[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ole Porter was a man who knew a thing or two, and his 1953 standard I Love Paris described it as a place to visit in all seasons. Sure, if you decide to visit Paris this December, you probably won’t spend much time sitting on an outdoor terrace sipping a glass of Chenin blanc. But there are new treasures to be uncovered in every city with each changing season, and Paris is no exception. I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles, said Cole. Let’s get out of the rain and see what’s happening in Europe’s most sophisticated city this winter.
Picture Harrods but with the stuffy and self-conscious atmosphere replaced by Parisian style. That describes this up-market department store in Montparnasse to perfection, and they always push the boat out at Christmas. As well as looking through the big-name designer brands, take some time to admire the Christmas display in the central hall.
It’s sure to be crowded, and visitors go there as much to be seen as to actually buy anything, so dress to impress. A chic yet comfortable midi skirt gives you plenty of options as to what to wear on your top half, depending on the Parisian weather.
Go browsing in the Galeries Lafayette
Dance the night away
Winter is the perfect time to explore Paris’s nightclubs. Concrete, on Port de la Rapée, and Rex Club on Boulevard Poissonnière, are two popular choices, and both have some top-notch DJs lined up this December.
Going clubbing gives you a great excuse to get dressed up and show the locals that you understand a bit about style, too. Best of all, it doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Here are some stand out party dresses to sparkle in while you dance the night away, and they are all around the £50 mark.
For most of the year, the Musée des Arts Forains can only be visited by special prior arrangement. However, each December, the magic of the season takes over and it is transformed into a winter wonderland. Le Festival de Merveilleux runs from Boxing Day to the 7th of January and features storytelling, dance, magic acts and every imaginable form of street performance.
It’s a genuinely unique experience, and the atmosphere could not be more festive. Dress comfortably, but be sure to wear a fun Christmas jumper to join in the spirit of the season. The museum is on Avenue des Terroirs, close to Gare de Lyon, and is impossible to miss.
A night at the museum
A city for all seasons
Whether you want to shop, party or simply get into the Christmas spirit, why not try doing it with a dose of Parisian style this winter? And when you get home, it will be time to plan your next trip – after all, there are three more seasons to consider!
