Step into a Winter Wonderland: A Look at Winter Life in 1950s Paris

Winter life in 1950s Paris was marked by several distinctive features that made it a unique and memorable experience. During this time, Paris was still recovering from the devastation of World War II, which had left much of the city in ruins. However, the city was also experiencing a cultural and artistic renaissance as writers, artists, and musicians flocked to Paris to participate in its vibrant intellectual and artistic scene.

One of the most notable aspects of winter life in 1950s Paris was the weather. Paris is located in a temperate zone, and winters are typically cold and damp. During this time, residents of Paris would normally wear heavy coats, hats, and scarves to keep warm. The streets were often wet and slippery due to rain or snow, and many people would use umbrellas to shield themselves from the elements.

Despite the cold weather, Parisians still found ways to enjoy the winter season. The city’s many cafes and restaurants provided cozy retreats from the cold, with patrons sipping on hot coffee or cocoa and enjoying pastries and other treats. During the winter holidays, Paris was festooned with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Another hallmark of winter life in 1950s Paris was the city’s cultural and artistic scene. The city was home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters, and during the winter season, many of these venues would host special exhibitions and performances. Paris was also a hub for literary and intellectual activity, with writers and thinkers gathering in cafes and bookshops to discuss their ideas and share their work.

Winter in Paris was also a time for outdoor sports and activities. The city’s many parks and gardens, such as the Jardin des Tuileries and the Bois de Boulogne, were popular destinations for winter walks and picnics. Ice skating was also a favorite pastime during the winter season, with several outdoor rinks set up throughout the city.

#1 People at the Bois de Boulogne in winter, 1950.

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#2 School children at Place du Tertre in Montmartre in winter, 1950. (Charles Ciccione)

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#3 Street vendor in winter, 1950s. (Robert Doisneau)

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#4 Parisians in winter, 1950.

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#5 Homeless people, 1950s.

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#6 Homeless people under the bridge, 1950s.

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#7 Sledging on the slopes of Montmartre, 1950s.

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#8 People walking in the muddy snow during the 1952 winter.

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#9 Snow-covered cars, 1952.

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#10 Snow-covered cars, 1952.

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#11 Painter on Pont Des Arts, 1953. (Robert Doisneau)

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#12 The Seine and canals during winter, 1954. (Robert Doisneau)

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#13 A snow fight at the Bois de Boulogne, 1956.

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#14 Montmartre hill on a very cold winter morning, 1956.

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#15 Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur on a very cold winter morning, 1956.

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#16 Parisians in winter, 1956.

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#17 Ice skaters on the Bois de Boulogne lake, 1956.

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#18 Three girls doing tricks on a pool in front of admirers in Bois de Boulogne, 1956. (Jack Garofalo)

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#19 People breaking the ice to save the fish at the Tuileries Garden, 1956.

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#20 A woman walking with her dog in a street of Montmartre after the first snowfalls, 1958.

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#21 Boys sliding down in Montmartre in winter, 1958. (Robert Doisneau)

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#22 Winter game in Montmartre, 1958. (Robert Doisneau)

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#23 Place De L’Opera Under The Snow, Paris, 1956.

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#24 A Bowl Snow Battle At The Bois De Boulogne, Paris, 1956.

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#25 Bear in Vincennes Zoo In Snow, Paris, 1955.

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#26 Bear in Vincennes Zoo In Snow, Paris, 1955.

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#27 First Snowfall In The Garden Of Luxembourg, Paris, 1955.

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#28 Paris, Winter, February 01, 1956.

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#29 The Square Des Epinettes In The Snow (Paris), 1950.

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#30 Woman Pushing a Pram In Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, February 13, 1956.

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#31 Snowy Day at Place de la Concorde, Paris, January 1958.

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#32 Man Waiting Under Snow At Bus Stop, Paris, February 22, 1957.

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#33 Traffic Officer With Hooded Cloak Under Snow, Paris, February 22, 1957.

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#34 Icy River Seine Covered In Snow, Paris, November 29, 1957.

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#35 Snowstorm In Paris: City Workers Clearing Snow, February 15, 1952.

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#36 Car Covered In Snow, Paris, January 13, 1955.

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#37 Car Covered In Snow At Place de la Concorde, Paris, January 13, 1955.

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#38 City Employees Spreading Salt After Snowfall, Paris, January 13, 1955.

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#39 Car Covered In Snow, Paris, January 13, 1955.

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#40 Model Posing In A Studio Under Artificial Snow, Paris, 1951.

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#41 Concorde Square Under The Snow, Paris, .

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#42 Jean Seberg In In The Footsteps Of Joan Of Arc, Paris, January 1, 1960.

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#43 Snow Covered Boats, Paris, January 20, 1958.

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#44 Snowy Day At Place de la Concorde, Paris, February 7, 1958.

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#45 Snowy Day At Place de la Concorde, Paris, February 7, 1958.

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#46 Flooded Seine River After Snowfall, Paris, February 26, 1958.

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#47 Flooded Seine River After Snowfall, Paris, February 26, 1958.

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#48 Flooded Seine River After Snowfall, Paris, February 26, 1958.

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#49 Parisians Departing For Christmas Vacation, Gare de Lyon, Paris, December 23, 1959.

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#50 Parisian Waiting For Bus Under Snow, Place de la Concorde, Paris, February 22, 1957.

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#51 Parc Monceau Under The Snow, Paris, December 26, 1956.

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#52 A Factory In The Suburb Of Paris, Circa 1950.

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#53 People Walking In The Muddy Snow In Paris During The 1952 Winter.

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#54 Parisians Waiting At A Bus Stop Under Snow, Paris, 1954.

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#55 People Walking In The Muddy Snow In Paris During The 1952 Winter.

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#56 People Walking In The Muddy Snow In Paris During The 1952 Winter.

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#57 Bois de Boulogne Under The Snow, Paris, December 1950.

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#58 Young Parisians Having A Snowball Fight At Place de la Concorde, Paris, January 1956.

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#59 Elderly Woman Walking On A Snowy Sidewalk, Paris, January 1956.

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#60 People Walking In The Muddy Snow Near The Arc de Triomphe, Paris, During The 1952 Winter.

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#61 People Walking In The Muddy Snow In Paris During The 1952 Winter.

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#62 People Brushing The Snow From The Fouquet’s Awning, Paris, During The 1952 Winter.

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#63 People walking in the muddy snow, 1952

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#64 People walking in the muddy snow, 1952

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#65 People walking in the muddy snow, 1952

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#66 Cars Covered With Snow in a Paris Street, 1952

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#67 People Walking In The Muddy Snow In Paris During The 1952 Winter.

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#68 City Workers Spreading Salt To Melt The Snow, Paris, February 23, 1956.

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#69 Snow Rally Start, Paris, February 17, 1950.

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#70 Snowy Concorde Square From The Tuileries Garden, Paris, February 13, 1956.

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#71 Sledging On The Slopes Of Montmartre, Paris, 1950.

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#72 Street Scene In The Snow In Paris In The 1950s, 1956.

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#73 A Man Walking By Cars Covered In Snow In A Street Of Paris, In The 1950s.

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#74 Lady Skier Wearing Jacket And Gnome’s Coat, Paris, Circa 1950s.

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#75 Woman Walking With Her Dog In Montmartre After Snowfalls, Paris, January 20, 1958.

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#76 Snow Covering The Garden Of Tuileries And The Carrousel Arch Of Triumph, Paris, February 1956.

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#77 Ice Skating On Bois de Boulogne Lake, Paris, Circa 1950s.

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#78 The Musee du Louvre, ‘s National Art Museum, Paris, Circa 1955.

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#79 View Of The Cour D’Honneur At The Sorbonne University, Paris, April 10, 1950.

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#80 Couple On The Banks Of The River Seine, Paris, April 1958.

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#81 Lovers In The Park (Tuileries Gardens), Paris, January 1, 1957.

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