Europe’s City of Love might have the more romantically-inclined among us reaching for the easyJet boarding passes come 14 February, but winter in the French capital makes it a twinkling mecca that’ll warm the cockles of your heart just as readily – even if you’ll need to bring a few extra layers. Chock full of Christmas markets at every turn, and with a better line in toasty warm wine than most (mais oui!), journey through the city’s arrondissements for a festive trip that’ll have you wholly throwing your arms around Paris.
Fancy more super festive city content? Here are our winter guides to the Nordic gems of Helsinki and Stockholm.
What to eat
Stéphane Jego outside L’Ami Jean / Image: ©Ynote
“Roast capon is definitely the Christmas meal,” says Stéphane Jego, head chef at top Parisian bistro, L’Ami Jean. “At the restaurant, it’s served with root vegetables, such as celeriac, Jerusalem artichokes and parsnips, in their juice. At the Christmas market, meanwhile, I love Piedmont hazelnuts caramelised in brown sugar: they’re what inspired L’Ami Jean’s famous rice pudding dish.”
What to drink
Punters procuring vin chaud, at the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville Christmas market / Image: © Paris Tourist Office - Cédric Helsy
Most countries might have their own take on a traditional winter mulled wine, but unsurprisingly for a place famed for its penchant for a glass of the good stuff, Paris’ vin chaud is up there with the best of them. “The best vin chaud should contain citrus fruits from Corsica, cinnamon, raw sugar and of course a good wine,” says Jego. Readily available throughout the season, head to one of Paris’ many Christmas markets for the full festive experience.
