Can a trip to Paris possibly live up to the hype? The answer, according to guest blogger Jacinda Tutty is a resounding yes!
From the designer clothes, glittering fairy lights, and enchanting displays in the windows of Galleries Lafayette to the snow powdered trees lining the boulevards, hot chocolate at Cafẻ de Flore and macaroons from Laduree, Paris is your one stop shop for decadence and design.
For all our friends living in the Southern hemisphere whose Christmas comprises of a plastic tree, over indulging at lunch and then passing out in a heat induced food coma, the winter wonderland of a Parisian Christmas is sure to be the answer to every white winter fantasy you’ve ever had. Even those cheeky ones!
There is so much to do in Paris so it’s best to go in with a plan. It is a huge city and can often be tricky to find your way around, so come armed with a map, token touristy cameras, walking boots and every layer of clothing you can slip into your warm winter coat because let me tell you. It. Gets. Cold.
Start the morning at 10am (let’s face it, what sane European is up before then – you’re on holiday – sleep in!) and check out the sprawling display of Christmas markets lining the Champs Elysẻe near the Place de Concorde.
It’s full of sweets, Christmas trinkets, souvenirs and traditional Parisian food but best of all – warm Nutella crepes. One of my best memories is standing by the fire salivating over a warm Nutella crepe and making use of my high school French to order in le francais. Un Crepe Sil Vous Plait!
Macaroons at Laduree
Stroll along the Champs Elysẻe with the glittering displays from Louis Vuitton dancing to your left and designer paradise to your right until you come to…heaven. Imagine the best dessert you’ve ever had. Got it? Now times that by 1 million and you’ll get Laduree. A regular in television and films such as Gossip Girl and Marie Antoinette, Laduree has become famous worldwide for their decadent desserts and mouth watering macaroons. Don’t be surprised if there is a line outside, but stick with it. It will be worth it. I promise. Sure they’ve recently set up shop in Sydney but this is the real deal.
Images courtesy of Laduree Paris
La Grande Roue Paris Ferris Wheel
For those who have seen the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer and Brisbane’s Southbank Eye – add one more to your list and get the best views in town at the Paris Eye near the Place de la concorde. It is 10 EURO to go up for about 20 minute ride. Make sure to bring your camera or simply put up your feet and soak up the atmosphere.
High Tea at Le Meurice
Drink tea in true Parisian style with all the trimmings. Head towards to Le Meurice for their afternoon high tea. It can be a bit pricey but for the beautiful decor and decadent desserts it is worth the price. Escape from the cold and warm up over a selection of different teas, cakes and savoury treats.
Image courtesy of Le Meurice
Christmas Displays at Lafayette Galleries
As the afternoon begins to approach, head down Boulevard Haussmann and marvel at the magical lights and displays in the windows of Lafayette Galleries. Alive with walking toy soldiers, streaming toy trains and a huge Christmas tree, the displays are mixed up every year to make you feel like an eager little kid again keen for the magic of Christmas morning.
Ice Skating at Hotel de Ville
As night approaches don your skates and head over to Hotel de Ville, and get ready to embarrass yourself! Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the ice rink is big enough for you to get into your stride and enjoy the surroundings as you take a few laps of the hotel front. Skate hire is 5 EURO and definitely worth it.
Dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge
Book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment – The Moulin Rouge is something you do not want to miss! You will be enthralled from the second you take your seat and leave a raving worshipping cult member by the time the show is over. The costumes, theatrics, ventriloquists and dancers put on an amazing show!
Images courtesy of Moulin Rouge