Joyeux Noël, Happy Holidays

What’s there to do in Paris during the holidays? Check out ÉCU’s guide to holiday time in Paris. Click on the links for more information.

 

 By Sophie Nellis

  

1.   Do some window shopping. Paris’ department stores – Galeries Lafayette, Au Printemps and BHV go all out during the festive season, with haute couture-meets-Christmas window displays and fabulous lighting. This year, the fashion designer JC de Castelbajak designed the Christmas lighting for the façade of BHV. Inspired by one of his favourite motifs, the rainbow, this colourful light show will brighten up even the darkest of winter days.

 

 

2.   Take a turn on The Big Wheel. Located at Place de la Concorde, The Big Wheel offers spectacular views of Paris (until 20th January).

 

 

3.   Visit a Christmas Markets. There are Christmas Markets dotted all over Paris in December, from La Défense to the Champs Elysées to Saint Germain des Prés. Whether you’re looking for a cup of vin chaud and some roasted chestnuts or hoping to pick up an unusual gift, the Marchés de Noël will certainly put you in the festive mood.

 4.   Get your skates on! From 18th December, there will be ice rinks at both Hotel de Ville and Gare Montparnasse. A great opportunity to a) make a fool of yourself and b) burn off some of those Christmas calories. Festive exercise!

 

5.   Jours de fêtes in the Grand Palais.  Held in the Nave of the Grand Palais, this is an exceptional event for all the family. Traditional fairground attractions, children’s games and a magical lightshow, specially designed by François Austerlitz, will create an enchanting fairytale-like atmosphere. Plus, to celebrate the centenary of the birth of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt, a bunch of international gypsy jazz musicians will be joining in the party (from December 18th to January 1st).