In Paris for the Holidays

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world (yes, I’m also French so I admit to being a little biased :)) but during the Holidays it’s even more magical. The city puts on its festive attire to please both the blasé Parisians and the many tourists who flock to the city of light and love.

I think night time touring is the way to go as that’s when you get the most from the lights and decorations.

Bundle up, get warm, here are my recommendations for the best night cityscapes to admire :

Avenue des Champs Elysées

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Champs Elysées is  French for the Elysian Fields, the paradise for dead heroes in Greek mythology.
Arguably the most beautiful avenue of the world is a must see during the holidays. Every year the mayor and city hall put on a light show. It’s really worth it to start at the top by the Arch of Triumph and stroll down the avenue towards the Concorde Square which holds the Giant Ferris Wheel.

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On the way down you can do window shopping or actual shopping of course – don’t forget to drop by the Sephora Flagship store which gets as many visitors as the Eiffel Tower itself!

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Christmas Open Air Markets

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Along the way towards Concorde are the Christmas markets where you can browse for presents or souvenirs. You can enjoy warm spiced wine ‘Vin Chaud’ in French if you wish.

Don’t worry even if it rains, the bad weather will only enhance your Parisian experience. Rain will make everything glisten and even more attractive !

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La Durée

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Stop to warm up if you need to with a La Durée home made hot chocolate and some macarons the famous French cookies.

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Place de la Concorde

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Measuring 8.64 hectares (21.3 acres) in area, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in the French capital.

There is always a giant Ferris Wheel every holiday season. You can go for a romantic ride and enjoy beautiful city views from the top of the wheel. Or you can just admire its lights at night time.

The center of the Place is occupied by a giant Egyptian obelisk decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaoh Ramesses II, as can be seen in the picture above. It is one of two the Egyptian government gave to the French in the 19th century.

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The Eiffel Tower

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Of course you can’t come to Paris and not go see the Eiffel Tower illuminated for Xmas. Be sure to drop by at the top of the hour, because that’s when the light show really starts. It goes on for a minute at the top of every hour.

Tour Montparnasse – Ciel de Paris Restaurant

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If you can’t make it to the Eiffel tower, you can always admire it from afar and more specifically from the top of the Montparnasse tower (in the 14th arrondissement). The best way to do this is have dinner at the rooftop restaurant the Ciel de Paris or the Sky of Paris.

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View from the Ciel de Paris restaurant windows

Boulveard Haussman – Grands Magasins : Galaries Lafayette & Printemps

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Printemps Deparmtent store

Every year going to the luxury department stores on the famous Boulevard Haussman (8th arrondissement) is the place to be whether for some Xmas shopping or simply to admire the great window decorations for the holidays.

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I personally love going into the Galeries Lafayette department store which has the most beautiful dome. It is a historic landmark and sports a humongous Xmas tree that is worth checking out.

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Let me know what you like to do in Paris for the holidays.

Happy Holidays to all !

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86 thoughts on “In Paris for the Holidays”

  1. I was in Paris for my 16th birthday. Sadly, I had no idea at that time what an epic occasion it all was. I have hundreds of photos of my goofball friends horsing around and faint images of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe in the background. In spite of all that, I will never forget it. Great photos here.

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  5. Wow, how beautiful! I’m waiting for you in Romania. It’s a really beautiful country, full of traditions. And, of course, you can visit Dracula’s Castle. 😀

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        3. I was born in Las Vegas and lived my childhood there then I moved to France when my parents divorced. So I go back to the states regularly to see my Dad and family. My grandfather is from Texas, but in Wichita Falls 🙂

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        4. Oh I love Vegas too! I’m LONG overdue for a trip there! I like to gamble and shop there so Vegas is always exciting. How exciting to live in France! Wichita Falls is pretty far from El Paso. We’re a lot closer to New Mexico than lots of other cities in Texas.

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        5. Which casino is your favorite? My Dad works at MGM. I should probably do a blog post on Vegas :). Well I’ve never been that far south in Texas but would love to. It’s such pretty state, and I find the people there so friendly.

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        6. Oh cool! I like MGM! We’ve stayed there before. I like The Stratosphere, New York New York, Hard Rock. I would love to stay at the Venetian next time. I look forward to your Vegas post! You’re welcome to El Paso anytime! I love Texas and wouldn’t leave except to travel of course!

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  16. These Pictures are amazing. I love Paris.I was there in 2014 for the Beyonce and Jay Z concert and had a great time. Your so lucky to live in such an amazing place. P.S I Love Your Blog xxx

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