Ahhh. Une Christmas vacation à Paris is sheer bliss.
There are few tourists and no long lineups, just the pure joy of living as Parisians do. Watching as they go about their Christmas and daily shopping while an ex-pat, student, secretive Parisian lover, or outsider lives amongst them. The only real visitors in town appear to be citizens of France doing their Christmas shopping in the glowing and sparkling City of Lights.
Paris’ Spectacular Holiday Window Displays
In early November, the historic department stores of Paris unwrap their highly anticipated holiday window displays with sparkling lights, magical soundtracks and animated characters. These unveilings are perhaps one of the best parts of spending the holiday season in Paris, and no further evidence than in the famous Christmas windows of the Galleries Lafayette Haussmann.
The famous Parisian department store has celebrated the festive season for over a century with memorable, magical experiences and entertainment. To mark its 130th Christmas in 2024, Galeries Lafayette is gearing up to create more everlasting memories for its customers from Paris and beyond. Visitors to Paris can look forward to the most captivating and magical festive atmosphere ever—a fabulous way to wrap up Galeries Lafayette’s 130th year running from November 8th to December 31st!
Image courtesy of sortiraparis.com
A Paris Christmas Brunch at the Jacquemart-André Museum
When you step into the Jacquemart-André Museum, you are crossing the threshold of the private residence of a “Couple of Collectors.” Edouard André spent his vast fortune on acquiring works of art, which he exhibited in his new mansion, built on Boulevard Haussmann and completed in 1875. In 1881, he married the well-known artist Nélie Jacquemart, and the two devoted their lives to collecting the extensive works of art now on exhibit in their residence. Sunday brunch at their ‘home’, one of the essential meeting places in Paris, the new Café Nélie, offers an enchanting atmosphere in the heart of the works of art, a spacious terrace with a breathtaking view of the garden, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris—delicious pastries made by some of the best pastry chefs in Paris, such as Nina Métayer. For their spectacular brunch, try to arrive by 11 to avoid the brunch line, as the café does not accept reservations. Afterward, view the many rotating exhibits of this petit musée or see the private collection of this famous Parisian couple. For its first exhibition after more than one year of renovation work, the Musée Jacquemart- André will present around 40 masterpieces from Rome’s famous Borghese Gallery. This exceptional partnership between the two institutions will give the public a unique opportunity to admire in Paris an ensemble of major works by well-known artists from the Renaissance and Baroque periods rarely loaned outside Italy, from Caravaggio to Rubens, along with works by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Veronese, Antonello da Messina, and Bernin, from September 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
A personal favourite and a must-visit, whatever the season, is Lionel and Dominique’s De Vinis Illustribus, a fabulous wine cellar established by Lionel in 1994. With a treasure trove of rare and vintage wines, this Left Bank wine cellar showcases Lionel’s passion for vintage wine – the oldest bottle dates back to 1811 and will regale you with stories of estate auctions and unique wine tastings. Lionel and Dominique offer wine lovers (including this one!) a one-of-a-kind, personal experience, including tasty tastings (Mailly Champagne and an old Comté cheese), expert wine advice from a superb selection of vintages, and entirely curated dinners with tastings in their authentic cellar in the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter. During my last visit to Paris, I sampled Lionel and Dominique’s extraordinary hospitality and purchased bottles. Looking for the perfect, unique Christmas gift for that oenologist on your list? Consider one of Lionel’s “anniversary wines,” a vintage wine corresponding to the year the person was born.
A Luxe Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Paris
Ahhh, the simple joys of a wonderful cup of tea,
served in the sumptuous splendour of the Four Seasons George V Paris. And especially at Christmas, where wvery detail invites you to revel in the festive spirit, wrapping you in a warm and cozy atmosphere filled with joy and celebration. Don’t let the address throw you off your quest for pampering and experiencing some Paris luxury. Make your reservation, shine your shoes, wear a jacket or hat, and enjoy this unique style experience. Indulge in some seasonal splendour in Four Season’s serenity with their renowned service, opulent surroundings, and white glove attention.
Off the Tourist Path in Paris
When you think about Paris, which followsummer does ALOT; you probably think about the Eiffel Tower, Bateaux Mouches rides on the Seine or perhaps un café or demi-litre of white wine in cozy, cobbled pavement cafés –the usual, touristy things to do in Paris. Why not wander away from the ‘usual suspects’ and explore more unusual things to do in Paris, experiencing a taste of what local Parisians enjoy daily? Check out these 10 followsummer Paris tours to add to your next visit!
Paris has charmed everyone
Paris charms everyone
with her vibrant streets, high art, superb cuisine and astonishing architecture. The City of Lights exudes authenticity, romance, and style that no one can resist and is a city of many beauties, offering something for everyone – lovers, artists, arts and culture enthusiasts, fashionistas, foodies and many others. It will inspire you, mesmerize you and make you fall in love with it. Especially at Christmas!
Joyeux Noël depuis Paris !
World Traveler, Writer, and Blogger, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the followsummer.com travel blog. Come, travel the world with me and my experiential eye!
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