O N E D AY I N PA R I S
As Paris prepares for the winter months and the upcoming festivities, the city's streets come alive, and
the "City of Light" truly shines. From November onwards, patrons of pavement cafés can be seen
sipping hot chocolate, wrapped in woollens against the cold. Shop windows become grand affairs,
depicting scenes from fairy tales, Santa Claus and his workshop, or a snowy winter wonderland.
Start your day by experiencing the festive cheer
at some of Paris's highlights, including the
famed Champs-Élysées, taking in the view of
the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by
Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his
triumphs. Continue to the Palais Garnier opera
house, the celebrated Louvre Museum with its
glass pyramid entrance, and the Paris Town
Hall.
Next, head to the Tuileries Garden, home to
one of Paris's largest Christmas markets
(Marché de Noël). This market combines
traditional stalls with carnival-themed
attractions. Do not miss the Ferris wheel, which
offers a prime spot to view the city from above.
For a sweet treat, explore the historic quarter,
which is rich in culinary traditions. As you walk,
you will find vendors showcasing a range of
sweet and savoury Christmas treats. Stop at
one of the city's renowned chocolatiers or
bakeries to sample a sweet delight, and stroll
through Commerce St. André des Arts, visiting
one of Paris's oldest cafés.
In the afternoon, make your way to Rue du
Faubourg Saint Honoré to admire the festive
Nuremberg
Cochem
Würzburg
Mainz
Heidelberg
Reims
Bernkastel
Trier
Paris
Winningen
Bamberg
MAIN
MOSELLE
FRANCE
MAIN–DANUBE
CANAL
GERMANY
RHINE
Prague
CZECH REPUBLIC
LUXEMBOURG
–
C r ui s e
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M o to r C o ach
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O ve r night
VIEW
VOYAGE
GETTING THERE: Consider our
12-day Christmas on the Main &
Moselle itinerary, departing from
Paris to Prague, or in reverse.
decor and storefronts of top fashion houses
like Chanel and Hermès. On the elegant Rue
Royale, marvel at Louis Vuitton and Cartier's
exquisitely decorated shop windows in the
prestigious Place Vendôme.
As the sun sets, visit the chic Galeries Lafayette.
Be dazzled by the incredible light and sound
show, the giant Christmas tree, and the iconic
window displays that glow with holiday cheer
in one of the city's grandest department stores.
14 | Viking Explorer Society News
