Whenever someone asks me when the best time to visit Paris is, I always answer, “Christmas,” without a second of hesitation. Of course, a vacation rental in Paris and time spent exploring the city is always enjoyable, no matter when you happen to choose to visit, but if you want to experience Paris at its most magical then December really is the ideal time to plan a trip.
As the year ticks on and temperatures drop, tourist crowds begin to thin out somewhat so that queues for the city’s most famous tourist attractions are at their shortest and much more doable, making it the ideal time to strike a few big-hitters off your bucket list. December is, in my opinion, the best time to visit the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, for example, as you will readily get in without waiting in line for hours and then can easily spend a whole day wandering around, keeping in out of the cold before emerging to finish the day off with a warm meal and a nice drink. It is also the ideal time to visit Paris if you’ve always wanted to head up the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe as, if you’re lucky, you’ll have the top practically to yourself, making it even more romantic and picturesque. Take in those views with a loved one and it will seem like you’re the only people in the world. Plus, in addition to these beloved favourites, certain less well-known attractions are at their most appealing at this time of the year as well. For example, the Rodin Museum’s Sculpture Garden is especially striking in winter with his undulating figures starkly set against a backdrop of bare trees.
As the year ticks on and temperatures drop, tourist crowds begin to thin out somewhat so that queues for the city’s most famous tourist attractions are at their shortest and much more doable, making it the ideal time to strike a few big-hitters off your bucket list. December is, in my opinion, the best time to visit the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, for example, as you will readily get in without waiting in line for hours and then can easily spend a whole day wandering around, keeping in out of the cold before emerging to finish the day off with a warm meal and a nice drink. It is also the ideal time to visit Paris if you’ve always wanted to head up the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe as, if you’re lucky, you’ll have the top practically to yourself, making it even more romantic and picturesque. Take in those views with a loved one and it will seem like you’re the only people in the world. Plus, in addition to these beloved favourites, certain less well-known attractions are at their most appealing at this time of the year as well. For example, the Rodin Museum’s Sculpture Garden is especially striking in winter with his undulating figures starkly set against a backdrop of bare trees.
However, despite this lack of the larger numbers of tourists that descend during the summer months, the city is nowhere near quiet. There is still a serious buzz of excitement among those who are in town and locals alike as festive cheer completely takes over and transforms the city. The so-called City of Light is even more beautifully illuminated as strings of lights twinkle above the streets, elaborate shop window displays act as art-pieces worth wandering around and admiring, and as the Christmas markets that one finds themselves just stumbling upon around the city begin to pop up. Paris is undeniably picturesque on any given day but it is even more lovely during the Holidays. Again, if you’re looking for romance then this is an ideal time to find a holiday rental in Paris and to plan a trip.
Then, of course, there are the specific Christmas attractions to be visited and enjoyed while in Paris in December. The aforementioned Christmas markets are always a must and are the classic European kind of festive fair made up of clusters of Alpine-style wooden huts from which carols and the scent of mulled wine and sweets emanate and gifts, toys, decorations, homewares, local crafts and culinary delights, and more are sold. Wandering around with a cup of something hot between your hands to keep them warm, exploring the various stalls and wares for sale, buying gifts and souvenirs for others and yourself, and enjoying some snacks and street food is always an enjoyable activity but with the famous landmarks and pretty streets of Paris as your backdrop, it is even more magical. Each year, about 15 to 20 different markets pop up around the city but the biggest by far is the market/carnival at the beautiful Tuileries Garden that is one of the most-visited (13 million people normally visit it each year) and most popular examples and boasts rides, an ice-skating rink, a Champagne bar, and more in addition to the regular stalls. For something a little less giant and intense but equally picturesque, there is the Marché de Noel Notre Dame, located across the Seine from the famous cathedral in Viviani Square with the towering spires as a wonderful backdrop. This market specialises in French crafts and gourmet foods and is a more relaxed and elegant affair. There are also many other markets of varying sizes with different specialities and offerings in scenic locations all across the city so be sure to make time to check a few out while on vacation in Paris over the Christmas period!
There are also specific places to go to enjoy the best lights and Christmas displays. A wander along the famous Champs-Elysées will reward you with the impressive sight of some 400 trees strung in shimmering red lights running all the way from the Place de la Concorde up to the Arc de Triomphe. Then go for a potter around the luxury shopping destination that is the Galeries Lafayette for truly sumptuous and fascinating window displays and utterly mesmerising and elaborate decorations and lights indoors – it really is a rather extraordinary sight to behold! If you still haven’t had enough, then a recent addition to the illumination game in Paris is just the thing to add to your itinerary, the Jardin des Plantes! Run by the National Museum of Natural History, this event transforms the botanical garden into a magical wonderland with large-scale lanterns in the shape of all sorts of animals aglow throughout. Especially enjoyable for kids, it makes for a lovely activity, wandering together, hands clasped, spotting dinosaurs, penguins, bears, whales, and more!
Another activity made all the more special and romantic by the mere fact that you are in Paris and have incredible backdrops behind you has to be ice-skating. A staple of family fun and fluttery, hand-holding romantic moments that you remember forever, ice-skating is possible throughout the city but there are some especially scenic spots in which to do it. The Galeries Lafayette, for example, in addition to their astounding light displays, also constructs a temporary ice-skating rink on their rooftop each year. A smaller example, it is a more intimate place to skate, all while enjoying rather extraordinary vistas featuring the Opéra Garnier and the Eiffel Tower. If you want an even better Eiffel Tower backdrop, however, you can’t get much closer (while on ice) than the temporary ice-skating rink that is set up in the Jardins du Trocadéro on the terrace of the Aquarium de Paris, which is just a stone’s throw away with direct views towards that impossibly iconic landmark. Ice-skating here while on holiday in Paris is a truly magical experience that you will never forget.
Another activity made all the more special and romantic by the mere fact that you are in Paris and have incredible backdrops behind you has to be ice-skating. A staple of family fun and fluttery, hand-holding romantic moments that you remember forever, ice-skating is possible throughout the city but there are some especially scenic spots in which to do it. The Galeries Lafayette, for example, in addition to their astounding light displays, also constructs a temporary ice-skating rink on their rooftop each year. A smaller example, it is a more intimate place to skate, all while enjoying rather extraordinary vistas featuring the Opéra Garnier and the Eiffel Tower. If you want an even better Eiffel Tower backdrop, however, you can’t get much closer (while on ice) than the temporary ice-skating rink that is set up in the Jardins du Trocadéro on the terrace of the Aquarium de Paris, which is just a stone’s throw away with direct views towards that impossibly iconic landmark. Ice-skating here while on holiday in Paris is a truly magical experience that you will never forget.
Finally, though importantly, if you are spending Christmas on vacation in Paris then there are some wonderful foodie bits that you cannot miss! A culinary capital, there is, of course, a whole host of delicious things to eat and drink but there are some particular festive treats that are a must. Roasted chestnuts are a key tradition in the city and you’ll find them being sold at Christmas markets, at food stalls and, even, from vendors selling out of shopping trolleys and other makeshift mobile food-selling spots! Served warm, they are the perfect snack to munch on as you wander about the pretty streets of the city. Fresh pastries in the mornings are always a great way to start the day in France but they should definitely be paired with the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted on cold winter mornings. Just the thing to warm you up and start the day off sweet, there are plenty of famous places to get your hands on some in Paris but, mostly, you can order it anywhere in the city and expect a real treat. And if you haven’t had quite enough chocolate after that, then be sure to get your hands on a Bûche de Noël – whole or just a slice. These gorgeous chocolate yule logs are sold in bakeries and supermarkets all over and can sometimes be enjoyed by the slice in cafes. Of course, in addition to the sweets and treats, there is a whole world of wine, cheese, savoury dishes, and more to be discovered as well. You could easily spend your entire trip just eating your way around the city!
Paris is always lovely, that is certainly true, but for the most utterly magical experience of the city, get browsing our vacation rentals in Paris and plan a festive getaway to get truly swept away in the romance, pretty surroundings, twinkling lights, fun, and excitement of the capital of France over the Christmas holidays this year...
Paris is always lovely, that is certainly true, but for the most utterly magical experience of the city, get browsing our vacation rentals in Paris and plan a festive getaway to get truly swept away in the romance, pretty surroundings, twinkling lights, fun, and excitement of the capital of France over the Christmas holidays this year...