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The NH Concierge’s Tips
One of the most special Christmas celebrations takes place in France. In this article, we suggest you enjoy an amazing Christmas in Paris, as a couple or with family, without emptying your cash. Especially if you are a lover of these holidays and want to find the most iconic places to plan your trip in December.
If you have already had the opportunity to discover our hotels in Paris city center, and you are ready to plan your Christmas activities, you should know that in Paris you will find a wide range of things to do since it is the most anticipated time of the year for all French people.
The Paris Christmas markets are a must-visit for any lover of the holiday season. Found in the eighth arrondissement of Paris between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe, the Marché de Noël des Champs-Élysées is among the most significant events in the city. Metro Line 1 will let you off either Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau or Charles de Gaulle – Étoile stations, therefore reaching this market. Alternatively, you may use bus lines running along the Champs-Élysées, 42, 52, and 73. There are wooden cottages with lights, handcrafted presents, gourmet cuisine, vin chaud (mulled wine), and the finest Christmas mementos there are. Locals remark that it is a classic Parisian experience that travelers should not miss if they’re visiting the city during this season.
The great thing about these markets is that they usually open in November and are open from 11 AM to 8 PM, but sometimes stay open later. For example, the popular Marché de Noël de la Gare de l'Est is a family-friendly market located in the 10th arrondissement, at 18 Rue de Dunkerque. To get there, hop on Metro lines 4, 5, or 7 and get off at Gare de l'Est, or take buses 30 or 38. If you're near Gare du Nord, it's a quick 15-minute walk, and trust us, you won't regret visiting it, because there you'll find local specialties like chestnuts and gourmet chocolates that will blow your mind.
Another Christmas market that you shouldn't miss on your trip is the Marché de Noël de Montmartre. This smaller market is nestled in the beautiful hilltop of Montmartre, offering breathtaking views of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Here, you can find unique handcrafted products and jewelry while strolling through the Place des Abbesses square. To get there, take Metro Line 2 to Abbesses station or Metro Line 12 to Pigalle station, both are about a 10-15 minute walk away, or just take the bus lines 30, 31, and 80.
On the other hand, a trip to France isn't complete if you don’t visit the Eiffel Tower, especially if you're coming after December 11th. During the Christmas season, the tower offers a spectacular light show every hour after sunset, and you can stroll through the Trocadéro Gardens, adorned with lights and snowflakes. The best part is that this is a free activity where you can walk around the Eiffel Tower and its esplanade, and even meet Santa Claus on December 11th, 12th, and 15th. To inject some thrill, however, get tickets ahead of time to visit the first or second floor eateries or go straight to the top to grab lifelong memories.
You must reach the Champ de Mars region in Paris's seventh arrondissement in order to get there. Metro Line 6 will therefore get you to Bir-Hakeim station. But since Trocadéro station has one of the most amazing views of the gardens, we advise using Metro Line 9 there. Furthermore, bus lines 42, 69, and 87 stop close to the Eiffel Tower, therefore getting there won't be any issue.
If you still doubt enjoying Christmas in Paris this year, take into account this: 2024 is unique as the Notre Dame Cathedral is expected to reopen after years of renovation. Moreover, the surroundings of the church are constantly covered with lights and decorations. Thus, here you may also savor candlelight ceremonies and choral performances, thereby uplifting your spirit with respect and happiness.
Moreover, Notre Dame Cathedral is situated in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, at the Île de la Cité, in the center. Take Metro Line 4 and get out at Cité station to go there; the cathedral is just a short walk away. Alternatively, while you will have to travel a little bit longer, you may take Line 1 and get off at Châtelet, which is adjacent. Likewise, bus lines 21, 38, 47, and 85 have stops near the cathedral and are the best option to enjoy the view on the road.
On the other hand, a very popular activity among locals is ice skating, because the city's filled with rinks throughout December. One of the most popular is La Patinoire de l'Hôtel de Ville, located in the City Hall with the impressive Hôtel de Ville as a backdrop. This is a magical experience, where admission is free, and skates can be rented for a small fee.
You'll find this ice rink right in front of the Paris City Hall, in the 4th arrondissement. To get there by public transportation, you can take Metro lines 1 and 11 to Hôtel de Ville station. Or, if you prefer to enjoy the city, take the bus lines 38, 47, and 67, which have stops nearby.
The Grand Palais, housed in Paris's eighth arrondissement, most especially on Avenue Winston Churchill, is another lovely indoor ice-skating rink. Start your journey via Metro Line 1 from Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau stop. Alternatively, only a few minutes' walk from the skyscraper, Metro Line 9 stops at Franklin D. Roosevelt station. Should your inclination be for the bus, routes 28, 42, and 73 will get you close by.
Christmas in Paris is incredibly cherished by locals, because it's the perfect time to savor traditional French cuisine. So, there are various seasonal dishes that you shouldn't miss, like the bûche de Noël, a cake made of sponge cake and buttercream, with variations with chocolate, hazelnuts, etc. This delicacy can be found in all Parisian pastry shops and throughout different regions of France, and it’s connected to the Celtic tradition of the Yule log.
Another seasonal dish is foie gras, a between-meal appetizer often paired with a glass of sweet wine. This delicious duck or goose liver pâté can be found mixed with figs and is only enjoyed on special occasions, that’s why it’s essential in Christmas celebrations. Also, another emblematic dish from the region is the galette des rois or king's cake, which, although commonly consumed in January, but the French enjoy it starting in December.
But traditions are not only culinary, and you must take this into account if you want to experience the real Christmas. So, get ready to explore neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre because they come to life with impressive decorations on all their streets.
However, in addition to the dazzling displays, pay attention to family traditions, especially crèches, which are handcrafted nativity scenes that include figurines that represent local culture and history. Another very representative tradition of France is El Sapin de Noël, which consists of decorating trees to celebrate the winter solstice. Although today it is not an exclusive tradition of the French, the traditional tree symbolizes the renewal of life and is decorated with fruits and flowers.
On the other hand, if you're looking to book a memorable dining experience during your trip, you must reserve a table at Le Train Bleu. This restaurant has been declared a historic monument due to its stunning decor and specialization in gourmet French cuisine. You'll find a very special Christmas menu there, making it an excellent choice for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. It's located in the heart of the Gare de Lyon in Paris, near the Bastille and the Port de l'Arsenal, specifically, at 207 Rue de Bercy. To get there, you can take metro line 4 to Cité station or line 1 to Châtelet station.
Bouillon Chartier is another establishment providing a fantastic experience without straying from budget. Renowned for providing reasonably priced classic French food, this is a real Parisian institution having origins in 1896. It's in the 9th arrondissement at 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre; you may go there by metro line 9 to Grands Boulevards station. Alternatively, buses 20, 39, and 48 also stop nearby.
Another Michelin-starred option is El Violon d'Ingres, a gourmet place where you can spend an unforgettable Christmas dinner. This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in terms of quality and price, because the chef's food is amazing. Locals recommend two great house classics: sautéed sweetbreads with vin jaune sauce and millefeuille with its light vanilla cream. So, don’t forget to book in advance, the restaurant is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, and you can get there by taking metro line 8 to the École Militaire station.
A Seine River cruise is another fantastic option for your Christmas in Paris. Appreciating well-known sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Orsay Museum can help you to see the city from a different angle. Depending on the trip, you could decide to just enjoy a sightseeing cruise or have a great lunch or supper. Though there are night cruises too, most sightseeing trips finish at 6:00 PM.
Additionally, sites like Tiqets or GetYourGuide let you rapidly get tickets or online with GetYourGuide (especially advised during winter when tickets sell out fast.) Alternatively, you might purchase tickets straight at the embarkation sites along the river.
Another activity you can do if you want to explore beyond the city is day trips to nearby destinations. One of the prettiest options is Versailles, especially during the Christmas season, because the palace and gardens are beautifully decorated. Making it the ideal place to take photographs and explore an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This city is only about 20 kilometers from Paris, and you have several options to get there:
1. RER C train: You take it from the Gare d'Austerlitz, Champs de Mars, or Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame stations. The trip takes 30 or 40 minutes to the Versailles Rive Gauche station, and from there you will walk 10 minutes to the Palace of Versailles.
2. SNCF train: You can take it from Gare Saint-Lazare to the Versailles-Chantiers station or the Versailles-Rive Droite station. From both stations, you can walk to the palace in about 15-20 minutes.
3. By Bus: Take bus 171 from the Pont de Sèvres metro station (Line 9). This will take you directly to Palais de Versailles in approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Another great option is to visit Giverny, the former home of the impressionist painter Claude Monet. The charm of the town and Monet's house is a tour that you cannot miss because it is very easy to get there. It’s 75 kilometers from Paris, and the most convenient way to get there is by train. Remember that bus services are not recurring, so you can opt for a private tour.
Get there by rail from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, the nearest station. You may get a bus (line 60) or a cab from this station. Giverny is around five kilometers away, hence the rail trip takes forty to fifty minutes; the bus or cab travel from Vernon to Giverny takes fifteen to twenty minutes.
Christmas in Paris is a very beautiful experience that every traveler should live alone, as a couple, or with family. Because it's a nice environment, and not just because of the twinkling lights, holiday markets, culinary delights, and rich cultural experiences. This is a city that offers anything for everyone, and its inhabitants really love Christmas. So, whether you're ice skating, taking a photo with Santa Claus under the Eiffel Tower, or attending a holiday concert, the holiday spirit is always burning here.
The Marché de Noël des Champs-Élysées and the Marché de Noël de la Gare de l’Est are the most popular Paris Christmas markets, because you will find a wide range of artisan goods and delicious treats.
If you’re looking for stunning displays you should go to Champs-Élysées, Place Vendôme, and Boulevard Haussmann. They had some of the most dazzling decorations around the city.
Be sure to taste bûche de Noël and vin chaud, as well as seasonal delicacies like foie gras and galette des rois.
Yes! Many churches and concert halls feature special Christmas performances, along with festive markets and other holiday events throughout the city.
If you want to take a new adventure near Paris, please visit Versailles or Giverny. These are charming holiday experiences that you can live with a short train ride away from Paris.
NH Paris Champs-Elysées is located in the 8th arrondissement, a chic neighborhood where many of Paris’s shopping destinations and must-see cultural landmarks are located. Thanks to the hotel’s excellent location, you’ll find that the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde as well as the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the President of the French Republic, are all either within walking distance or within direct metro access.
NH Paris Gare de l’Est is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on the right bank of the River Seine. It’s opposite Gare de l’Est train station and is only an eight-minute walk away from Gare du Nord. The hotel sits in a cosmopolitan and multicultural neighborhood, which is also home to two magnificent markets and is known for Canal Saint-Martin, which offers a great number of informal restaurants, hip bars and attractive shops.
NH Paris Opéra Faubourg is locate on Rue La Fayette in the 9th arrondissement (Opéra) of Paris, between Montmartre and the antiquarian district of Drouot. As a result, it’s within walking distance of some of the main tourist attractions in the city. For example, both Opéra Garnier and Galeries Lafayette are only a 15-minute walk from the property. Meanwhile, Boulevard Haussmann, which is home to many high street fashion brands, is just 10 minutes away. Other points of interest, such as the Louvre, Place Vendôme and Sacré-Cœur are within 30 minutes on foot.
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