One of the distinctly Parisian ways to enjoy the city is to get out for a long walk without an agenda or plan, and see what surprises the city holds. The same is true for Paris during Christmas. However, even the most spontaneous travellers and explorers among us know that, on days with limited time, or with bad weather, it is advisable to at least have a rough game plan before any outings. I you want to explore Paris during Christmas but aren’t sure where to start, I have just the solution for you.
This self- guided walking tour and photo essay brings you a flavour of what Paris is like during Christmas. It will also give you a good idea of what you can expect at each location. If you are travelling to Paris or are new to the city, this walking tour will help you navigate some of the most iconic Christmas decorations that you should not miss.
Before travelling to Paris, do make sure you read all about Paris etiquettes. If you are looking for more resources on Paris, here’s a list of my favourite books on France.
Paris in Christmas: Self- guided walking tour with map
Let me be clear, this is by no means an exhaustive list of all the top Paris Christmas attractions. Paris is a huge, bustling city, and each of its districts puts on their own distinct flair when it comes to Christmas decorations, as well as Christmas markets. This list will not point you towards the hidden gems or the secret locals-only Paris Christmas spots.
What this Christmas walking tour with map will do for you, is to introduce you to some of the most glitzy Christmas decorations in the city. Many of the Christmas decorations you would see on this tour have been put up by luxury Parisian stores. While that might not be everyone’s cup-of-tea, these stores do put in a lot of creativity and design in their Christmas decorations, and come up with some truly memorable installations. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, carry on ahead!
This Paris walking tour starts from the 8th arrondissement and ends with the Christmas market at Jardin des Tuileries in the 1st arrondissement. This tour is the perfect way to begin a slow evening walk, and end with delicious food and drinks at an iconic Parisienne marché Noël. Scroll down below for the map and read on to find out more about the various stops in this walking tour.
If you love self- guided walking tours, here’s a Le Marais walking tour curated by me.
Avenue Montaigne
As you get out of Exit 4 in Franklin D. Roosevelt metro station, a surreal sight awaits you. Trees in the whole neighbourhood are draped with pretty fairy lights, giving us passersby an ethereal charmed walkway. The paired back, classy yet festive decorations of Avenue Montaigne will set you in the right mood for an evening of Christmas exploring.
The avenue itself is known for it chic and luxurious boutiques and hotels. During Christmas in Paris, it also becomes a popular place for photo- ops and Christmas- decor spotting.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The Christmas lights on Avenue des Champs-Élysées is an iconic part of the holidays in the city of lights. In fact, the first time the lights go on in December, has now become a much-awaited event in the French capital. It is usually the mayor of Paris who turns on the lights that illuminate both sides of this grand avenue, in a glamorous spectacle attended by both celebrities and the public.
The lights come on every evening during the holiday weeks in December until the end of January. The lights on Avenue des Champs-Élysées stay on from 5pm to midnight.
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde itself is not usually decked out for the Christmas festivities, but it provides a crucial connecting point between various gorgeous streets in the 1st arrondissement that are beautifully decorated for Christmas in Paris. Take a moment to stand in the middle of this important Parisian square and take in the pretty lights on all directions.
Les fontaines de la Concorde or the ornate fountains in the middle of the square sparkle away in the night. While on one side, the Eiffel Tower shines brightly, on the other side, you would notice the festive lights and sounds coming on from the Christmas market at Jardin des Tuileries. To the opposite side of the Eiffel Tower, you can spot the Christmas decor put on by gorgeous hotels, such as Hôtel de Crillon, that line the square.
From Place de la Concorde, take the beautifully lit Rue Royale for the next stop on the walking tour.
Le Village Royal
Walking for just about 10 minutes through the beautiful streets of the eight arrondissement of Paris, behind the wrought iron gate at no 25, you will find Le Village Royal. This is a passageway which now houses upscale boutiques and a couple of eateries.
Besides gorgeously decorated facades and pretty fairy lights, Le Village Royal puts together spectacular, and sometimes elegantly quirky pièce de résistance among their Christmas decor. While one year it was a giant crystal encrusted teddy bear, this year it is a glittering hot air balloon.
Rue Saint Honoré
Walking through Le Village Royal, just a couple of minutes away, you will reach Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. This street is also full of luxury fashion houses and high- end boutiques. This has got to be one of the most glitzy street in Paris when it comes to Christmas decoration.
Every year, stores like Chanel and Dior put together spectacular and often, very creative displays as part of their Christmas decorations. These larger than life installation such as giant bows around a whole building, or having a giant pearl necklace dripping from atop a roof, create a moment of whimsy and wonder for all.
Place Vendôme
This huge square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, built around the Colonne Vendôme, is probably one of the most beautiful squares in Paris. Christmas decorations here do justice to the luxury and glamour that this square has come to epitomise.
Place Vendôme is flanked by glamorous stores and boutiques. As Christmas approaches, the atmosphere in Place Vendôme turns convivial, with touches such as carrousel, hot chocolate and coffee carts popping up for people to enjoy. The Christmas lights enhance the striking architecture of the square, while making it one of the most photogenic places in Paris during this season.
Marché Noel at Jardin des Tuileries
What better way to end a walk during Christmas in Paris, than with some hot drinks at a Christmas market. And the one at Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect address to do just that.
I have to confess I am not always at ease at Christmas markets. Very often, they can get too crowded, too loud and too unruly. However, I really love visiting the Marché Noel at Jardin des Tuileries. It is spread out over a huge area, which means you don’t feel claustrophobic, and it has a huge variety when it comes to the food and entertainment on offer.
I would strongly advice you to wear sensible shoes when you visit the Christmas market at Jardin des Tuileries. By this, I mean waterproof and mud- resistant shoes. There are portions of the market that can get muddy in case of rain. And let’s be honest, Paris gets quiet a bit of rain during this season.
Here, you can indulge in typical Christmas foods and drinks such as tartiflette, sausages, mulled wine, hot chocolate, crêpes etc. but also enjoy foods other winter foods like raclette, fondue, a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and of course, kebabs. All in all, a great way to wrap up a Paris winter walk.
