Christmas in Paris

Christmas in Paris is said to be magical. It’s already one of the world’s most magical cities and has always been one of my favorite destinations. So, with the opportunity presenting itself to me, off to the city of light I went.

Let me preface this by stating flights to Paris this year were outrageous. With that said, opportunities can be fleeting and if you do not take opportunities that present themselves to you, you may never get that chance again. You work hard in life to make your dreams come true. Well, at least I do.

During a bomb-cyclone winter storm event, I was surprised that our 787-8 flight had no hiccups. Christmas and storms don’t mix well but luckily our inbound flight was from Barcelona. We left Miami just after 19:00 in this gorgeous wide-body jet to arrive at Charles De Gaulle at just after 10:00 on Christmas morning. What a Christmas present it was. With our bags in tow, we made our way to the train station and then to our hotel, Hotel Saint Christophe.

It is a cozy 6-story hotel in an early 19th-century building situated in the Latin Quarter at 17 rue Lacepede, 75005 Paris France. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, newspapers, safes at the 24-hr reception, and a luggage room in case you arrive early and want them to hold your luggage until time to check-in.

Our room was cozy …..

Paris is notorious for having small hotel rooms. If you’re going, you should expect that. Additionally, when looking for a room, if you see 3-stars, you should also know that that represents the amenities (elevator, a/c, breakfast)  the hotel has and not how luxurious it may be.  The hotel is only steps away from the metro (expect tons of stairs). This provided ease of bopping around the city at our own pace. (TIP – If you have an Android phone, you can download an app to purchase and store your metro tickets on your phone and just tap the phone to enter the metro-very easy.) While the room was small, the hotel was in a perfect location.

On the first day, we took it easy. We enjoyed strolling the area as the Latin Quarter has always been a favorite. Located by plenty of restaurants and shopping as well as parks and metro stations, it’s a great area to stay in for seeing the city. The Hotel St Christophe is 15 minutes on foot from the Gare d’Austerlitz. The Pantheon is situated on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, in the 5th District of Paris, 10 minutes on foot from the Hotel St Christophe. In the heart of the 5th District of Paris, Hotel St. Christophe is just 200 yards away from the beautiful Jardin des Plantes (botanic gardens).

You can check out my vLog from the first 48 hours in the video below.

Paris is a city that exudes romance and enchantment, making it the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. During the Christmas season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive lights and decorations adorning the streets and buildings. Whether you’re looking to experience the city’s cultural attractions, indulge in delicious French cuisine, or simply relax and take in the sights and sounds of the season, there’s something for everyone in Paris at Christmas.

One of the most iconic attractions in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, and there’s no better time to visit than during the holiday season. The tower is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a stunning sight against the night sky. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a climb up to the top for a panoramic view of the city. 

Another must-see destination during the holidays is the Champs-Elysées, the famous shopping, and entertainment district. The avenue is adorned with festive lights and decorations, making it a beautiful place to take a leisurely stroll and do some holiday shopping.

You’ll find everything from luxury boutiques to department stores, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can stop and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

 Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without indulging in some of the city’s world-famous cuisine. During the holiday season, there are plenty of festive culinary experiences to be had, such as the traditional French Christmas feast known as Le Réveillon. This lavish feast typically includes dishes such as roast turkey, ham, and roast beef, as well as a variety of side dishes and desserts. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, there are plenty of bistros and brasseries throughout the city that serves hearty winter dishes such as coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon.

In addition to its culinary delights, Paris is also home to a number of cultural attractions that are worth exploring during the holidays. The Louvre Museum, for example, is a must-see for art lovers, with its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from around the world. The Notre Dame Cathedral is another iconic landmark that is especially beautiful during the holiday season, with its stunning Gothic architecture and festive decorations.

If you’re looking for some holiday cheer, there are also a number of Christmas

markets and festivals that take place throughout the city. One of the most popular is the Christmas Market at the Tuileries Garden, which features festive stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and decorations to hot food and drinks. Another popular holiday event is the “Féerie de Noël,” a dazzling Christmas light show that takes place at the Palais de la Découverte.

Paris is a city that truly comes alive during the holiday season, with its festive atmosphere, delicious food, and rich cultural attractions. Whether you’re visiting with your significant other, your family, or a group of friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this magical city at Christmas time. So why wait? Start planning your holiday getaway to Paris now and experience the magic of the season for yourself.