Though it is really cold during this time of the year, it was one of our best ideas, making a trip to Paris just before Christmas. Christmas markets and decoration made my heart beat faster.
Paris probably can’t compete with New York in Christmas time, but until today we were not able to experience this time of the year in the Greatest City on Earth! It’s on our bucket list!
In December 2013, we took the train from Frankfurt to Paris and were really lucky with the weather: 10°C and sunshine. This is perfect for winter.
Arguments for travelling during this time of the year
According to our research, New York is extremely expensive and overcrowded during Christmas. In Paris it’s acceptable.
The train ride and the price for the hotel were much cheaper than in summer.
Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world and we can’t blame anyone for this. Of course, this is the reason why a lot of people want to see the same things at the same time. This leads to some kind of narrowness, which can cause claustrophobia attacks to people like me. But during Christmas time we didn’t experience it in Paris.
Paris is full of endless shopping possibilities with special Christmas offers.
If you – like me – like all this Christmas hype, Paris is perfect for you.
Christmas is all around the Eiffel tower
Christmas market, decoration everywhere and an ice rink. Plus Christmas music coming from somewhere and the Christmas dream was perfect!
It was, of course, a bit crowded, but it was ok. We just strolled around and enjoyed it.
Christmas is all around Moulin Rouge
It became popular over the world the past years: Santas uniting at certain places around the city. What they do: We don’t know.
Probably drinking. But it looks fantastic and increases the anticipation to Christmas even more.
Christmas is all around Galeries Lafayette
Christmas insanity and beautiful decoration meet shopaholics from Asia and Arabia. Consumerism at its best, especially for those who can afford it.
We were only here for looking. Like window shopping, just inside. If you want to feel a bit poor from time to time, you’re welcome here.
Christmas is all around Montmartre (Sacré-Coeur)
The view from the Montmartre hill and the alleys up here are amazing. And soooo French. The men downstairs were a little bit annoying as they tried almost violently to sell people bracelets. Well, it hardly matters.
During our stay in Paris, this was the most crowded place. People from all over the world gathered here. Next to Sacré-Coeur there was a little Christmas Market.
The illumination in the Montmartre quarter is totally pretty.
Furthermore: You could argue that and not every restaurant is equal. But as there is huge competition, you get good value for your money at the restaurants here. At least for Paris.
Cathédral Notre Dame de Paris
Another much visited famous sight in Paris.
Known worldwide from the Disney Movie ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’, it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Next to it, there was a cute little Christmas Market. Paris is not famous for Christmas Markets but there are a few and they are really pretty!
Best time for sightseeing
Just as mentioned in the beginning, it’s a good time for sightseeing. You don’t have to care not sweating too much, hoping not to melt. Of course, having a picnic with baguettes and fromage outside is not possible. But this is why one should also come here again in summer. Paris is always a good idea!
Of course, there are tons of other places to see in Paris. And as we have pretty pictures, we’ll show you some of them.
If you don’t want to miss the most important museums, you should plan a week here. But for seeing the most beautiful and interesting places in Paris, three whole days are enough.
Palace of Versailles
This is a place on earth you will never experience without tourists.
It’s maybe the world’s most famous castle and if you think people lie, when they tell you about the pomp and show-off: It’s totally true. Of course, the garden looks better in summer.
Tour Montparnasse
This was totally an adventure. Not many people were crazy enough standing up there watching the sunset and the city glowing, because it really was very cold and windy. Maybe we shouldn’t have stayed there for so long. After that, I got sick for a few days. Yeah, that was great!
But: We could take pictures without being disturbed by others. Felt quite lonely up there.
Well, some sights are definitely a better idea in summer.
For the following places, you can get the information better from Wikipedia. But we don’t want to hide the pictures from you.
Just keep in mind: PARIS DURING CHRISTMAS SEASON!
Alleys
Champs Elysees
Arc de Triomphe
Pont Alexandre III
Musée de Louvre
The Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde
Quartier Latin
Centre Pompidou and Niki de Saint Phalle
Jardin du Luxembourg
