Christmastime in Paris!

Is there any city more beautiful than Paris at Christmastime? Let's explore!

Ready, get set, GO!

Arriving at 8 am we face a dilemna. Private transportation, (expensive) or the RER train? We choose the RER and are impressed how easy it was to get to the city center. Both train 11 and 12 head right there. (It was more complicated returning so we opt for a semi-private on the way back).

We found on the internet a cute little boutique hotel in the St. Germain district that, fortunately, really lived up to it's name! The staff, especially Eric and Curt were incredibly patient and helpful! (We booked through Facebook, liked the hotel, and got a free breakfast, with pastries to die fo...

To stay awake we book a tour to Versailles. Early December is a great time to go - no line! The extra bonus is they use very little lighting in the Palace and so as the sun goes down even the inside of the Palace gets more romantic. Downside? The gardens have been cleaned out for the winter.

Now,it's morning. Eenie meenie miney mo, on which Hop On Hop Off should we go? If we want frequency, the Big Bus is the way to go. But it looks rainy. We choose Foxity - ALL their buses have a retractable roof in case of rain. It was a good choice!

First stop - the infamous Eiffel Tower!

Now, to the Opera House!

The interior is beautiful.

Up a little ways from the Opera House is Galleries Lafeyette! The Christmas windows alone are worth the walk. Let's do a little shopping.

Inside they have an incredible Christmas tree that hangs from the ceiling. Go up a few floors and it's even . . .

It's even more impressive. And wait! What's that we hear? A group is Christmas Caroling down below!

From here we head up toward Sacre Couer Basilica and pass one of the many carousels, decorated for Christmas.

The view from the top is amazing.

And so is Sacre Couer. We arrive while there is someone singing at Mass - the acoustics are wonderful. (I love the ceiling that pictures a victorious Jesus hovering over the altar).

What goes up, must come down! We make our way back down the hill from the top, and stop to treat ourselves to . . .

Amorino's! The BEST, most creamiest gelato in the city. (There are a few Amorino's in the city - this will not be our last gelato!) Now QUICK! Grab that bus! Time to get to . . .

the Champs-Elysees.

Now we head down the Champs-Elysees toward the Christmas Market right next to the Louvre.

The Christmas Market is charming, and worth visiting Paris just to experience.

Nothing better than strolling along, drinking a cup of hot chocolate or "chaud vin" trying to figure out what to eat.

All the rides are Christmas themed.

Don't leave Paris without buying an ornament - Paris has some "unique" ones! Unfortunately, it is late and we want to get up early - tomorrow is "museum day!"

Up early, we start the day at the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. Unlike Versailles, they change the flowers according to the season.

No visit is complete without visiting "Miss Mona" at the Louvre. But the Louvre isn't my favorite museum. Next we head to my fave, but not before . . .

Hot chocolate at Angelina's. Not far from the Louvre, it is a "tea house" that has served Hot Chocolate since 1903.It was phenomenal.

The interior was dressed for Christmas and the hot chocolate was . . .

AMAZING! As was the dessert to go with it.

Now that we are on a sugar high, time to visit my favorite - the l'Orangerie museum - to see Monet's indescribable Water Lily paintings and so much more. We have timed it just right - arrive late enough and you don't have to pay full fare;)!

Now, on to Notre Dame. It's pretty on the outside AND . . .

The inside. Something else that is unique to this time of year is . . .

A Christmas "Creche." It is absolutely delightful, fills up several table with lot's of French scenes, culminating with the scene from Christmas Eve sans Jesus (He shows up on Christmas Day!)

It's been a full day, and on our way home we stop at Cafe Paris, right by our hotel. We order French Fries and French Onion soup - can't leave Paris without trying those two things.

In three days we walked 37 miles and climbed close to 100 flights of stairs. I think we shall sleep well on the plane tomorrow. Before sleep, we take one last look out our hotel window. Au revoir Paris - til we meet again.

It's Christmastime and the city of lights gets even brighter. Take a quick trip with my daughter Jessi and I as we explore this city that has so much to offer.