The start of a perfect day during Christmas in Paris

Ideally located in Saint-Germain des Prés, the Hotel de l'Université offers a contemporary setting that is both comfortable and welcoming. Why not join us for the Christmas period in Paris? The city has much to offer during this magical time, so please take a few moments to imagine how your day might be. You begin with a hearty petit déjeuner between 7:00 am and 11:00 am, served in our delightful breakfast room or in your guest room. This will set you up for the day. Then it’s off to explore the city, its seasonal delights and festive fun.

How to spend a perfect day during Christmas in Paris

A relatively recent tradition, but one that has found its way securely into the hearts of Parisians is the Christmas market, or Marché de Noël. Originating in the Alsace region in the 15th century, where French and German influences comingle, these Yuletide villages have surged in popularity. Beautiful little wooden chalets, decorated and illuminated, are set up in rows and from them are sold handicrafts, jewellery, regional food specialities, Christmas decorations and a whole range of items just ideal for gifts. The markets at St-Germain and on the Champs Elysées are particularly appealing. If the day is cold, and you still have a little room left over after breakfast, why not treat yourself to a warm mulled wine and hot crepes?

Christmas shopping

If the markets don’t sate your appetite for festive retail action, then the legendary Grands Magasins department stores of Paris will certainly fulfil your every requirement. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps compete head to head each year to see who can produce the most original, beautiful and imaginative Christmas window displays, so you’ll be in for a visual treat, too.

Superb exhibitions at Centre Pompidou

During the Christmas period Paris continues to wear her crown as a queen of culture. So in the afternoon, why not pop into the Centre Pompidou, where two superb exhibitions are currently offered? There’s a major retrospective of the work of the award winning Canadian born architect Frank Gehry featured until January 26th, with hundreds of his drawings and models affording an insight into his creative process. Then the early 20th century French artist Robert Delaunay is also in the spotlight with eighty of his amazing works on display until January 12th.

An American in Paris musical at Théâtre du Châtelet

As evening falls, how about a show? One that has the city buzzing with anticipation right now is An American In Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet. Packed with great George Gershwin songs such as ‘I Got Rhythm’ and ‘S’Wonderful’, this sensational show is in English and runs until January 4th.

Before the day finishes, however, don’t forget to take a ride on the sky scraping Big Wheel at the Place de la Concorde for a truly magnificent view of the Christmas illuminations of the City of Lights.

Finally, after such a busy day you will certainly appreciate the comfort of your cosy room at the Hotel de l'Université. Good night!

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• Marcel Duchamp. La peinture, même : until January 5, 2015
Le Centre Pompidou - Galerie 2
Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris 4e
Tel. 0033 (0)1 44 78 12 33
Metro : Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), Châtelet–Les Halles (lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14)
RER: Châtelet–Les Halles (lines A, B and D)
• Frank Gehry, exhibition until January 26, 2015
Le Centre Pompidou - Galerie 2
Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris 4e
Tel. 0033 (0)1 44 78 12 33
Metro : Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), Châtelet–Les Halles (lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14)
RER: Châtelet–Les Halles (lines A, B and D)
• Niki de Saint Phalle exhibition : from September 17th to February 2nd, 2015
Grand Palais
Entry via Winston Churchill Avenue, Paris 8th
Telephone: 00 33 (0) 1 44 13 17 17
Metro : Champs Elysées-Clémenceau, lines 1 and 13
• Department store windows at Galeries Lafayette: 40 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 8e
Metro: Chaussée d'Antin Lafayette station, lines 7 and 9
• Department store windows at Printemps: 64 boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9e
Metro: Havre Caumartin station, lines 3 and 9
• An American in Paris : November 22 - January 4, 2015
Théâtre du Châtelet, 2 rue Edouard Colonne, Paris 1er
Tel. 0033 (0)1 40 28 28 40
Metro : Châtelet (exit Théâtre du Châtelet or Place du Châtelet) - lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14
RER A / B ou D : Châtelet - Les Halles

Picture 'Leanne Cope (Lise) et Robert Fairchild (Jerry)' copyright holder: Photographer Sylvain Grivoix - Image provided courtesy of Theatre du Chatelet