4 places to get into the Christmas spirit in Paris

Christmas is fast approaching and the capital is gradually getting into the Christmas spirit. The shop windows are decked out in glitter, green and red, and the gift shopping is starting... Here are four ideas of walks to get into the Christmas spirit in the blink of an eye, before the festive season begins.

The "Grands magasin"

A great classic at this time of the year : the windows of the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann - and they're only a 15-minute walk from our hotel-. Highly anticipated every year, the huge Christmas tree installed under the mythical dome of Galeries Lafayette was unveiled on the 15th of November 2023 : its creation was entrusted this year to Charles de Vilmorin, whose inspiration was baptised "the Christmas of my dreams". Santa's elves can be seen on a twirling tree, shining with a thousand lights.

At neighbouring Printemps, the "Paper Christmas" theme brings colours to Christmas 2023, featuring birds as messengers of happiness, surrounded by floating letters. These must be the lists being sent to Santa's house ! The Printemps de la Mode atrium is also full of pretty surprises, so don't hesitate to push open the doors after admiring the window displays.

On the Left Side of the Seine, Le Bon Marché is keeping to its gourmet inspiration, replacing the elves with big, lovable bears, ready to nibble on your shopping before Christmas dinner, in every room of the larder. Another gourmet palace, La Samaritaine, plunges us into the world of Roald Dahl by recreating a tree inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in its atrium.

Finally, the BHV, the first of all to unveil its windows this year, has opted for a forest theme. We discover the bear, the fox and the hedgehog, all on their way to an enchanted Christmas' Eve, surrounded by a green décor.

Francesco La Corte / Unsplash

Lighting up the Champs Elysées

It's a bit like the start of the festive season : the moment when the decorations and garlands installed on the Champs Elysées are finally switched on. This year, the gong will sound on the evening of Sunday November the 19th. A promise of an even more enchanting shopping trip, from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, on the most beautiful avenue in the world. And don't miss the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme and Cours Saint-Emilion, also beautifully decorated.

Lumières en Seine in St Cloud

Get ready for an immersive and original experience. Since the 17th of November 2023, the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud has once again been hosting the "Lumières en Seine" event : a magical two-kilometre route along which works of art are illuminated, punctuated by visual attractions such as the rainbow trail and the water palace. The tour ends with a well-deserved break with hot drinks and sweet and savoury snacks.

Christmas markets

A must for successful Christmas shopping, for finding original gifts or perfecting your decor, here are some of the most beautiful Christmas markets planned in the capital this year :

• "La magie de Noël" in the Tuileries
• "Le Marché de Noël" at the neighbourhood of Abbesses
• "Le marché de Noël" at Paris Notre-Dame
• "Le village de Noël" on the Parvis de La Défense
• "Le marché de Noël alsacien" at Gare de l’Est
• "Les marchés de Noël" at the Pavillon des Canaux 
• "Les eco-villages de Noël" at la Recyclerie (18e)
• "Le village de Noël" at Hotel-de-Ville

 

Texte : Elodie Lécadieu

Photo de couverture : Dyana Wing So / Unsplash