Experience Christmas in Paris Like a Local

Regarded as the most beautiful city in Europe and known as the city of light, Paris is the home of haute couture and the capital of high gastronomy. It is also filled with several must-see places, and is a simply stunning city for Christmas shopping.

The Champs-Élysées is one of the world's most famous streets and host to some of the most lavish houses for sale in Paris. The most expensive property in Paris this year was sold for over 240 million euros. Several of the most famous French monuments are located on this street, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde.

In the build up to Christmas, the Champs Elysées resembles a fairy-tale, with thousands of sparkling lights and windows complete with Christmas displays. With several apartments for rent in Paris at this time of year, there is no better place to stay.

On the street, the Maison Ladurée, which has mountains of delicious macarons on display, is not to be missed. You can take the opportunity to bring home some of the special Christmas flavored macarons, beautifully wrapped for the perfect gift.

If you are tired from all the Christmas shopping, take a break by trying some mulled wine (vin chaud) and freshly roasted chestnuts, known as “marrons”, at the Christmas market located in the Champs Elysées. To sample a wonderful holiday atmosphere and to get some color on your cheeks, you can even find an outdoor ice-skating rink there.

The best place to escape the cold after a long winter day is in the elegant tearoom of Angelina on Rue de Rivioli, near Place Vendome. Warm yourself up with their renowned hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and their special pastry, the Mont Blanc.

Just a few steps from the Champs Elysées you will find Avenue Montaigne, another street famous for its exclusive houses, sparkling with Christmas decorations. While an average property for sale in Paris goes for an average of 10,000 Euros per square meter, Avenue Montaigne has seen apartments selling at close to 50,000 Euros per square meter.

With a property here, your neighbors will include; Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Bulgari to name but a few. Another well-known upscale establishment on this street is the Plaza Athénée hotel, which recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary, although it is currently closed due to a substantial make over and expansion.

In the Atrium of Galeries La Fayette on Boulevard Haussmann you will find a grand standing, 20 meter tall Christmas tree and a Christmas decoration overload, which proves that when it comes to Christmas cheer, there really is no better city than Paris.

Merry Christmas et à bientôt!