Bonjour and Happy New Year! The first week of January brought an unexpected gift, especially for this photographer. Paris experienced three days of snow, a rare occurrence and one I’d been awaiting for nearly 10 years! With great anticipation, I followed the weather forecasts, preparing my snow boots, down parka and waterproof camera bag for my gear. We’ve been fooled many times before in Paris, when projected snow fall failed to make an appearance. But this time, the weather report was wholly accurate and, exactly on cue at 3:00 pm on the 5th, the snow made its grand entrance. Armed with detailed shot and locations lists, prepared in years in advance, I set out, geared up as if upon an arctic expedition.
THE LOUVRE AND TUILERIES
My first destination was the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries, both just a five minute walk from our apartment. The snow descended rapidly and within 30 minutes, the ground was blanketed, the large flakes obscuring all but the nearest buildings.
The initial eager crowds thinned as the afternoon grew much colder.
Seeing the iconic garden features – chairs, topiary, statues – dressed in winter white was a long-anticipated thrill.
And though my gloves and camera were getting damper by the moment, I paused only to make the briefest adjustments. I didn’t dare waste a second!
The Tuileries beehives were charming with their white top coat.
As dusk fell and the lamp posts glowed like beacons, the snow continued, creating a hush over the garden, broken only by the crunching of passing feet.
The next morning dawned brisk, cold and clear. Another early start was rewarded with sparkling views of the museum and the garden with a mantle of white.
Delighted Parisians and visitors made snowmen and launched impromptu snowball fights.
Although I took hundreds of images, I chose these to best tell the story. More will be used in upcoming books on Paris!
CHAMP DE MARS AND THE EIFFEL TOWER
The Eiffel Tower under snow is a sight many dream of beholding. Here, images from the second and third days.
I call these images “Paris being Narnia” as the lamp posts are so reminiscent of the one at the gateway to the winter land of Narnia.
THE PALAIS ROYAL AND GARDEN
The forecast for the third day predicted heavy snow just before dawn. I arrived at the Palais Royal while it was still dark. The main gate was locked and remained so but those in the know are aware of the side entrances. Soon, I was in the garden, in near blizzard conditions, snow billowing and swirling and covering every surface. Such a wondrous hour spent nearly alone, crunching through pristine drifts of powder in a garden known for its spring and summer displays. I was acutely aware of the magic of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Bitterly cold, after an hour I feared for my fingertips so stopped long enough at a cafe in the garden for a very welcome latte and chance to dry off my camera and lenses. I use strictly Nikon equipment, known for its durability, and despite the icy cold and damp, it all performed perfectly.
I never imagined to see these benches, where I sit during the warmer months, coated in brilliant white.
The courtyard was closed, enabling the snow to remain unblemished. The smaller of the Buren columns were all but invisible.
At the end of three very intense and physically demanding days, I was most of all deeply grateful for the experience, so well worth the wait. Let me know your favorite images and what location you’d like to see more of!
À bientôt!
With love,
xo
G
Wow! Amazing!
Merci, David!
Merci beaucoup de nous avoir emmenés avec vous dans ce voyage enneigé ! Thank you so much for taking us along on this snowy journey with you!
Bonjour, Lori!
Je vous en prie!
I’m very grateful that you enjoyed the images and stopped by.
My best for a beautiful year ahead.
G
Absolutely spectacular photography. One of the best series you have yet to share. Your composition combined with the way you captured the light is pure magic. You are the best ! EE
Dear Ellen,
I’m so glad that you found the images transporting. I do strive for that with everything I create, to offer moments of peace and serenity.
xo
G
What a treasury of sights. Love the snow AND lantern light. How exciting for you to be witnessing and recording. A Snow in Paris book eventually? Thanks for sharing!!! A blessed 2026 to you & your husband.
Thank you so much, Carol! If not a dedicated Snow in Paris book, at least a dedicated chapter in the next one!
I truly appreciate your message, merci beaucoup!
Wishing you and yours a most joyful 2026!
xo
G
Dear Georgianna,
These are by far the most beautiful photographs of Paris and of snow I have ever seen in my entire life! (73 years) Beyond breathtaking! You captured this iconic and elegant city blanketed by the magical snow in a way that has never been done before. The photos bring me peace and joy. As an American who loves her country but abhors its current horrors and events I still try to find gratitude and grace in every day. I will probably look at these uplifting photos every day for the rest of my life. Merci, merci, merci!
Sincerely,
Stephanie C.
Bonjour, Stephanie! Je vous en prie!
Ah, thank you so much for your beautiful message.
I always strive for my photos to bring tranquility and moments of peace to the viewer so am very pleased that the photos are, and will remain, uplifting for you.
Here’s to bright days ahead and a New Year full of happy surprises.
À Bientôt!
G
Choosing a favourite is a Herculean task. I’ve poured over these many times, and each time I find a new favourite. They all tell a story, and your commentary which captures the magic of these three days heightens the experience of being at the viewing end of your pictures. So gorgeous.
A few favourites are: Tuilleries frozen pond; Louvre and statue at dawn, Palais Royal alle with 2 green chairs, Eifel Tower with lamp.
As ever, I am grateful to be enriched by your artistry.
Thank you so much, Rebecca! And I am always grateful for your enthusiasm and support.
Merci bien!
G
Wow, these are the ultimate in beauty! That is an absolute dream to shoot Paris in the snow. Someday!
It was a dream, Heather! Certainly challenging but not like being in the Arctic. Just a bit wet and cold.
Hope you can make it one day.
G
What great fun that would have been for you.
Well worth the years of waiting as you mentioned. Thank you for sharing.
A book for sure. “Seasons of Paris.”
Bonjour, Scott!
Thank you so much and I’m very happy that you enjoyed the images. “Seasons of Paris” would be a wonderful book project. It’s been in the back of my mind for awhile but didn’t really seem doable until now. So I greatly appreciate your thoughts!
All my best,
Georgianna
There’s absolutely no way I can choose one favourite image but I know this much, I’ll be buying your book when it comes out! I’m sure you’ll keep us posted 😉
Bonjour, Ellana!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the images so much. I’m not sure of my favorites yet as I have quite a few to edit still.
And I will definitely keep you posted about upcoming books.
My best to you for a wonderful year ahead.
G
Paris bathed in white! What a delight as seen through your eyes. Thanks for braving the elements to capture it for us!
Bonsoir, Debi!
Thank you! So very happy that you enjoyed the images.
While I’m phasing out of long haul travel and grueling location shoots, this one could not be missed!
Wishing you and all a most joyful year ahead.
With my very best,
G
Meilleurs voeux Ms. Lane! I had to comment and thank you for sharing your immense talent. The “Paris snow” series of photos is breathtakingly incomparable. As always your capture of moody light and shadow is absolutely beautiful. I concur that it is impossible to choose a few favorites. I wholeheartedly second Ms. Cameron’s suggestion of a Snow in Paris book!!
Bonsoir, Jan!
I so appreciate your kind thoughts and comments on the images. Capturing them was a challenge but ultimately a thrill. I’m very grateful that you enjoyed them.
As for a Snow in Paris book, at least these will now round out a Winter in Paris section for one or two books. We’ll see if my publisher is interested in a dedicated snow book. I’ve also had interest in a dedicated Paris Autumn book, so maybe a series?
Thank you again!
My best,
Georgianna
Thank you Georgianna for braving the cold snowy days of Paris!💓 Your photography is great!
Thank you so much, Nancy! If you enjoy the images, then it is all worth it, right?
All my best,
G
So very beautiful! Thanks for sharing Georgianna. Hugs and Best Wishes in 2026.
Bonjour, Olive!
Thank you so much. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!
xo
Georgianna
Georgianna Lane
Author/Photographer
georgiannalane.com
C’est magnifique!
Loved each and every image. And the one that had me returning to it over and over was the Cafe with the warm glow of the pendant juxtaposed with big fat snowflakes. That image has soul!!!
Hello, Sandi!
Thank you so much. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the tour. And I have to say, that Cafe image is definitely one of my favorites. I stood there and took several versions to make sure I captured that moment.
xo G
These images would make beautiful holiday cards!
Hello, Kathy!
Thank you so much. That’s very good to know as I haven’t done holiday cards since I moved to France. Shipping is so expensive from here but I’ll look into how that could be done.
All my best to you for the New Year!
Georgianna
Happy New Year!
What fun! Thank you for sharing Paris in the snow. Sounds like you had a great time. Hope it wasn’t too cold. I always love images of the Louvre. Keep telling Mike for our next house, I just want the corner section (the one shown in the image of the green chairs) – wishful thinking! The Metro sign is fun, too, as something different.
Happy New Year, Linda!
Looking back, the snow was fun, although I was stressed about getting all the shots I wanted, of course. I hope you get your Louvre facade – it’s so elegant.
xo G
Georgianna
What about a Four Seasons book? I would seriously buy the first copy. These snowy photos are a delight! I only wish I could have been there in person, but maybe next year. Thanks so much for sharing them.
Hello, Hildred, and thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
A four seasons book has definitely been a possibility for quite awhile. I’m happy to know your interest in it which helps in pitching to my publisher. And I do hope you can return to Paris in time for next year’s snowfall. (It’s very unlikely there will be more this year).
All my best,
Georgianna
What a wonderful way to begin a New Year with a great photography adventure in the snow. And what beautiful pictures they are. I love all of them – and find the ones with glowing warm light to be very inviting. As others have commented, great for Christmas cards & another book. Thank you for bringing us Paris in the snow. I always appreciate your amazing work. Wishing you a magical 2026!
Louise