a view of the Eiffel Tower

There are a number of wonderful activities for the holiday season in Paris if you are lucky enough to be visiting this beautiful city during the weeks including the last part of November through Christmas, 2011.

One of the top tourist holiday activities in Paris is the viewing of Christmas lights which you are staying in the city of lights. This can be a romantic way to either start of end an evening. Beautiful lights can be found decking the many restaurants and shops along the Champs-Elyses where there is an estimated 2 kilometers of twinkling tree lights strung from the Place de l'Etoile and the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. The flagship Printemps Haussman department store district northwest of the landmark Opera Garnier is beautifully decorated with take your breath away window displays. Walk a few steps down Boulevard Haussman to catch the display at the famous Galeries Lafayette department store. Use metro stop Havre Caumartin.


A second top holiday activity in Paris are the Christmas markets, better known as Marchs de Nol. Holiday markets are popular all over Europe and they are especially nice in Paris. The quaint Christmas markets are a big part of the City of Lights holiday tradition and are something that has not been duplicated in the United States. One very popular Christmas market is the Champs- Elyses Christmas Village along the Avenue des Champs-Elyses. There are decked out glistening white booths selling everything from holiday crafts and ornaments to gourmet food and gifts. There is a different theme every year in order to make a fresh experience every year. The market is open from Thanksgiving until a few days after Christmas. A second Christmas market is located just off the Champs- Elyses named the Place Saint Sulpice, which is open from December 11 until December 24th. At the Saint Sulpice market there are many local artists selling themed artwork in metal, wood, and glass as well as local organizations selling crafts, cards, and other homemade unique items. Another very convenient and quaint holiday market is the Jardins du Trocadro with over one hundred stands, a view of the Eiffel Tower, and a surprise ice-skating rink. This holiday market with a view is open December 9th to December 29th and is a great idea to combine shopping with a trip up the Eiffel Tower in the early evening.

Copyright 2011 Jean-Pierre Prieur Internet Marketing Coordinator for parisfrance Best Booking online - Hotels in Paris -