a must-visit. Of course you don’t want to miss the open-air shopping area Le Village either! The white futuristic Christmas tree makes a good photo spot in this route.
5. Ralph Lauren
In the cold winter, why not stop for a coffee at the little food truck outside Ralph Lauren? The stylish shop facade is very well-decorated with sophisticated Christmas illuminations, which would make you feel like you're in a movie scene!
6. Au Bon Marché
Craving for a romantic Christmas? This is the place! There is a strong expression of the white Christmas theme with lots of "snow-covered" Christmas trees as the backdrop. Either inside the department store or just outside its doors, you will find plenty of beautifully designed Christmas decorations.
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I'm Teresa, a local Paris photographer who knows all the insider tips on exactly where and when to shoot at those pretty spots.
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