Paris, A Winter Wonderland!

I hope you had a fun holiday season!

What gets you into the holiday spirit? Growing up in Florida, holiday break felt more like spring break! Luckily, I experienced the holiday season in Paris this year! The city transforms into a winter wonderland.

Marché de Noël des Champs-Elysées (Christmas Market)

Marché de Noël des Champs-Elysées

I was introduced to Marches de Noel (Christmas Markets), when I moved to Europe. Imagine a holiday themed village with Santa, games, rides, ice skating rinks, and 100’s of stalls selling everything from French cheeses to handmade soaps. The markets are open from November through late December.

November 2016

My handsome hubby, at the St. Germain Christmas Market! This is a smaller, charming market, compared to the others.

I look a little too excited! Too much sugar?! haha!

Paris has about 6 markets spread-out across the city, the largest market is, Le Marché de Noël de La Défense (La Defense Christmas Market).

Le Marché de Noël de La Défense (La Defense Christmas Market). The city sky line, makes this market so unique!

Le Marché de Noël de La Défense (La Defense Christmas Market)

The most famous and my favorite market, Marché et village de Noël des Champs-Elysées
(Champs-Élysées christmas market) is still open, and it’s January!

Champs-Elysees Christmas Market at night!

Marché et village de Noël des Champs-Elysées

View looking down the street at the Marché et village de Noël des Champs-Elysées

Who doesn’t love churros?! I have said this before, and I stand by it, after visiting all of the markets in Paris this season.. Churros are still my favorite market snack! I love the vin chaud (hot wine) too. Some of the other market treats I tasted- Crêpes, italian sausage, sandwich fromage raclette (hot cheese on baguette), cotton candy, kettle corn, and french onion soup.Yes, I went a little crazy, but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Paris, during the most wonderful time of the year! Right?! Or maybe I just tell myself that…

Sandwich fromage raclette = Cheese LOVERS dream!

This cheese is melted off the block directly onto the baguette!

The special heaters melt the cheese, and it’s scraped directly onto a baguette. Freshly made to order! You can choose from a variety of meat, or sans meat & have ALL cheese!

Candy (bonbons) for days! So beautiful! Yeaaaa, I got some!

Cheers to Paris! My first hot wine (vin chaud) of the season

Other than the FOOD, my favorite merchandise vendor is the handmade soap! But, there are many other unique items.

These soaps (savon) are colorful, all-natural, and smell SO amazing!

My nephew’s christmas gift!

Handmade wood novelties.. We bought one fun item.

Of course, the French woman are looking fab in the winter weather.

I enjoyed exploring and eating my way through the holiday markets. We went home to Florida for The New Year Holiday! The weather was warm, we spent time with friends & fam, and it felt amazing to be home.

Mr. and Mrs. Rich celebrating NYE in Florida!

Well, it’s January, we are back in Paris, and it is time to get back in the gym (and eat some greens.lol!)

Happy New Year, I wish you health and happiness!! Challenge yourself to explore and learn something new this year!

“One’s mind stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimensions”- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.”