7 Day Itinerary for the Perfect Parisian Trip during the Christmas Season
Ohhh my very 1st travel blog…. HOW EXCITING! And what better place to start than with Paris. I will add content as I am learning but here goes some fun tips and tricks that I learned on my recent trip to Paris. I went just as the Christmas season started Nov 30th and got to see so many things in a different light. Most times that I went to Paris it was much warmer in the Spring and Summer. Paris is spectacular in the Winter, I hope you consider visiting this magical city during this time of the year.
Paris, the City of Lights, is a dazzling dream that sweeps you off your feet with its charming whimsy, storied past, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the picturesque banks of the Seine, this city knows how to capture your heart, like it has mine.
| Official name | The French Republic |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | “The Hexagon” due to its six-sided shape |
| Population | 2.103 million (68.4 million in France) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Official Language | French/ Le français |
| Best known for | Eiffel TowerLouvre MuseumArc de TriompheNotre Dame CathedralPalace of Versailles |
| Weather in December | 41-46°F (5-8°C). A crisp winter chill with the potential for light rain |
You can fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). It took about an hour to go from the airport into the center of Paris. Because I had all my luggage, I used an uber (the more expensive way to get into the city). Other ways would be to take the train such as the CDG Val or the RER B to get into the city. Depending on where you stay in Paris, I used Google Maps to map out how to get around the city.
If you are a first-timer or a frequent visitor, visiting Paris’s iconic landmarks are a must. No matter how many times I visit this beautiful city, I never get enough of all the places this city has to offer. I listed some of my recommendations
Montmartre, perched atop a hill in northern Paris, is a charming neighborhood known for its bohemian history, stunning views, and artistic legacy. Once home to renowned artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet, it remains an artistic hub with lively street painters at Place du Tertre. The iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the hill, offering panoramic views of the city. Montmartre was also the birthplace of the can-can dance, famously performed at the Moulin Rouge. Its cobblestone streets, hidden vineyards, and vibrant cafés make it one of the most enchanting and picturesque spots in Paris.
Stay tuned- I will write a review on Pink Mamma and post it soon
Paris is known for their high end fashion. Whether you want to enjoy luxury shopping or look around, it is worthwhile to visit these areas during the Christmas season for the beautiful lights and decorations places like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and the iconic Dior flagship stores have to offer, especially on Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint-Honoré. Known as the “Golden Triangle”, this glamorous stretch is where luxury and dreams come true for those who love shopping.
Fun notes: If you are a “Emily in Paris” fan… Emily’s Paris house is just a street over from the Pantheon if you want to take a quick photo (Its on Place de l’Estrapade)
Tips: Make sure to check out my blog on “Different Ways to get to the Château de Versailles from Paris”. I have taken a tourist bus, guided tour, and lastly hopped on the train. I personally enjoyed the train ride the most and it was very easy to maneuver.
When I went to Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios, I stayed closer to the park to be able to enjoy my time here and not have to travel to and from Paris. Although it is an easy hour train ride from the city if you decide to remain in Paris.
Bliss Tips: Buy a Disney Premier Access Pass so you can make use of your time and be able to get on the rides you want.
TIPS: Best rides at Walt Disney Studios
• Pack: Umbrella (for surprise drizzles), thermal layers, and chic walking shoes.
• Must-Try Food: Raclette, crêpes, and macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé.
• Souvenirs: A bottle of French wine, artisanal soaps, or chic scarves.
Experience Paris by choosing one of the Paris Visitor Passes that unlocks exploration in the City of Lights! MY FAVORITE is “Go City” All-inclusive passes. It is expensive but covers ALL things if you are only in Paris for a short time and want to see as much as you can. It includes the Paris Museum Pass for more iconic attractions. The convenient “Go City” app helps you navigate and enhance your Paris experience!
Stay tuned for a detailed chart on all Paris Tourist Passes to compare what is best for you. (I promise to have one up as soon as I figure it out).
TheFork app is an online platform in Europe for booking restaurant reservations, much like OpenTable. It is the go-to app for finding and reserving dining experiences in Europe in cities such as Paris, Vienne, Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, London. The app is owned by TripAdvisor company. It was very easy to use and far more superb then OpenTable in my opinion. They also have a Michelin Guide for those wanting to reserve a fine dining experience (based on availability of course!).
Paris has started to use electronic forms of tickets for the train (metro/train/RER) and bus. I was so worried about going to the train station and having to figure out how to get a day pass or multiple tickets for the day. The IDF makes it easy for you to purchase your tickets ahead of time and scan into the train/bus using your phone. Soooo much easier. The app also allows you to find your destination and routes to get there (although I felt good old Google Maps was easier to find where I needed to go- mostly because I am more familiar with it).
When you download the app, you just need to Sign-In using your email address and create a password (like any other app). Once you are in, you go to the bottom right icon “MySpace” and go to the “My Navigo” area that says “My tickets on mobile” (there is also a option for “My Other Plans” in the event you bought a Navigo ticket at a store or at the station). From there you can go to “Buy a ticket.”
Single Tickets – to buy tickets for one trip. Single tickets for Metro-Train run about €2.50. Bus-Tram tickets are €2.
Day Tickets- to buy tickets to travel for 1-7 days. A 1-day Pass is about €12 (Zone 1-5).
Package- Buy and travel without limits depending on chosen duration (these cover zones 1-5). In many cases, if you are just going around Paris you will only need Zone 1-3). Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) and the famous gardens are in Zone 4. Parc Disneyland/Walt Disney Studies Park are in Zone 5.
Paris “Metro” trains- mainly used within the inner city parts of Paris. Has Metro lines numbered 1-14. The Metro is smaller and can get quite crowded during peak hours.
The RER (Réseau Express Régional)- includes lines A, B, C connecting the city to the suburbs and airports. Typically larger and air-conditioned to cater to commuters.
Tramway – mainly in the suburbs. Includes T-lines 1-13. In many cases you will be using either the RER or Metro within Paris
Bus- Buses run throughout the city, only problem is they can easily get stuck in Paris Traffic depending on the hour.
TAKE AWAYS:
Get a Paris Pass: If you have a short amount of time in Paris and want to see it all. Might save you a little $$. But if you want to see only a couple of things, then you can always get single tickets to the places you want to go. DON’T forget that entrance for places like the Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Arc de Triomph, you will need to buy tickets a head of time (OR ELSE YOU WILL BE IN THE HIDEOUS LINE… Don’t say I didn’t warn you).
You must try Parisian Food: If you are not much of an adventurist when it comes to food… at the very least try a delicious fresh, buttery croissants, Croque-monsieur (you can never go wrong with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich), and Crêpes: Thin pancakes that are filled with sweet or savory ingredients. If you feel more adventurous try another Paris favorite from the list above.
Walk and explore: Paris is full of culture and history. There is history everywhere you walk and explore. It is truly captivating. If you are not a history junkie, there is AMAZING places to shop as well. There is so many wonderful things to see. Paris is a extremely walkable city so enjoy!!!