Surprise Christmas Getaway to Paris
Boy do I feel lucky, I have just come back home for a surprise trip from Paris, that my husband organised for our son and I. I have never been to Paris in December, but I can tell you, it was a beautiful place to soak in some Christmas spirit with all the Christmas markets, flower shops, window displays and decorated streets. There are Christmas markets scattered all over town in different areas. We Stayed in the corner of rue Cler, in a small boutique hotel ( Motte Picquet) located in the 7th arrondissement just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower and generally a great location for seeing all the places. We stayed from Tuesday morning until Friday evening, so we got to see a lot during those days. On average we walked around 15km per day, which is why we saw so much of Paris but we also moved with the metro (it was located close to our hotel), which made it easier to travel longer distances with our toddler.
Paris in December is a city wrapped in festive charm. The streets sparkle with twinkling lights, and cafés spill over with warm drinks and seasonal pastries. From the enchanting Christmas markets scattered around town to seeing Christmas trees through Parisians windows, the city feels like a living winter wonderland. Whether you're strolling down the grand boulevards lined with elegant holiday window displays or enjoying a cozy evening at a Parisian bistro, the magic of Christmas in Paris is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the sights. It’s the perfect time to embrace the city's cozy elegance and timeless holiday spirit. We basically ate our way through Paris, we had beef tartare and escargot every single day and stopped for cheese, patés and croissants numerous times and enjoying cosy little cafes and restaurants to escape the cold weather outdoors. It was the season to enjoy oysters and champagne and made me teary eyed when we rode fairytale-like carusels on beautiful squares. The city came to life after dark and the entire trip was a feast for the eyes. Here is a quick summary of some of the areas we visited.
The stunning flower shop on Rue Cler
Rue Cler
Rue Cler is one of Paris' most charming market streets, a delightful blend of local tradition and artisanal flair. Tucked in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, it’s where Parisians come to shop for fresh produce, gourmet treats, and holiday essentials. In December, the street is particularly enchanting, with festive stalls selling Christmas trees, rich pâtés, and decadent chocolates. We were lucky to stay just a stone’s throw away, so every evening we dined at the cozy cafés along the avenue, tucked into heated verandas despite the winter chill. There’s something magical about watching the street bustle with holiday spirit while enjoying a warm meal, feeling like a true Parisian in the heart of this intimate neighborhood.
Saint Germain
Christmas market in Saint Germain
Saint-Germain-des-Prés in December is nothing short of magical. The neighborhood, already brimming with charm, takes on an extra layer of warmth and festivity as holiday lights twinkle along its elegant streets. The cafés, with their iconic green awnings, become cozy refuges where locals and visitors alike enjoy hot drinks and seasonal pastries, like rich hot chocolate and buttery croissants. The shops, from chic boutiques to artisanal chocolatiers, display their best holiday offerings—luxurious scarves, hand-crafted gifts, and elegant decorations. With fewer crowds than in the summer months, December offers a more intimate, peaceful way to experience the area, whether you're strolling through the frosty Luxembourg Gardens or exploring the lively marché de Noël nearby. It’s a perfect time to soak in the timeless beauty of Saint-Germain, wrapped in the soft glow of Parisian winter. There where a few Christmas stalls by the church, adorned with twinkling lights, offering a wide array of seasonal treats and gifts, from artisanal cheeses, truffles from Italy and hot roasted chestnuts to hand-made scarves, and crafted chocolates, mulled wine, and other French festive specialties. We had lunch twice at Saint Germain, just because the atmosphere was so good in the area. We had Oysters both times, crab, moules marinieres and tartare. I can highly recommend both restaurants : located on 11 rue de Buci called: L'ATLAS and Huguette located on Rue de Seini, both very close to each other.
Île Saint-Louis
Île Saint-Louis is one of Paris’ most enchanting and serene neighborhoods, located on a small island in the Seine River, just a stone's throw from the bustling heart of the city. With its narrow, tree-lined streets, charming 17th-century buildings, and quiet atmosphere, the island feels like a peaceful escape from the city's energy. It's a perfect place to stroll, with quaint boutiques, ice cream parlors (don’t miss Berthillon for their famous sorbet), and lovely cafés dotting the island. For a memorable lunch, head to Le Saint Régis or Cafe Med, a classic Parisian bistro with a cozy, intimate vibe. Located right on the island, it serves delicious French comfort food like escargots, duck confit, and perfectly prepared steak frites. With its warm ambiance and traditional menu, it’s an ideal spot to relax and soak in the charm of Île Saint-Louis.
Crossing over river Seine after seeing the Notre Dame to Île Saint-Louis
La Marais
Le Marais main street
Le Marais is one of Paris' most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, blending history, culture, and a lively modern energy. Located in the heart of the city, it stretches across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is known for its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful historic buildings, and trendy boutiques. Once the aristocratic district of Paris, Le Marais is now a lively mix of art galleries, hip cafés, designer shops, and hidden courtyards. It’s also home to some of Paris' most significant landmarks, such as the Place des Vosges, the Picasso Museum, and the Musée Carnavalet. Whether you're exploring its medieval lanes, enjoying its fashionable vibe, or indulging in delicious food, Le Marais offers a unique blend of old-world Parisian charm and contemporary style.
Christmas Markets & Sites
Place Vendome- a favourite carusel to ride
Tuileries garden christmas market
There were alot of rides from a ferries wheel to carusels and other amusement park style rides to have fun on. There were raclette stations, to mulled wine and even oysters with champagne. Close to this market was another market that we missed (by one day), as it was opening on December 14th. The Christmas market expands from the Hotel de Ville to the Place de la Concorde, that is supposedly is beautiful. It had Christmas trees everywhere and looked rather chic.
Christmas Market on Quai Branly - close to the Eiffel Tower
Window Displays all over town
Beautiful Flower stores everywhere
Montmartre
Place Dalida
Montmartre, often associated with its iconic landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur and bustling tourist spots, still retains hidden corners where the true spirit of this bohemian neighborhood lingers. Beyond the crowds of Place du Tertre, Montmartre feels like a small village in the heart of Paris, with its winding streets, old-world cafés, and timeworn façades that tell stories of artists, poets, and revolutionaries. The charm of Montmartre lies in its authenticity—quiet alleyways like Rue de l’Abreuvoir, where ivy-clad houses stand beside little vineyards, and local bistros serve simple, hearty meals. It’s a place where Parisians come to live, not just to visit, and its lively markets, neighborhood bakeries, and intimate corners make it one of the last spots in Paris where the "village" feeling is still alive. For a truly non-touristy experience, it’s best to wander without a plan, get lost in its winding streets, and take in the old Paris that still quietly flourishes here.
Other Beautiful Spots we came across when walking
Beautiful flower market on Place Louis Lépine
Favourite style little road markets- found a lovely hand painted picture of a Parisian building
Louvre- it was truely magical in the dark, also the majestic buildings all around.
