What I love about France in the Winter

It can be quite hard to love Paris/France in the winter.  You barely see the sun.  It's really cold, grey, rainy.  You have to wait in said cold if you frequent public transportation.  Most of us just want our summer back so we can have warmer temperatures, picnics in the parks with friends, and longer days.  Yet, there are so many delightful sights, smells, and tastes that only occur in the winter in Paris, making the city just that much more charming and irresistible.  Here are some of my favorites:

1) Marrons rôtis with white wine

Marrons (Photo: Saveurs Hors-Série No. 9 Hiver 2011)

Allons skier!

Like many Parisians, I have left the hustle and bustle of the city, its crowded, angry metro, and its polluted air to breathe the cold, fresh mountain air of the Alps. Skiing is a ritual experience for many French through the months of January to March. When you have the Alps in your backyard, why wouldn't you? The most popular moment comes when the kiddies get their two week vacation in February from school. If you plan on skiing in France, it is best to start by researching when the vacances scolaires are scheduled, lest you wish to share the slopes with hundreds of children.  But if you are going to be in France during the winter months, skiing should definitely be something that you take part in.  Call it a sporty cultural experience.