Silent night

South side view of Notre Dame Cathedral as seen from across the river.

Yule log

In France, no Christmas table is complete without its Bûche de Noël, the traditional Yule Log dessert, and every bakery and pâtisserie gets well stocked.

Deck the windows

All over the city toy stores, like this one, stayed open late Christmas Eve anticipating last minute Père Noëls.

Bagel on the block

New York style bagel shops have sprung up around Paris. Today's bagel at this one in Montmartre (seccond from the right) is, "Christmas spices."

Three kings

Life-sized figurines made of silk, satin and brocade decorate the courtyard of a luxury hotel.

Christmas lights

 

Just as it gets dark festive lights appear in corners and overhead.

 

Aftermath

It's a strange sensation to walk down streets and see photos of the dead; neighbors, familiar faces posted in doorways where they lived.