Last Sunday, we were in Paris picking up Marc’s parents and applying for Ellie’s American passport at the embassy. I’m so glad we decided to schedule the appointment during the Christmas break because we were able to spend more time in Paris during the holidays (we got engaged in Paris 4 years ago over our first Christmas break in France).

There’s just something really magical about Christmas in Paris. The streets are decked out in sparkly lights, made even more beautiful by the constant glow of the rain, and the old buildings and streets seem to provide an instant sense of nostalgia – even if you’ve never visited before.

At the same time, Paris has a way of doing Christmas that seems so grand and opulent. Between gorgeously lit landmarks and intricate window displays, there is no part of the city that is lacking in Christmas spirit.

After our dinner at Le Madeleine 7, we headed to the department stores to see this years lights – not my favorite, but still pretty cool – and the animated windows at Printemps.

Then we walked to see the Champs-Elyseés to see the lights, but there were lights everywhere in between.

On Monday morning, we went straight to the embassy for Ellie’s appointment, but afterward we had lunch and went back to the Champs-Elyseés to see the Christmas market that had been closed the night before.

We got Ellie’s first Christmas ornament and looked at all the interesting things there were for sale. I debated having some vin chaud, but decided against it because I knew I had some at home waiting for me.

Even though it was a short visit, I’m always happy to spend some time in Paris, especially this time of year. I’m already mentally plotting ways for us to move there in the future. But for now, we’re back in Amiens with our baby girl waiting to celebrate her very first Christmas.

Stay:

Hotel Mercure Royal Madeleine

29 Rue de l’Arcade
75008 Paris, France

Eat:

Le Madeleine 7

7 Boulevard de la Madeleine
75009 Paris, France

See:

Paris Christmas Market

Avenue des Champs-Elyseés

Printemps

64 Boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris, France