Paris: Top Christmas Markets
If the thought of struggling to find a parking space and buying yet another pair of socks fills you with doom, a short break in France could be just the ticket to put the fun back into Christmas shopping.
In Paris you’ll find some of the best – and most elegant - Christmas markets in Europe. At the beginning of December, the French capital offers a great selection of traditional-style chalets and tastefully decorated stalls across the city.
The markets sell a variety of goods from crafts and trinkets to clothing and decorations, and are illuminated with twinkling fairy lights late into the evening.
The Ten Best Christmas Markets that Paris has to offer are:
1. Place Saint Sulpice
Dates: November 29th- December 2nd, December 6th- 11th, December 6th - 24th
Address: Place Saint-Sulpice 75006 6eme, Paris.
Nearest Metro: Saint Sulpice
One of the busiest markets in the city is actually three fairs rolled into one grand event. The “Village de Noel”, which is a Christmas Village, opens for the month. The square is transformed into an artist’s showcase, where 60 artists gather to sell their work. At the beginning of December, local groups and charities sell their art and produce, including reasonably priced hand-made cards. Scrumptious French-Canadian products will also be available (try the maple syrup lollipops).
2. Marche Saint- Germain
Dates: December 5th-31st
Address: Place Saint- Germain Des Pres, 75006, 6eme, Paris.
Nearest Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Pres
In the bustling Latin Quarter, this market attracts big crowds next to the L’Eglise Saint-Germain. It’s a traditional market, with local produce and seasonal activities.
3. Maison d’Alsace
Dates: December 1st- 28th
Address: 39, Avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008. 8eme, Paris.
Nearest Metro: Etoile
The biggest Christmas market in France may be located in Strasbourg, but this collection of stalls is its smaller, less crowded twin. It’s known for selling plenty of French and German produce, such as pain d’epices and vin chaud. These are sold alongside retro wooden toys and handmade tree decorations. The most magical feature of all, however, is a giant (700-square-meter) advent calendar, counting down the days until Santa’s annual visit.
4. La Defense
Dates: November 29th- December 29th
Address: Metro La Muette
Nearest Metro: La Defense.
This may be out on the outskirts, but is very accessible and is not only one of the biggest, but also one of the more established Parisian Christmas markets. It has a vast amount of fairy lights and decorations. Best to go in the evenings, when everything is switched on. If shopping among the stalls gets too much, a quick skate on the ice rink will help you get back into the mood.
5. La Maison du Limousin
Dates: November 27th- December 24th
Address: 39 Avenue Des Champs-Elysees, 75008, 8eme, Paris.
Nearest Metro: Havre Caumartin
The Marche de Noel Limousin is great for regional honeys, chocolates, jams, bonbons, liquors and other local products such as the famous Limoges porcelain.
6. Les Feeries d’Auteuil
Dates: December 1st-24th
Address: 40 Rue La Fontaine 7501
Nearest Metro: Jasmin
This market hosts some incredibly glam stalls selling a range of high quality products including foie gras, champagne and chocolates alongside upmarket tree decorations, jewellery and other gifts. Organised by a charity called Fondation d’Auteuil, the market also holds an annual nativity display. Take a break, grab a bite and join other shoppers for coffee in the market’s onsite bistro.
7. Les Halles
Dates: 5th- 24th December
Address: 101 Porte Berger, 75045 Paris Cedex 01
Nearest Metro: Les Halles and Châtelet
The market of choice to rub shoulders with the locals. Parisiens love it! There’s lots of haggling over traditional meats, bread and cheeses. Once you’ve marvelled at the food, browse traditional stalls selling handmade chocolates, and unusual art and craft.
8. Gare D’est
Dates: Throughout December
Address: 10th arrondissement, Paris
Nearest Metro: Gare d’est
Drop by on your way to Gare de la Nord at the end of your break in Paris. It may not be the most iconic or traditional of markets but stalls have a range of French specialities, making you the most cultured Santa of the season.
9. Montparnasse
Dates: December 1st-31st
Address: Centre commercial, Maine-Montparnasse, Paris, 15eme
Nearest Metro: Maine-Montparnasse
This is the foodie market of choice. Prepare to have your senses bombarded with an overwhelming choice of gastronomic delights. Sniff smelly cheeses, salivate over eye-watering cakes, and sample an array of delicious wines.
10. Disneyland Paris Christmas Market
Dates: 8th November- 6th Jan
Address: Disneyland Resort
By RER: line A – Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station.
Not many venues can “do” Christmas as well as The Happiest Place on Earth™. There’s a great cheesey Christmas market onsite to preoccupy families in the Disney village. A thousand fairy lights hover above endless stalls and chalets. Then introduce the kids to the resident elves, musicians and giant toys housed in luminous spheres.
Added 2008/11/20 @ 17:57:41
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