Traditional Christmas markets can be found all over the world, but there are few as magical than the ones to be found in Paris. The City of Light is a special place to be during the festive season as it transforms itself into the magical city of Christmas lights.
It has to be said, winter in Paris is always pretty cold, but there’s always something going on to take your mind off of the crisp December air. If it’s Christmas markets you’re after, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. If you’re staying in Paris short stay apartments from thesqua.re then you just might be able to get round them all, if not, here’s a selection of some of the best places to shop in Paris at Christmas.
Champs Elysées
The big market right in the centre of Paris, sparkling and huge. There are more than 200 wooden chalets here with many wares on offer, local, regional and international. The market stretches up the famous street from the Arc de Triomphe, all the way to the Ferris Wheel that is located in Concorde Square.
This is a market which is best visited at night so you can take in the Christmas lights which are a spectacle all by themselves.
Esplanade de la Défense
Sticking with the large market theme, at over ten thousand square metres this is easily the biggest Marché de Noël in Ile de France and it is probably the favoured Christmas market by local Parisians.
Specialising in Christmas decorations and festive trinkets, this market also hosts an impressive ice skating rink.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Take in a bit of culture while you enjoy your Christmas shopping as this market is situated right next door to the famous cathedral. This is a crafty market, made up of over forty designers, sculptors and also performers.
Its stand out feature has to be its huge Christmas tree, right in front of the cathedral which many people use as a back drop to make their own Christmas cards.
Gare de l’Est
A Parisian Christmas market that doesn’t have its main influence from France. Instead its speciality is food and drink brought over from the Alsace region, which has much more of a German influence. White wines, gingerbread, sauerkraut and bretzels are the order of the day here.
Montparnasse
This is one of the most famous of the Christmas markets, but mainly amongst locals as it is a little way off of the tourist track. Its setting is right in front of the Montparnasse tower and it is very close to the Breton neighbourhood. Why not pop over there for a crêpe once you’re done with your shopping
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