A Romantic Christmas Escape to Paris

The temperatures are dropping in Paris, and it’s that time of year when we start thinking ahead to the holidays. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and soon the first signs of the Christmas holiday season will start appearing in the shop windows and with the colorful lights up and down the streets of Paris. We love the atmosphere and undeniable romance of Paris during the holidays, with the excitement of holiday shopping in the air and all the little cafés where you can warm up with your loved one while sipping a vin chaud. If you’re thinking of doing something special for the holidays this year, why not plan a romantic escape to Paris? The City of Light is a beautiful backdrop for making Christmas and New Year’s memories of a lifetime!

 

Romantic Things to See & Do in Paris for the Holidays

Paris has a romantic charm during the winter, and even more so around Christmas and New Year’s. If you haven’t been to Paris in the winter before, here are some of our favorite things to do during the holidays in Paris for inspiration!

 

Christmas Lights on the Champs-Elysées 

The Champs-Elysées is at its most elegant during the holidays when it’s decked out with lights and filled with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Parisians and visitors alike hit this grand promenade to enjoy the holiday windows, see the light displays and do a bit of shopping at some of the biggest names in fashion. Even if you’re just window shopping, the holiday atmosphere is festive along the Champs-Elysées!

 

Paris Christmas Markets

For a different type of holiday shopping experience, head to a Marché de Noël, or Christmas market, to find all kinds of traditional crafts, decorations and Christmas items on display. One of our favorite Christmas markets is at the Trocadéro just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a vin chaud, or mulled wine, while strolling through the wooden chalet-style stalls and picking out some Christmas treats like gingerbread and other specialties. Find out more about all the Christmas markets in Paris here.

 

Ice Skating in Paris

Hold hands while ice skating on one of the romantic icons of Paris – the Eiffel Tower. Yes, you can actually ice skate right on the Eiffel Tower! Or if you prefer a view with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop, head to ice rink at the Trocadéro Christmas Market just across the Seine. One of the largest rinks in Paris is set up in the large square in front of the Hôtel de Ville. Bundle up and enjoy a unique winter experience while ice skating in Paris!

 

Warm up at a Paris Café

After ice skating or meandering through the streets of Paris, there’s no better way to warm up than with a vin chaud at a little café. While the outdoor tables are only for the bravest souls, step inside where you’ll find a cozy setting. While warming up you can plan the rest of your day exploring Paris or simply sit back and enjoy watching Paris life go by outside.

 

Holiday Shopping in Paris

For a grand holiday shopping experience in Paris, head to the Grand Magasins, or department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps near the Opera Garnier in the 9th arrondissement. We love stopping in to see the Christmas decorations on display under the beautiful dome at Galeries Lafayette. If you’re looking for something special as a holiday surprise for family and friends back home, the Grand Magasins are a great spot!

 

Winter Walk in the Snow

If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris when the city is covered with a blanket of snow, you’ll find an enchanting winter setting. Wrap up and enjoy a romantic walk along the Seine or through the Champ de Mars gardens just after the snow. Paris is even more romantic with a dusting of snow!

 

A Romantic Holiday Stay with Paris Perfect

If you’re planning a getaway for the Christmas holidays or looking to spend a romantic New Year’s Eve in Paris, our vacation rentals are a wonderful choice! Enjoy a cozy and romantic setting right in the heart of Paris where you can savor the charms of the Parisian lifestyle in your own home away from home in Paris. Wake up in the morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with fresh croissants or pastries from a local bakery, spend your days exploring Paris’ famous museums and landmarks and return home to your Paris Perfect apartment for a romantic evening at home. Many of our Paris vacation rentals, such as the one bedroom Volnay, feature stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Make a toast to an unforgettable holiday in Paris this year!

When you rent an apartment in Paris you’ll enjoy a comfortable setting and the charms of living like a Parisian. Shop at the local open-air markets and stop in the neighborhood specialty food shops to pick out all the ingredients you’ll need for a gourmet dinner at home. At our Pomerol one bedroom vacation rental you’ll be right at the famous Rue Cler market street! Shop alongside Parisians at one of Paris’ best market streets and enjoy dinner at home with views of the Eiffel Tower from the Pomerol.

Our apartments are located in lovely neighborhoods where you can walk to excellent restaurants, cafés or brasseries for a romantic evening out. When you return home you’ll be treated to marvelous views of the Eiffel Tower as is sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights during the magical light show every hour on the hour!

Holiday bookings go fast for Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Paris! If you’re thinking of a romantic escape this holiday season, contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect Paris vacation rental for your holiday vacation.

 

Photo credits: Paris ornament by LenDog64, Lights on the Champs-Elysées by Trey Ratcliff, Paris Christmas Market by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Ice Skating in Paris by Laura Thayer by majunznk, Parisian Café at Christmastimes by Joseph M. Marti, Galeries Lafayette Christmas by Gabriele Barni, Christmas at Notre-Dame by Laura Thayer, Pont Alexandre III by Jean-François Gornet

Posted on Monday, October 29th, 2012 at 1:35 pm in See & Do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.