Paris is twinkling - from the cascading diamonds in the Place Vendome to the fairy light street banners in the Marais.
Italian Joy tells of Carla's move to Florence, finding love and becoming a photographer. My French Life is about my own love affair with France, leaving the life I knew and creating a home in Provence and Paris Tango is a behind the scenes look at one of the world's favourite cities.
There is something so wonderful about Paris in December - every arrondisement is sparkling with lights and all the shops are decorated to mark the holidays. The city feels so festive it is positively infectious.
I was in Paris Thursday night for the launch of Carla Coulson's new book, Paris Tango. As we walked up the rue de Rivoli towards rue Cambon to WH Smith, where the party was to take place I could not help but feel incredibly excited and proud of her. To celebrate the Parisian launch and because it is Christmas I want to share her beautiful images with you by giving away a copy each of Italian Joy, My French Life and Paris Tango.
Italian Joy tells of Carla's move to Florence, finding love and becoming a photographer. My French Life is about my own love affair with France, leaving the life I knew and creating a home in Provence and Paris Tango is a behind the scenes look at one of the world's favourite cities.To enter the draw all you have to do is click here and subscribe to French Essence (don't forget to confirm your email so I know you have entered) and please leave a comment on my blog. I will draw the winner on the 12th December and post the books to you (wherever in the world you may be) in time for Christmas. If you want to have a second chance to win these books click on over to Carla Loves Photography.
I am already subscribed on Google Reader. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteYour first picture is magical!
I found the link to your blog through Carla’s, and recognized the name from your lovely book My French Life. I was very disappointed to miss the launch party of Paris Tango as I have been touched by Carla’s work from my first glance at Italian Joy and had the pleasure of talking with her in Paris. I too love Christmas time in Paris, and this year I will be in California, doesn’t quite feel the same. I am, however, giving Italian Joy and My French Life as Christmas gifts this year! I’m having trouble finding a copy of Paris Tango here in the States...
ReplyDeleteThis is a very nice blog, a taste of France while I’m away.. I will be stopping by more often! That first photo of the diamond lights, especially, is gorgeous... xx c
Ooooo these pictures are fabulous - I love this season, it's so enchanted and magical. All the twinkle lights just send me!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your friend on the launching of their book! How very exciting!
I'd be thrilled to win any of the lovely books you are giving away, and will be reading them all, being the bookworm that I am, and what great gifts - I'm putting them on my list to give and to get!
Merry, Merry, Vicki!
Hugs,
Isa
oh, i love Paris in December! all the lights and beauty. I have a fond memory when I was going to school in Paris, In December I went to the top of the eiffel tower a few days before I was to go back to america, it was just getting dark and i was looking over the beautiful city, at the top, crispy cold and in ah when the streets below lit up with all the white fairies lights in the trees! then I was in heaven.
ReplyDeleteLove your giveaway!!
I hope i win! I am headed over now!!!!!
What beauty! My heart is pounding!! I have just sigend up for your subscription, but was not sure where to leave the comment. I would love to be entered in your drawing for these lovely books.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Nancy
beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeen listening to Carla Bruni all morning! I would love a look at those books! Thank you for sweeping me from California to France with your blog. I love it!
ReplyDeleteLOve your book My French Life and Carla's photos are amazing! So happy I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteHow fun !!! love Paris in december too...because if its magic.
ReplyDeleteParis Tango is a good title
:-)
I would love to participate !
I wish I were in Paris this month. The pictures are stunning. There is something about twinkling lights that makes everything festive.
ReplyDeleteStephanie H.
I would love to be there right now!...preferrably with someone special to share it with!
ReplyDeleteParis Looks divine in the December all the lights up against the beautiful buildings - what could be better? Fabulous giveaway.. thanks for doing it!
ReplyDeletex Trina
I'm already subscribed to you both. Bon chance everyone--such beautiful books and wonderful lives you both live.
ReplyDeleteLOVELY post... aah twinkling Paris! LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteENJOY!
Fifi
Oh! Paris in December is a fave memory of mine!I was in school there during that time! Lovely shots.
ReplyDeleteAnd every one of those books sound wonderful!!
I subscribed!
love your blog - have been subscribing for months - told my 16 yr old daughter to subscribe too - since she will be going on a school trip to Paris in march - she is such a francophile.
ReplyDeleteHi vicki,
ReplyDeleteI already have your book for a while but have only just discovered your fabulous blog. I yearn to return to Paris and France one day but for now I read your blog every day and it brings me great joy I feel like I can jump right into the pages.
Susan, Perth Australia
What a wonderful post. So magical. I've subscribed. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I love yours.
ReplyDeleteWhy is life so much more elegant in Europe rather than the US.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Florence years ago and loved it.
Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Vicki- beautiful pictures! I am not going to enter this contest as I have already won Paris Tango and am still thrilled over it!
ReplyDeleteBut I am still subscribing and plan on buying My French Life from Amazon- we writers need to support each other! xo
Thank you for stopping by our place today. Edward and I welcome you anytime! And we do love our visits here! Such beauty all around! I am adding you to my blog roll in hopes more people will find you as lovely as I!
ReplyDeleteI was in Paris 2 years ago, it's so wonderful to get a glimpse of the city of lights at christmastime! Wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki... My husband was in Paris two weeks ago for business and came home with pictures of those beautiful light chandeliers. Thanks for showing us those beautiful streetscapes!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
Love the photos and would love any book but the first two sound the most interesting to me. I just got back into Paris and can't wait to get out and check the Christmas windows and decorations.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love the lights - the pictures are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful inspiring, as one of many -- would love to win those exquisite books.
ReplyDeleteThe books will magically be on my book shelve to inspire me in 2009
Your blog is magical, just like the Paris lights --
Joanny
P-town Oregon
Nothing like Paris at Christmas time, okay, maybe New York at Christmas time, but somehow the Christmas lights on French streets create something truly magical!
ReplyDeleteI've subscribed to your blog, so nice to find you!
Ok, this post seriously warranted a bib - what gorgeous phots! I am already subscribed and thoroughly enjoy all of your posts, Vicki. I am so glad you started blogging!
ReplyDeleteFrom one Vicki (or Victoria) to another, and another Francophile as well, I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Friends of ours moved to Paris two years ago from the states. They sent us pictures of the holiday lights in Paris last year. But your photos are even more exquisite. Thanks for sharing your beautiful life in Provence and all things French with those of us who can only dream about it. Looking forward to the drawing, but if I don't win I will ask Santa for those wonderful books!
ReplyDeleteVery fun to see Pictures from Paris in December. I studied French in college so I would love the book!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Thanks so much for stopping by...will be back to see you soon! :)
ReplyDeleteKara
Too beautiful for words! I hope I get to experience Christmas in Paris someday. I subscribed but I am not sure how you will know that my e-mail is me. I don't have my e-mail on my blog. Sounds like you had a wonderful evening in Paris. Carla is terrific!
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Stunning images Vicki! Have been thinking of Carla & her book launch. I'm sure it was a magical evening.
ReplyDeleteThe crisp cold weather that jumps out from these pics just reminds me how far away I am from beautiful Paris - 2 of our sons spent the weekend here sprucing up & waxing their surfboards ready for Christmas at the beach!
Millie ^_^
I'm already a subscriber and loving it. Yes Paris at Christmas is so romantic and beautiful. I'll be spending mine under the L.A. sun, alas.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!! Spectacular phtoos!
ReplyDeleteGina
Paris looks Gorgeous!! in December. Also, your home on the right - from last holiday season? - is breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteI went to W-S to buy olive oil this week and they're out so I will order online.
I don't know anything about subscribing but I will try. I already have your book (love it!) but I would happily win one for a friend.
You have a wonderfully enchanting blog -- nothing like France during the holidays. Thanks for sharing -- and yes, I am very interested in the books.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures! One year I will spend Christmas there. Thank you for adding another layer to my daydreams of France!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Vicki! Paris in December is magical! How I wish I were there! I'm going to go ahead and throw my name in the hat for that spectacular giveaway! I've never seen a more
ReplyDeleteperfect giveaway! Have a lovely day!
Judith~
PAris Atelier :)
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteJust read your comment on my blog :)
What a gorgeous blog you have, full of inspiration and photos. I love paris, was there twice this year... ah...
wish you a lovely week,
Solange
The Christmas lights in Paris are so beautiful. Last year I got to see the stunning chandeliers they had hanging along the avenues...your images make me wish I were there now!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Carla on her launch of Paris Tango. How exciting! I love the books & am so happy I can get my little fix of France each day from your blog.
Vicki, thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely message. The photos are really magical. Christmas in Paris, now there is a thought. The giveaway is a wonderful idea especially at this time of year. hugs Margie.
ReplyDeleteMagical photos - something about twinkling lights that makes everything dreamlike...!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week..:)
Those pictures are pure heaven! Hope to experience it in person one day, til then I get to read your blog!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Paris absolutely gorgeous this time of year?
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be there to see Paris dressed up for the holidays. She is the most beautiful city in the world.
I have subscribed and will keep my fingers crossed that Santa will send me a gift from you!
xo
Brooke
I've seen some illustrations from Paris tango on yours and other blogs, and it's absolutely beautiful. As is My French Life!
ReplyDeleteHope your olive harvest went well.
Thank you for stopping by
ReplyDeleteHow I miss my days in France.....！now I know your blog and I'll certainly come back
.....Celine
What a marvellous blog and what a simply marvellous prize - Italy and Paris, France, two places I dream about constantly. No doubt about it, I will be back to visit 'French Essence' time and time again dreaming of the day that I'll be able to return to these two very special countries. Thank you for sharing so much.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely life. Thank you for sharing it....
ReplyDeleteVicki, I agree with you that the joyous decor in Paris is infectious during the Christmas season! It was always my absolute favorite time of the year to roam the streets, bundled up, to enjoy the lights in the City of Light.
ReplyDeleteThe French have such a way of doing everything with class and style. The lights are amazing! It's like a crystal waterfall in some of those images.
ReplyDeleteBTW I love the candles in your blog header.
Karen O.
I love this 1st picture ! A pink christmas is a perfect christmas for me
ReplyDeleteyou photos always make me want to travel!!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing these photos of Paris decked out for the holidays, and I absolutely am in love with the photo of your house in the snow. It looks like the perfect place to spend a White Christmas! xx
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I had the pleasure of spending Christmas in Paris in 2006. The Christmas decorations throughout the city were so chic and beyond gorgeous. The extraordinary beauty of the city made up for the painfully cold weather!
ReplyDeleteI missed this--drat--but I have to say these gorgeous photos bring back memories of a few weeks before Christmas I spent in Milan a few years ago. It was one of the best times of my life! I will need to check out these books.
ReplyDeleteNobody does Christmas decorations like the Parisians, that's what I call CHIC!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and lovely is all that you post.
ReplyDeleteLove Jeanne
Would I love a bit of Italian Joy, The French Life and a Tango in Paris? You bet! As much as I love your blog Vicki! xo Roberta
ReplyDeleteI dream of Paris! Have not been there yet and your photos this season are so magical transports me to France all over again.
ReplyDelete