Christmas market, Paris, France by Evan Bench

Once you’ve arrived in Paris, there are many markets to explore, and during the holiday season you’ll find that stalls pop up throughout the city. Little groups of wooden chalets offer a wide variety of delicacies and gifts from all over France, and they have become a traditional part of the Parisian Christmas season. Whether you’re on a family outing or are indulging in a wintery romantic break, the markets are an ideal place to find a few Christmas gifts and keepsakes. From homemade treats, including sausages, gingerbread and mulled wine, to handcrafted toys and gift ideas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Christmas markets of Paris are found scattered throughout the city, and one of the largest takes place on the Avenue des Champs- Elysées. In 2012, it opens on November 19th and stretches between the Place de la Concorde and the famed Champs- Elysées roundabout. Elsewhere, if you’re looking for a festive market ensconced in modern architecture, visiting La Défense is ideal. Here, you’ll find 350 stands in a vibrant and Christmassy atmosphere, all offering mouth watering foods and gifts to tempt you.

If you’re travelling with children, then Paris offers some ideal festive markets that are aimed towards keeping youngsters amused too. The Trocadero’s Christmas Market and Ice Rink has over 120 stands, but also offers snow villages and an ice-skating rink to enjoy. Meanwhile, Santa’s Village at Saint-Germain-des- Prés won’t fail to keep the family entertained.

Christmas Market on the Champs, Paris, France by Evan Bench

With Paris being so simple to get too, it’s easy to make a day trip to the French capital. A channel crossing is ideal if you want to really feel like you’re going abroad, allowing the British coastline to fade away, and the thrill of nearing a new nation to cause excitement. For families, such a route is ideal, allowing children to have space to stretch their legs and indulge in the adventure. Meanwhile, sailing across beautiful seas with the spray below and blue skies above will truly get any romantic trip well underway.

Christmas is a great time of year to take a holiday, and though most people try to spend December 25th with close family and friends, enjoying a few days off earlier in the month is a great way to get into the festive spirit. The Parisian markets are a wonderful place to browse and shop whilst letting the Christmassy ambiance thrill you. And, if you’re looking for the perfect wintery day trip this year, heading to see the Paris markets will give you an entirely new take on this beautiful European city.

A-087262, a freelance writer, provided this article for P&O Ferries. The opinions expressed are those of the author and any data provided does not originate from P&O Ferries. The following is a link to the P&O homepage - https://www.poferries.com/

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Olivier Bruchez

This 50 meters high and 45 meters wide arch was built by Napoleon Bonaparte as a sign of his power and victory of the Great Army – Grande Armée in many battles. Its designer was the French architect Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin. The construction started in 1806 and lasts the entire 30 years. Last update was completed in the year 1836, during the reign of Louis Philippe d’Orléans.

Triumphal Arch became almost immediately an important place for great national celebrations and funerals. Also, the deceased Emperor Napoleon was in 1840 transferred through the Arc to Les Invalides during the funeral ceremony. In the 19th century, Baron Haussmann decided to transform the image of the city and Arc de Triomphe became the center of Paris. Today, the Arc is a cross of 12 wide boulevards. The site is known as the Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile and is bordered by the main transport arteries, which actually form the first organized roundabout in the world.

The main facade of the arch is decorated with four massive statues showing a victorious battles of the French Revolution in 1789 and the First French Empire. Along the top edges are shields engraved with the names of battles of the Great Army. Following the model of Roman arch, the Arc de Triomphe is amended with The National Anthem of France also known as the Marseillaise, made by the sculptor Francois Rude.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Paul

If you want to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Paris, take the elevator to the observation terrace on the upper floor. From a height you can see the Louvre, Place de la Concorde – the largest square in Paris and the modern district La Defense. You will appreciate the pleasant atmosphere in the local museum, or watch short films about the Arc.

The arch serves as a national monument to all Frenchmen, fallen in many wars that took place and still take place anywhere in the world.

Under the Arc are also the remains of a major French poet, writer and author of Les Miserables, Victor Hugo. Currently, the Arc de Triomphe serves as the end of Tour de France.

Paris offers lots of holiday apartments for rent, camping sites or luxurious hotel rooms so it should not be a problem to choose the right accommodation for you.

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