Discover a Wondrous Winter Wonderland in Paris’ Christmas Markets

4 October 2017

Surround Yourself in Seasonal Shopping, Festive Fun & Culinary Delights this Christmas!

This winter, The City of Light will undergo its transformation into The City of Fairylights as Christmas arrives in the capital - bringing with it an influx of Christmas Markets, which can be discovered as you delight in a stay at Median Paris Congrès! Here’s our guide to two of the best seasonal celebrations, taking place just a short journey away from our spacious, modern hotel located just next to Palais des Congrès.

A Christmas Metropolis at La Défense

19th November – 27th December

Given its sheer size, the offering at Esplanade de La Défense is more Christmas Metropolis than Christmas Market, and boasts a mind-boggling 350 stalls set within 10,000m2 of Paris’ bustling business district.

As to be expected from a Christmas Metropolis, seasonal shopping is made easy by the stellar selection of charming wooden chalets - with artisans travelling from all corners of the globe to offer up their bounty of lovingly handmade goods. Stocking fillers, like handblown glass ornaments, traditional toys, and even festive fashion accessories can be found; and, chances are, if you’re on the lookout for something special in particular, La Défense will have it!

Partaking in some retail therapy can be hungry work, however. Especially while the alluring aromas of slowcooked hams and roasting chestnuts fill the air. But fret not, La Défense is not lacking for stomach fillers either - where all of the usual festive fancies are joined by the best raclette (hot gooey cheese) in the city. After a spot (or a lot) of indulgence, kids can also pay visits to Père Noël (Father Christmas) - or head over to Grand Arche, where a climb up the stairs of the monument will unveil breathtaking panoramas over the illuminated Christmas extravaganza.

Festive Fun for a Commendable Cause at Féeries d'Auteuil

5th December – 13th December

While the Christmas Market at Féeries d'Auteuil is lesser known than its seasonal stablemates, superb shopping, eclectic entertainment, stunning sceneries, and hearty offerings of festive fare still flourish on Rue Jean de la Fontaine! But best of all, any profits from the occasion are given to Apprentis d'Auteuil - a local charity which works with disadvantaged children in Paris.

Said kids also provide for one of the highlights of this charming market, as the young Apprentices of Fondation d'Auteuil unveil their beautiful display of nativity scenes - made from all manner of materials and spanning all shapes and sizes! Amusements and entertainment are present in the form of an everchanging array of children’s shows, pony rides, traditional carousels, choir concerts, brass bands, and interactive workshops.

After all that riding, singing, spinning, and making; you may be in need of some replenishment. Fortunately, the French know a thing or two about food - especially during Noël - which you can delight in firsthand as you sample Alpine cheeses, Corsican hams, foie gras, raclette, and roasted chestnuts. Parisians, in particular, are also no slouches when it comes to wine, with cups of vin chaud (hot wine) the perfect combatant to the cold.

Shopping at Féeries d'Auteuil is also a pleasure, with the cosy wooden chalets stocking anything and everything: fashion, antiques, jewellery, toys, trinkets, books, and beyond! Local artists also make their home at the market, selling quirky collections of sculptures, paintings, and photographs - perfect for unique gift ideas!

Book a Christmas Stay with Median Paris Congrès

Are you planning a seasonal soirée to Paris? Join us at Median Paris Congrès and prepare to immerse yourself in all of the Christmas magic that the city has to offer. See here for our exclusive range of offers & packages.