Best Christmas Markets in Paris

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities during the winter festive season as people wrap up in their warmer clothes, sip vin chaud and even the historic monuments and landmarks around the city seem much more beautiful bathed until a winter light, illuminated by Christmas decorations and lights.

By Go City Expert
magical-christmas-market-spirit-paris-france

One of our favourite things to do this season is to visit the Christmas Markets that pop up across the city from the end of November until the New Year. We decided to visit them all – all in the name of research!

christmas-market-france-cute-snowman-decoration

LA DEFENSE Perfect For: Its Size and Location With more than 300 small wooden chalets surrounded by the sky-scrapers of La Defense, it’s the biggest Christmas market in greater Paris. There are all kinds of objects, decorations and French culinary specialties, which make this place a lot of fun. Of all the Christmas markets in the region, the one in La Défense is probably the most traditional because of its size and ambiance. Pretty iconic though to have such an authentic market in the heart of Paris’ most modern business district! Hours: 11am to 8:30pm every day until 28th December 

CHAMPS ELYSEES Perfect For: Its Village Fair Ambiance And Decorations Located between the Place de la Concorde and the Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées, people mostly come here for the entertainment, the view and the decorations. Although there are certainly Christmas-themed stands present, many stands here are selling items you could find in any shopping center. It can also feel like a bit of an amusement park with an ice skating rink, classic fair attractions and stands representing different countries (Brazil, Italy and more). That said, there are many original boutiques, including one of small sculptures made out of dried autumn leaves. Hours: noon to midnight, every day until 4th January 

GARE DE L’EST Perfect For: Traditional Gifts From Alsace So if the best Christmas markets are in Alsace...and the market at Gare de l’Est train station is from Alsace...it is only logical to say that the market at Gare de l’Est is...the best...right? Wrong! Although it is very nice and quite small, its spirit and essence has been drained out by the local boutiques. The regular shops inside the train station forced the Christmas market to relocate from inside the station to outside the station, and the neighboring shops managed to force the Christmas market NOT to sell traditional hot wine! Yet it’s still the best place to be if you are looking for something traditional from the Eastern part of France. Hours: from 9am to 8pm every day until 19th December 

SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES Perfect For: Location (At the foot of a 1,500 year old church) It is one of the best Christmas markets in terms of location, as it is right at the foot of Saint Germain des Prés church, known to be one of the oldest churches in Paris. For the rest though, it’s not as lively and fun as at La Defense and the Champs-Elysées. That said, it’s a great thing to have such a market in the Saint Germain neighborhood, and you will find everything from soaps to arts & crafts from Azerbaijan. Here, the Christmas spirit is still present through the authentic-looking wooden stands and, of course, inside the magnificent church. Hours: 10am to 7pm every day until 2nd January 

NOTRE DAME Perfect For: Made In France Products This Christmas market in front of Notre Dame Cathedral might not be the biggest one in Paris, nor the most beautiful, but it surely is one of the most authentic ones. Here, you won’t find any “Made in China” objects. The 40 stands are operated by traditional craftsmen happily sharing their passions. Every day, several animations such as demonstrations and children workshops are a delight for both young and old. A great place to stroll through jewelry, ginger bread and traditional French foies gras. Hours: from 10am to 8pm until 23rd December

And those are our picks of the best christmas markets in Paris! Why not make the most of your festive trip and pick up a Paris pass? That way, you'll get to see all the city's best bits and save while you sightsee!

Go City Expert
Paris Travel Expert

Build your unique Paris itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (2-17)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Disneyland Paris
Blog

Free things to do near Disney Village

Discover all the magic of Disney Village and its surroundings without denting your bank balance.
Cafe de Flore
Blog

Cafe de Flore, Paris- A Timeless Institution in Parisian Café Culture

From celebrity customers to its centuries at the forefront of Parisian cafe culture, here’s why you should be visiting Café de Flore for 'un café ou deux'. This Parisian institute is one of the most renowned cafes in Paris and is about as classic as it gets, with its crisp white marquee and overflow of customers relaxing at chic tables outside. Although the hot chocolate and lovely setting are more than enough reasons to visit, it’s Café de Flore's illustrious history that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It's the perfect representation of Parisian cafe culture. Located on the Seine’s picturesque left bank between the fifth and sixth arrondissements, this Art Deco destination has been featured by the likes of Vogue Australia, Goop, Time Out Paris, and more. Unsurprisingly, it’s topped many Parisian guidebooks as a must-visit place, especially for those who love literature, fashion, and art. In fact, the cafe is lined with works of art by the master artists who used to frequent Café de Flore. 5 Famous Quotes about the Cafe de Flore 1. "Now that he has disavowed as outright lies many of the stories he told himself, it's hard to know what to make of those who still insist that David Brock had it right the first time." - Jane Mayer 2. "If not absolution, I yelled, give me oblivion." - Kiran Nagarkar 3. "If God is not an active part in your friendships, you are missing one of life's most important treasures." - Beth Moore 4. "Day must be an exciting friend, but night is a truthful one." - Himanshu Chhabra 5. "Cafe De Flore speaks of love, its joys, its pains, and its dramas - to love and to lose. This story upset me, I was upside-down, in the depths of myself." - Vanessa Paradis. Cafe de Flore - one of the best cafes in Paris Dating back to 1887, this charming establishment has long attracted big names to its front doors. For years, it was the place to be and be seen (plus get into a debate or two) as many a great mind frequented the premises. Named for a statue of the Goddess of Flowers that used to sit opposite the street, it quickly became a St Germain institution. The great French poet Apollinaire would later invest in the spot and attract other literary types including Aragon, Andre Breton, and Philippe Soupault to its tables. It’s a stretch, but the cafe claims that it was the ‘birthplace of surrealism’ - regardless of whether it was or not, it’s a place where the movement found its feet. More about the history of the Cafe De Flore in Paris In the early 1900s, Cafe de Flore became a landmark Parisian spot with a reputation for attracting the most forward-thinking types. Descartes, Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, Trotsky, and more begin to frequent the cafe - all thriving and humming with promise despite the gloomy German occupation in World War 2. The cafe endured the Nazi regime as a hidden sanctuary for the free-thinkers and soon attracted creative types from all industries over the ensuing years. Cinemaphiles like Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino; the big thinkers like Roland Barthes and Jacques Lacan; sartorialists like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Paco Rabanne - they all found refuge here. Naturally, the crowds, keen to catch a glimpse of the big names, began to flock to the cafe and brought big business with them. That takes us to the present day, now that it’s become a beloved tourist destination and a spot that even celebrity cafe regulars will sometimes brave the crowds for. With its bright red flowers, crimson couches, and vintage furniture, it’s no surprise that it’s been featured in popular films (such as the one literally named after it) and television shows like Gossip Girl as a chic Parisian hangout. Cafe de Flore Paris menu Now that you have the lowdown on the cafe’s long history, it’s time to understand why people keep coming back to this classic spot. If you’re looking for some of the best coffee in Paris, the beans and brew at Café de Flore is top of the line, and apparently, Robert de Niro even has it delivered straight to his hotel room when he’s in town. Be sure you don't miss one of the best hot chocolates in Paris, as its chocolate chaud is off the charts: thick, creamy, and served with a side pot of Chantilly cream. If you’re visiting any nearby tourist spots on the left bank, we’d recommend stopping here for a delicious omelette and a coffee to start the day. And it goes without saying that if the weather’s warm and sunny, you simply must sit outside on the terrace at Café de Flore. In the early evening, it also becomes a popular apero spot where you can grab a glass of wine and people watch. Just bear in mind that as it’s a popular joint, the prices can get a little steep - maybe have a couple here and then move on to another bar if you’re going to make it a long night.   5 interesting and unique facts about Cafe de Flore Paris   Historical Roots: Café de Flore is one of Paris's oldest coffee houses, with its story starting in the late 1800s.   Famous Patrons: It's been a favorite spot for well-known writers, thinkers, and artists like Georges Bataille and Pablo Picasso.   Birthplace of Ideas: There's a belief that Café de Flore is where the surrealist movement kicked off, making it a key place for creative minds.   Timeless Decor: Inside, you'll find a classic Art Deco style that hasn't changed much since the 1940s, with red seats, dark wood, and mirrors.   On the Silver Screen: The café has made appearances in films and TV, like "Les Amants du Flore" and "Emily in Paris".   A Mix of Views: Though it's loved by many visitors, some locals aren't as impressed, saying it's too busy and not as great as its reputation suggests. Where to find Café de Flore in Paris  The address is: Cafe de Flore, 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France Experience everything Paris has to offer with The Paris Pass® Planning your Paris trip? With The Paris Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️
Megan Hills
Paris Airport to City Travel Options
Blog

Paris Airport to City Travel Options

If you're flying to Paris this year, you'll need to know what travel options you have to get from the airport to the city! In this guide, we'll break down the best ways to do it - best take some notes. Including: Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Train Paris Visite travel pass Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Buses Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Train If you fly directly to Paris, you'll likely land at Charles de Gaulle Airport. It's Paris' only public airport, and nearly every international flight will land there. Thankfully, train services run directly from the airport to the city center, so catching a train is definitely an option. It's called the RER B, and we're going to learn all about it down below. All three terminals have train stations, and you'll find it easy enough to follow signs to find them. If not, there are information kiosks dotted throughout the airport that can help. However, if you land in Terminal 3, you will need to take a 5-6 minute shuttle bus to get to the nearest station, but they're free and run constantly. The trains themselves depart every 10-15 minutes, so you won't have to wait long. It won't take you long either, as a train from Charles de Gaulle to the city center should take around 25-30 minutes, depending on your destination. But what about cost? Well, adult tickets cost under €12, and kids travel for €8, which makes it a very cost-effective mode of transport. It is worth noting that you cannot book these tickets in advance. Instead, every station at the airport has ticket machines that accept international credit and debit cards. If you hate machines and would rather avoid using our future overlords, kiosks with humans are also at each station. God bless the human touch. Paris Visite travel pass Of course, if you plan to spend a few days in Paris and want to avoid buying ticket after ticket, you could purchase a Paris Visite travel pass instead. Pick the number of days you want to travel and play a flat fee for unlimited rides on all public transport. With the Greater Paris Area ticket, you can use it to get from the airport to the city center. However, the Greater Paris Area ticket is more expensive than the Paris Only ticket, so it's worth weighing up the cost benefits of using the pass when compared to the RER B's ticket prices. As an example, a 5-day Paris Only pass costs under €44 for an adult, but increases to around €75 for the Greater Paris Area (which includes the airport). Describing the comparison can be tough, so your best bet is to check out the price comparison available on the passes website. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Buses If you don't mind taking the slower, longer option on this list, then all aboard the bus express! Well, it's just a bus, but you can still hum the children's song as the wheels go round and round. The thing is, the bus isn't even the cheapest option available. Tickets are €15-€18, so it's more expensive than the train. It also takes an hour to reach Paris, and that's on a good day. The problem with buses is they're prone to traffic jams, and Paris is a busy city. However, if you insist, you can catch the Roissy Bus from every terminal; they run from 6AM to 8.45PM, leave every 15 minutes, and you can buy your ticket from the driver. But really, considering the other options on this list, is it worth lugging heavy travel cases on board, only to have a longer, more expensive journey? We think not. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare In this digital age, rideshare services like Uber are all the rage. Not only can you book ahead of time, but you'll also know the likely exact cost of your trip, avoid any tomfoolery regarding meters, and can follow your journey through GPS. So, if you're okay with spending a bit more, you can get a direct trip from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb. Make sure you've got Uber or G7 (a Parisian booking app) installed before you book. Download them at home, or use the airport's wifi to get them when you land. Prices depend on the time of day and busyness, so we can't really give you an estimate. However, it should be close to €35-€40. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis If you prefer old-school classic over new-age progress, you could get a taxi instead. You'll find taxi ranks outside each of Charles de Gaulle Airport's arrival halls - just follow the signs. There are some things to bear in mind when booking. Firstly, taxis are legally obligated to use meters, but that doesn't stop some shifty sorts from avoiding these and trying to scam unsuspecting tourists out of their hard-earned money. Always discuss the fee/meter with a cab driver before getting in. If they refuse to use the meter, move on to the next one. You could even report them to the taxi company if you want some sweet revenge. Depending on your destination, expect taxis to be between €50-€60. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer If you're looking for a more personalized experience, you can get a private transfer that'll pick you up from the airport, carry your bags to and from the car, and will tailor the experience to your needs. Fancy a chat? Most private transfer drivers speak fluent English, and they can fill you in on local hot spots or things to avoid. Need a bit of peace and quiet? Let the driver know, and they'll leave you to it. Such a personalized experience will set you back a few more euros, but you can book your trip months in advance, so you can remove the cost from your vacation allowance entirely! With services like Welcome Pickups, you'll pay just shy of €70 for the privilege. However, those extra €10-€20 might be worth it for peace of mind. Now you know how to travel to Paris, you may need some vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary. With the Paris Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Guided Climb
Louvre Museum

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Tour
Tours de Notre-Dame de Paris