Black storefront

Bare trees lining the quai are reflected in windows of an antique shop facing the Louis-Philippe bridge.

En famille

 

A Christmas Day Lunch

All over France, Christmas Day lunch is a quiet family affair. I love it all, from helping create the menu and set the table to the long conversations that extend into the evening.

On the menu: apéritifs w/gourmet nibbles in front of the fire. At table: foie gras fresh figs and sweet Sauternes wine starter; roasted confit de canard and wild mushrooms; mixed salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and orange; farm cheeses. Green apple sorbet verrines with vodka and fresh mint made a light prelude to the traditional yule log cake. And to finish up properly, espresso and tea followed by an assortment of digestifs. - BPJ

Above: a different wine for each course; a brother-in-law takes over in the farm-style kitchen; table set for 10

Festive mood

Feeling festive and in a holiday mood Parisians hit the streets.

Sapin de Noël

A sparsely decorated Christmas tree inside the entry of a church.

Pre-trip pause

Inside Le Train Bleu leather armchairs line a long hallway that leads to the ornate dining room An original pause for tea or coffee.

Bûches de Noël

Traditional Yule Log cakes along with candied chestnuts are starting to fill bakers' shelves.

Book nooks

"Happily, one-of-a-kind bookshops are alive, well, and thriving in Paris..."

 Article winter issue, "10 Brilliant Book Nooks":

The Good Life France Magazine