What was Christmas like in Paris a hundred years ago? While it's easy to imagine that there were no iPhones or MacBooks under the tree, there are nonetheless a few similarities with our current December. Take these photos of Christmas lights in Paris in 1925, taken by Léon Gimpel. Léon... light!
Monumental decorations by Fernand Jacopozzi, an illustrious French electrical engineer, impressive giant illuminated sculptures, animated characters strolling around the facades of the most prestigious stores in Paris... Christmas illuminations were clearly worth seeing during the Roaring Twenties.
From the Samaritaine to the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville(BHV), not forgetting the Grands Magasins du Louvre, Galeries Lafayette and La Belle Jardinière. Whether they still exist or have disappeared, Parisian department stores have always pulled out all the stops (gift-wise!) to impress young and old alike with enchanting Christmas decorations.
Even if we still love today's Christmas lights, we can't deny that the 1925-1930 versions were quite a spectacle. Fountains of lights, gigantic scenes, colorful characters. Parisians of yesteryear had plenty to be dazzled by!
And yet, the 2021 Christmas lights have nothing to be ashamed of. To make sure you don't miss out, head to each district of the capital to (re)discover the lights of this Christmas 2022. A must-see, and as splendid as ever, whatever the season!
Christmas lights at Paris 2024, the program
The Christmas illuminations in Paris are a magical part of the festive season. From the Champs-Élysées to Bercy Village, via the chic Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris is decked out in a thousand lights every year. It's a glittering journey that's sure to blow your mind! [Read more]
Christmas lights at Paris 2024, the program
