Elizabeth_S

denisea - it's so funny reading your trip report ... we were in Paris for Christmas 2010 and I'm reminded of what we were doing at the same time. Christmas Eve we went to a concert at Sainte-Chapelle (Vivaldi's 4 Seasons) that started at 6pm. We made our way there in the snow. Fortunately we were prepared for how cold the chapel was going to be and were dressed for it. In fact I had so many extras hats and gloves I lent them to the ladies sitting next to us! Then we took the Metro to an elegant dinner at friends. Coming home to our apartment in the 1st (about 3am Christmas Day) we saw these "trees" .... made from plastic water bottles - did you see them?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n..._3502011_n.jpg

And we must have passed you and DH near the Louvre on Boxing Day - gorgeous weather that day.

Thanks for bringing back such happy memories!

denisea

Life is certainly full of coincidences. It happens that we are going to that very concert at Sainte Chappelle this Christmas Eve. I have already bought several of those hand warmers that yiu get at outdoor stores to help us stay warm in the chapel!

We did not see the trees made from plastic bottles...kinda cool.

We are looking forward to another great Christmas in Paris this year. When this report got topped both Chaz and I reread it. t has been a while since we actually read it...so we enjoyed reliving it....so glad that you also enjoyed it.

Elizabeth_S

That's funny! They have blankets in the chapel which help but I heartily recommend a lot of layers - I wore a heavy pair of tights and pants.

Also --- you have to get there a good 30 minutes in advance and it's cold where you wait. We went to a nearby cafe but they all close by 5pm on Christmas Eve so you'll have a lot of waiting around time in the chill.

But it's all worth it! (and given how unpredictable weather is - it might be 10C)

denisea

Got it Elizabeth. We will be coming from L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and are hoping that a slight champagne buzz will help us stay warm! LOL. I do firmly believe is layers, so will be ready!

Thanks for the info...we are really looking forward to it.

Elizabeth_S

Champagne buzz? You'll be fine!

I was wearing a dress (plus tights and pants) so when we arrived at our elegant dinner party I had to strip off my layers clumsily in the bathroom. We felt like the country mice!

gthenewsgirl

Fabulous trip report. Thanks for sharing!

denisea

Thanks...we leave for this Christmas in 25 days. We are dying to get there again...it's been over two years since we have been to Paris! I don't know how I am going to get through the next 25 days.

I hope I will be able to write a detailed T/R when we get back.

TPAYT

Christmas in Paris. Champagne, a Vivaldi concert at St. Chapelle-----aaaaahhhhh!
All your time consuming hard work will be well rewarded.

I am looking forward to following along with your adventures in my favorite city, especially the food part!

denisea

You are kind TPAYT. Am in NYC tonight and Christmas is gearing up here, so fun to see. Am living for the dream now....already there in my mind.

uncjat

We have really enjoyed your trip reports on Paris, NYC and Rome and used them to help us with planning. We spent a week in Paris from 11/15 -11/22. As usual went to lots of great restaurants. We really enjoyed Semilla. From your trip reports it seems like the kind of place that you and Chaz might enjoy. It is somewhat eclectic French food. My high school French was not that helpful in negotiating the menu, but our waitress (undoubtedly chosen for us because we were obviously not French) is originally from Michigan and was great in explaining everything. We started with some "crudo" including mackerel and a delicious dish of scallops in vanilla oil and topped with corn and mango. We shared arancini which were stuffed with escargot and served with a pickled salad-- once again great! For mains, Sue had chicken served in broth and some other stuff (can't remember now) that was quite good, but I had the winner which was braised pork cheeks that were fantastic. With our mains we shared an order of good grilled shiitake mushrooms. For dessert, Sue had chunks of dark chocolate served with red pepper gelato that was just great. I had citrus fruits served in a "cold soup" with lemon gelato and then topped with a large pour of champagne. I think that this might have been the best dessert that I've ever tasted. Including a tasty bottle of cote du Rhone and a moderate tip the bill was about 130 euros.

We also had a great meal at Le 6 Paul Bert that was similar in style. Le 6 is fairly quiet, while we felt that Semilla had a more NYC feel (and were not surprised that others made a similar comment on Yelp).

Have a wonderful trip; we look forward to the trip report when you all return.

denisea

Many thanks, unc....appreciate the suggestions. We have a few meals "open" but will never get to all the great suggestions that have been made. We won't starve that's for sure! Those pork cheeks sound really good. We are so lucky to be heading back to Paris for Christmas. Will post a T/R for sure.

starrs

I've been told this is THE trip report to read while planning a Christmas trip to Paris. Thanks in advance!

denisea

Starrs you are welcome! I am happy anyone would read one of my trip reports and if it helps, then I am pleased. There are more Paris at Christmas TRs from me, if you are interested. We were in Paris over Christmas in 2013 and 2014, as well. Click my name to see my TRs.

I never get tired of Paris at Christmas! Thanks for reviving this....we had a wonderful time.

Macross

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-fantastic.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-in-paris.cfm

One year we are going to do this.