Christmas in Paris

Stores go all out with their stunning Christmas displays.

The Dior store on Avenue Montaigne is a sight to behold. This year, the floral lights with their signature star in the center was magnificent!

The entire avenue is one of my favorite streets, especially at night when it glows.

Every where you turn in Paris, you’ll find a new display to ooh and ahh over!

This vintage yellow Fiat was one of my favorite little surprises I happened upon as we wandered around.

I popped into one of the Sezane stores and found this cute tile floor that summed up my feelings on Paris!

Do not miss the Dior Museum (right down the street from the Dior Store on Avenue Montaigne).

The winding staircase is a visual wonder in a rainbow of colors going from light to dark as you ascend the stairs.

I don’t know what I enjoyed more, the stunning couture gowns or the architecture and murals.

The Galleries Lafayette department store creates a different Christmas tree every year.

Reaching up to the domed glass ceiling and surrounded by intricate iron railings on the many balconies, it’s a magical experience.

Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance if you want to walk across the Glass Walkway.

Here you can get an up close and personal look at the tree and snap a few pics to frame.

When you’re done admiring the interiors, head outside to check out the gorgeous window displays or head up to the roof where you can ice skate and take in breathtaking views.

Head to another department store, Le Bon Marche, for their whimsical display.

The store is laid out like a Christmas market with different “stalls” selling all kinds of fun gifts.

The best part about being in Paris is exploring and finding hidden little treasures.

Le Village Royal is a charming open air passageway with huge teddy bears with big red balloons.

Stop at one of the cafes for a hot chocolate or glass of wine and do some people watching.

Another can’t miss store is Merci. The little red Fiat in the courtyard welcomes you.

Over 150 covered passages once existed in Paris, but now only about 20 remain.

They are perfect to explore on cold or rainy days.

The Passage des Panoramas is the longest covered passage in Paris.

Take a break at one of the many bistros or browse the interesting little curiosity shops.

Passage Jouffroy is another favorite covered passage that specialized in antiques, old prints, and vintage toys.

Time for more over the top shops that aren’t afraid to go big like Chanel with it’s giant black and gold bow.

Dior is across the street from Chanel and their mossy display gave Chanel a run for it’s money.

Rue Saint-Honore has an instagram worthy photo-op spot after you are done checking out all of the store windows.

Not to be outdone, Louis Vuitton in Place Vendome puts on a beautiful light display that twinkles and shines

Every hotel was more beautiful than the next.

The prize for most beautiful hotel goes to Hotel Plaza Athenee.

Find a bistro and admire the lights that criss cross the streets.

Joyeuses fêtes (Happy Holidays in French) lights up the night.

During the holiday season, The Tuileries Garden has been home to a ferris wheel for almost 40 years!

Take a ride at night for stunning views of Paris monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and many more.

Then treat yourself to one of the many food and drink vendors.

There are many Christmas markets in Paris that are smaller and more intimate like this one in St. Germain.

Try the raclette, a popular Alpine dish where the cheese is melted and scraped (“racler” in French) onto boiled potatoes, pickles, cured meats, and bread.

“Deja Noel” or “Christmas Already!” is an exclamation showing surprise or excitement that the holiday season has arrived so quickly!

You can even dine in this little wooden chalet.

Find a beautiful brasserie and dine on a traditional French meal while people watching.

No trip to Paris is complete without a macaron or two paired with tea or hot chocolate.

The stunning murals are as colorful as the macarons.

Or try the baked goods at a local Patisserie.

Step inside of my favorite museums in Paris, the Musee d’Orsay, with it’s two giant clocks overlooking the Seine.

This former railway station turned museum showcases the art of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas and many more.

When you’re done admiring the art, stop for lunch at the museum restaurant and dine under the incredible ceiling murals.

More walking and soaking up the city.

Even the Art Deco Metro sign is art!

Some days, we walked over 20,000 steps so it was nice to pull up an iconic green chair in the park to recharge.

A stop at the charming home goods store Marin de Montagut where I had to buy this plate to add to my plate wall.

Don’t forget to stop into the grand hotels to see their Christmas decorations like the glowing tree at Le Meurice.

More festive brasseries at every turn.

Or grab a crepe to go.

I never get tired of the Paris architecture.

Or the people watching.

This group of tourists were having the time of their lives in their red berets!

Don’t forget to walk across one of the many bridges over the Seine.

Need a unique souvenir?

Stop at one of the 900 green book boxes, known as the Bouquinistes of Paris (booksellers of Paris), that sit atop the walls that line the Seine River.

Or browse one of the many Saturday pop-up flea markets for an original piece of art.

All this walking will have you working up an appetite.

Get a savory quiche (this is beef bourguignon) followed by a sweet one for the ultimate comfort food meal in Paris.

There is nothing better than good bread and cheese in Paris.

Le Petit Vendome is famous for their simple but delish ham and cheese baguette.

Eat it while admiring the beautiful details all around Paris.

Or get hands on with a cooking class like this “French Sauces” class where we made 8 different sauces!

Don’t forget to take a sunset cruise on the Seine.

You’ll pass Notre Dame.

And the Eiffel Tower where the lights put on a sparkling light show every hour after sunset.

That wraps up my Christmas in Paris and it was truly a magical experience.

Want more info on Paris? Don’t miss this post where I did completely different things than on this trip …

First Timers Guide To Paris