Get Wowed at the Light Festival in the Jardin des Plantes

With the arrival of cold weather, it’s tempting to stay indoors, whether at a cozy café or a warm museum. But in Paris, the city offers enchanting nighttime experiences that go far beyond the beautifully lit bars I’ve photographed. On a rare sunny day, I decided to embrace the magic of the season by visiting the light show at the Jardin des Plantes on its opening night.

I had been to the show a few years ago, and while the memory had grown faint, I still recalled it being quite extraordinary. Remembering the long lines from my previous visit, I arrived early, struck up conversations with fellow attendees, and was among the first to step into this enchanting world.

This year’s event, called “Jurassique en voie d’illumination,” is dinosaur-themed. Though it’s largely geared toward children—there were plenty of them buzzing with excitement—I was quickly transported into a different realm. The wintry chill of the night melted away as I wandered through a glowing menagerie of prehistoric fish, animals, and birds. These luminous creatures surrounded me, their artistic details brought to life by vibrant lights. Some even startled me with unexpected sounds as they loomed nearby.

Strolling through the pathways, I felt as if I were journeying through a dreamscape. An hour or more slipped by as I explored, captivated by the whimsical displays. By the end, my camera was brimming with photos, and narrowing them down to just a few for this article proved to be a delightful challenge.