CHRISTMAS IN PARIS - THE BEST PLACES TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON
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Photo of the Place Vendôme by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
Every year at Christmas, Paris takes on a magical glow. Even under lockdown, nothing can dim the splendour of our capital during the festive season. If we cannot yet welcome you all to our Parisian boutique L'Île aux Fées, we would like to make you travel to it through our eyes.
Children and parents, bienvenue à Paris! Joyeux Noël! (Welcome to Paris, Merry Christmas). We have rounded up our favorite spots for you! Follow the guide to discover the city’s most beautiful Christmas trees, decorations and winter traditions!
photo of the champs élysées at christmas - credits : Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
PARIS' BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
True to its name, "The City of Lights", Paris lights up even brighter from mid November right until early January. Dazzling sparkling decorations illuminate our streets and architecture.
The most famous place to enjoy them is, of course, the Champs Elysées Avenue. Its 400 trees leading to the Arc de Triomphe glow with lightings. Each year, a special inauguration launches this event. This time, due to the COVID, Parisian watched it online from their homes. See the illuminations in replay.
The lightings along the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré offer quite a spectacular view too!
For more details one the best locations to enjoy the Parisian Christmas lights read Tripsavvy's article.
PARIS' MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREES
For elegance and refinement, head straight to the Place Vendôme, epicenter of French luxury jewelry and home to the hotel Ritz. Each year a pine tree forest pops up in the center of its square place. The green branches adorned with glistening bulbs stand out proudly against the cream white stone architecture!
For a breathtaking vision, glitter and colors, head to the Galeries Lafayette. The department store is famous for its gigantic tree sitting under its Neo-byzantine glass dome. It is quite an event in itself and takes on a new theme each year!
Paris’ luxury hotels also have fascinating trees with precious decorations. The one at the Ritz is always amazing!
However our very favorite may well be the sober and chic Bon Marché ones. Its almost floating trees suspended in the air are well in line with the French philosophy "Less is more"!
For more details on Paris' most gorgeous Christmas trees, read Deluxe Confidential's article.
PARIS' MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAYS
Le Bon Marché is also among the most pretty places to admire whimsical Christmas displays with children! Discovering the new theme of the year and dreaming in front of the fairytale animations is a great favorite family tradition of the season.
The other department stores, Les Galleries Lafayette, Le Printemps, Le BHV Marais also all present artistic decors for the season. It is great fun to go around Paris to admire the unique ambiance of each one. A way to travel to wonderlands!
Less obvious but truly enchanting Hermes' flagship windows displays are always a work of art!
For more details on the best of Paris' Christmas displays read the Lutetia's article.
Le Bon Marché Christmas decor - Paris with kids guide
Le Bon Marché Christmas decor - Guerlain perfumes
Photo by Alexis_the_gr8
Caroussels are one of childhood's greatest joy! During the festive season, free merry-go-around pop up all over the capital. Their festive jingles fill the air making children sing with delight!
For a full list of Paris' caroussels, read Solosophie's article.
PARIS UNDER THE SNOW AND ICE
Another of Paris' most festive rendez-vous for families is the gigantic Grand Palais ice rink. Get ready to glide and dance under Europe's largest and most mesmerizing glass roof! Animated with music, lightings and fancy decors, the nave becomes a real Christmas wonderland.
Learn more about Le Grand Palais des Glaces.
When it snows, our favorite places to soak in the white magic is definitely Montmartre! No words needed, it speaks for itself!
To see more of Paris under the snow read Good morning Paris' article.
montmartre under the snow by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
montmartre under the snow by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
PARIS'S CAFÉS AT CHRISTMAS
Last but not least, the very best way to appreciate Christmas as a true Parisian is to sit at café's terraces on the big boulevards with a warm hot chocolate or coffee! Watching passers go by with pretty gift wrappings, marveling at the decorations of the shop displays, letting our noses be tingled with the scent of roasted chestnuts....
café de flore - by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
café de flore at christmas by @jenlublindesign
To follow our Charlotte sy Dimby countdown to Christmas, check out our daily Instagram stories, our blog or click here to receive our updates by email or DM!
Visit our Parisian childrenswear boutique L’Île aux Fées
To learn more about Paris, we also invite you to follow @ahedgehogtravels and visit their blog.
PHOTO BY @LAFRANCAISE.PARIS, LUXURY DOLL CREATOR - DRESS BY CHARLOTTE SY DIMBY
Add a chic French touch to your celebrations with our “Christmas in Paris” smocked dress collection.
This blue velvet one with handmade embroideries is inspired by the Pont Alexandre III.
Considered as Paris’ most whimsical bridge linking the Champs Elysées and Invalides, it features the most exquisite Art Nouveau lamps. Shining over the river the Seine at night, these three headed lamp posts have become part and parcel of Parisian romance.