Hi all:
Thinking about coming to Paris area around Christmas time this year.... what are the best markets in Paris? Other ones that are not too far by train outside of Paris? Any other good Christmas-y things?
Thanks!
Kim
Posted by
Setubal, PT
44 posts
Hi Kim, I spent the holidays in Paris last year. I especially liked the markets at the Tuileries, the 15th
Arrondissement, and the Alsatian market. Those three left me sated, as I’m not a big shopper. At the Tuileries market, I treated myself to a fabulous bouillabaisse lunch and bought some gifts I saw no where else. At the Alsatian market the cookie assortment left me speechless. The beer, fromage, and charcuterie vendors were fabulous. All were very handsome, charming, (sigh) and generous with samples. Of course I spent some euros. Vice La France! Check out the timing on that one because it’s only there a few days. (The market across from the Eiffel Tower was crowded was crowded and boring.)
A highlight of our trip was the Festival du Merveilleux at the Musee des Arts Forains in Bercy - check it out. Great fun. Easy to get to via metro. Truly a magical experience, so festive, unlike anything you’ve ever done I expect...
Parisinfo.com
Paris insiders guide: 10 best Christmas Markets
Posted by
11 posts
Paris Christmas Market: La Defence Christmas Market (its just okay). Take Metro Line #1 towards La Defence. (it's the last stop)
Outside Paris Christmas Market: city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region. Freaking blow your mind huge Christmas markets. The best market in the Pairs area. 1.5 - 2.0 hours train ride from Paris. Buy tickets up to 120 days in advance to save money. Train tickets are expensive.
If you want Christmas markets that are truly fantastic and cannot be beat, go to Germany. Munich. Wurtzburg, Rothenburg. And, the best of the best in German Christmas markets: Nurnberg
Posted by
22 posts
We are heading there this Christmas as well! I put the Festival du Merveilleux on our list! Really nice to hear from people who've been there, done that. Thanks for taking time to respond!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
I was in Paris last December and really enjoyed the market at theTuilleries. The food was fabulous - everything you can imagine, and lots of hand crafted items and friendly vendors. I also liked the market near Notre Dame at Place Viviani. The market at St. Germain des Pres is small, but it was pleasant to stroll through. I did not like the market at La Defence. It is very large, but also seemed very commerical with lots of vendors hawking their goods. I barely spent and hour there.