Paris

Paris in December is like stepping into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of warm pastries wafting through the air. Let’s craft a delightful 5-day itinerary that includes cozy coffee spots and all the magic the City of Light has to offer!

Day 1: Arrival and Montmartre Magic

Morning:

• Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel. If you’re near Montmartre, you’re in for a treat!
• Start your day with a warm cup of coffee at Café des Deux Moulins, famous from the movie Amélie. Enjoy a buttery croissant to kick off your Parisian adventure.

Afternoon:

• Stroll through the charming streets of Montmartre. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning views of the city.
• Explore the artistic vibe of Place du Tertre, where you can watch artists at work.

Evening:

• Have dinner at a cozy bistro like Le Consulat.
• After dinner, take a leisurely walk to see the Christmas lights along the streets. Don’t forget to stop by the Moulin Rouge for a photo op!

Day 2: Classic Parisian Landmarks

Morning:

• Start your day with coffee and a pain au chocolat at Café de Flore, a historic café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
• Head to the Louvre Museum. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the lines!

Afternoon:

• After exploring the Louvre, take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden. If it’s chilly, grab a hot chocolate from a nearby kiosk.
• Visit the Orangerie Museum to see Monet’s Water Lilies.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Le Fumoir, just a short walk from the Louvre.
• End your day with a Seine River cruise to see the city illuminated at night. It’s magical!

Day 3: A Day of Culture and Shopping

Morning:

• Grab a coffee at Café Angelina, known for its rich hot chocolate. It’s a perfect winter treat!
• Visit the Musée d'Orsay to admire Impressionist masterpieces.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Champs-Élysées for some holiday shopping. The festive window displays are a must-see!
• Stop by Ladurée for a macaron break. Their pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious!

Evening:

• Dine at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, famous for its steak-frites and secret sauce.
• If you’re up for it, catch a show at the Opéra Garnier or a cabaret at Crazy Horse.

Day 4: Day Trip to Versailles

Morning:

• Start with a quick coffee at your hotel or a nearby café.
• Take the RER train to Versailles. Explore the stunning palace and its gardens (though they may be less vibrant in winter, they’re still beautiful).

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at La Petite Venise in the gardens of Versailles.
• Continue exploring the estate, including the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.

Evening:

• Return to Paris and enjoy dinner at Chez Janou, a charming Provençal restaurant.
• If you’re feeling festive, check out the Christmas markets around the city, like the one at Les Halles.

Day 5: Relax and Reflect

Morning:

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café de la Paix, a stunning café near the Opéra.
• Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral (check for any restoration updates) and stroll around Île de la Cité.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Latin Quarter. Stop for coffee at Café de la Nouvelle Mairie and soak in the bohemian atmosphere.
• Explore the Panthéon and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens.

Evening:

• For your final dinner, treat yourself at Le Train Bleu, a stunning restaurant in the Gare de Lyon.
• End your trip with a nightcap at Bar Hemingway in the Ritz, where you can toast to a wonderful Parisian adventure!

Tips:

• Dress warmly! Layers are key in December.
• Don’t forget to indulge in seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and vin chaud (hot wine) from street vendors.
• Make reservations for popular restaurants to avoid disappointment.

Enjoy your magical winter getaway in Paris! ✨