Christmas shopping in Paris

Paris is the perfect place for a short winter break and even better Paris has some of the finest shopping experiences on offer ideal for ticking off that Christmas shopping list. A mini-break with sights to see and Christmas preparations all combined together, sounds like the perfect opportunity to take someone special and share in all that Paris has to offer within the festive season.

Known for being the ‘city of love’ Paris becomes even more romantic once the festive decorations line the streets and avenues. Garlands and lights that twinkle and sparkle add a new dimension to the city bringing with it excitement and an essence of magic in the air. Whether it is a few days with friends or a romantic trip for two, a festive break in Paris is sure to delight.

Fully embrace the season by heading for a wander around one of the many Christmas markets that appear in the city from the creative Marché de Noël with an impressive backdrop of Notre Dame to the largest market Les Halles with traditional tasty foods on offer, gifts and even a Christmas tree maze. Or, maybe, La Magie de Noël market at the Tuileries Gardens is the perfect place to soak up a festive carnival atmosphere of carousels, an ice rink and lots of fresh produce, handmade toys and unique gifts set within the glistening lights of the stalls.

Visiting a Christmas market is a lovely way to immerse yourself in the cosy festive feelings that they evoke. The lights, music and tantalising aromas that fill the air are the perfect way to start off a winter break and allow for some unique gifts to be found and fun memories to be made.

Once you have explored the wonders of the markets head to the luxurious shopping avenues to immerse yourself in the world of a Christmas styled by designers from all over the world. Window displays that will make your eyes sparkle and light up, exquisite design and immaculate craftsmanship that create the perfect gift for a loved one back home are all on offer in the city known for being a leader in the world of high-end fashion and design.

Classical and well known for its stylish avenue of shops is the Champs-Élysées which is full of high-quality designers from Hugo Boss, Long Champ, Guerlain, Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s and of course the flagship store of Louis Vuitton. Just off the Champs-Élysées is the Avenue Montaigne where you will find Chanel, Givenchy and many more stores to explore.

Rue Saint Honore has some of the quaintest boutiques and is a much quieter, relaxed shopping area. Brimming with some of the most highly acclaimed designers this is one place to indulge in luxury design. Armani, Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Hermes, Yves Saint Lauren and Valentino are to name but a few.

Just a short walk from Rue Saint Honore will take you to Rue Cambon, the home of Coco Chanel’s original boutique. Here you can not only embrace the history of this highly acclaimed designer but also browse the latest collection.

Avenue Montaigne is another exceptional shopping street that glistens with an avenue of sparkling trees during the festive season. Here you will find Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and at No 30 the original home of Christian Dior. Five stories of pure Christian Dior design to tempt and inspire.

Another way to really embrace and immerse yourself in the Parisian shopping experience during the winter seasons is to head to the Boulevard Haussmann which home to the department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Brimming with high-end stores and fine dining experiences these are department stores like no other. Stunning Art Nouveau architecture, rooftop cafes with views over Paris and festive decorations like those from a magical fairy tale story are sure to excite and fulfil the festive feelings.

Once you have explored all that Paris has to offer during the festive season head home with a heart full of love, precious gifts for loved ones and a head full of memories to treasure and share with family and friends at Christmas.