For many, the words ‘Winter Wonderland’ refers to a popular American song played during the holiday season. As this year Christmas is looking like no other, I came up with some photos that create a wondrous Wintery atmosphere. Follow me on this journey to a French Winter Wonderland, from Paris to the Alps and Alsace. And let these winter holiday cards make you dream for future travels!
[lwptoc]
A journey in the French Winter Wonderland
Dreaming of a white Christmas in France?
You’ll find below a little selection of winter scenery spots.
I intentionally retouched these photos to recreate the most magical December scenery.
Can you remember the childlike joy you felt when the first snowflakes started falling?
Or do you recall strolling in festooned cities such as Paris, Strasbourg and Nancy, where the joyous atmosphere spread from streets to squares and from public parks to stunning monuments?
A French Winter Wonderland in Paris
Among these top winter scenery spots is the unmissable, unforgettable City of Lights: Paris!
Snowfalls in Paris are really exceptional so ‘real no-filter’ photos with snow at the Eiffel Tower or in Montmartre are really rare…





A French Winter Wonderland in the Alps
The whole countryside of France may not be covered with a fairy-tale blanket of snow… but if you reach the Alps, you’re for a treat. The paradise for all snow-lovers (and not just for big fans of winter sports).



















A French Winter Wonderland in Lorraine
Nancy, the capital of the Dukes of Lorraine is home to grand festivities during the holiday season. They take the name of: Fêtes de Saint-Nicolas and celebrate the Patron saint of Lorraine.
The royal square of Place Stanislas is a jewel of neo-classical architecture with a hint of rococo.


A French Winter Wonderland in Alsace
Looking for the most Christmassy atmosphere in France? Look no further, Alsace has the real deal!
Let’s dream about a winter fairy-tale in Alsace with thousands of tiny lights and Christmas decorations… without having to visit Disneyland!








The Winter Wonderland Song in French
One of my most favourite Christmas songs is Winter Wonderland. I like the image of a snowy Winter, especially at Christmas time.
Although the song does exist in French, the lyrics are somewhat different from those in English – including the title whose literal translation is “In the kingdom of the Winter Man”.
We owe the French lyrics to Lucien Brien, a French-Canadian songwriter-composer:
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver
Écoutez les clochettes
Du joyeux temps des fêtes
Annonçant la joie
Dans chaque cœur qui bat
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver
Sous la neige qui tombe
Le traîneau vagabonde
Semant tout autour
Des chansons d’amour
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver
Le voilà qui sourit sur la place
Son chapeau, sa canne et son foulard
Il semble nous dire d’un ton bonasse :
“Ne voyez-vous donc pas qu’il est tard ?”
Il dit vrai tout de même
Près du feu, je t’emmène
Allons nous chauffer dans l’intimité
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver
Le voilà qui sourit sur la place
Son chapeau, sa canne et son foulard
Il semble nous dire d’un ton bonasse :
“Ne voyez-vous donc pas qu’il est tard ?”
Il dit vrai tout de même
Près du feu, je t’emmène
Allons nous chauffer dans l’intimité
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver
Find out more!
Check out my article on the French Christmas Tradition [in English or in French!]

The pictures are all so beautiful and depict many beautiful places in France. Wish I could visit them all.
Thank you Mary!
Pierre, Joyeaux Noel mon Ami,
Thank you for all the effort you go through to please your audiences all over the world.
This is lovely. My favorite is a tough decision. But Square Rapp I have embraced in my real life.
Merci beaucoup Janet for your kind words! 🙂
wow… all the pictures are magical… if I really have to pick some, my favorite would be Arc du Carousel, village of Granier and village of Hirtzbach. Very grateful for your articles and especially pictures. Merry Christmas to you and your family and hopefully a healthy New Year to all of us. Thank you!
Thank you so much Adriana! I’m glad to hear you liked the photos!! 🙂
My favourite would have to be the snowy landscape of Groisy. That photo leads you into the future via a beautiful snowy adventure. Thanks Pierre.
You’re welcome! We used to live in Groisy and I remember that time I took the photos… it was so beautiful!
Merci Pierre de nous avoir offert ces belles photos, j’en adore tellement. Joyeaux Noel a toi et a ta famille. Jill Australia
Merci beaucoup Jill pour votre message, c’est très gentil. Je vous souhaite un joyeux Noël en Australie !