Paris during the winter holidays is even more magical than Paris at other times of the year. If you are visiting Paris this holiday season, here are some things you can't miss !
Visit the Galeries Lafayette. There are lights illuminating the outside along with window displays.
Once you're inside, there is always a central display, last year was a giant santa the year before a giant Christmas tree. The ceiling here is amazing so even if you are in Paris outside of the holiday season, go in to see the ceiling.
After you do this, take the escalator to the roof. It is a great (and free !) place to watch the sunset with a great view of the city and the Eiffel Tower.
Also visit the Arc de Triomphe. It is not free to go up the Arc, but the view is amazing. You'll have a great view of the Champs Elysees with all of the Christmas lights (and of course the Eiffel Tower).
After you have this view, take a walk down the Champs Elysees. It is magical this time of year.
There is a Christmas market in the Tuileries garden. You can eat a delicious warm meal and wash it down with some vin chaud (hot, spiced wine - it's delicious). Also take a ride on the ferris wheel and enjoy amazing views of Paris.
There are many holiday markets in Paris, but the one in the Tuileries is the largest. There is a small market in front of the Hotel de Ville (the city hall) and one outside of Gare du Nord. If you have the time, visit them all !
Make sure to visit the Jardin des Plantes at night. You have to pay to get in, but there are blow-ups that are lit up all over the park ! Last year was a display of bugs, the year before was dinosaurs. If you're traveling with children, this is a fun activity (and it's educational !).
Another great shop to visit is the Samaritaine. It is a beautiful store that is decorated with lights and trees during the holiday season. This store is located near Notre Dame on the rive droite (the right, or north, part of the Seine).It is also a short walk from the Tuileries, so stop in here before you go to the Christmas market there.
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