Christmas market and ultra-modern skyscrapers… not two terms that usually go together.
I was in Paris last week for work. Having a few spare hours, I hopped on the metro to La Défense, largely for nostalgic reasons. (La Défense, as you might know, is the largest purpose-built business district in Europe). Back in the 90s, when I worked as an EU-adviser for the government, I had a few meetings out here and was quite taken with the cool, futuristic architecture.
Christmas markets, on the other hand, brings to mind the past. The markets originated in the German-speaking parts of Europe. (Vienna was first, as early as 1294). Often, the markets are set up in the old parts of cities, harmonising beautifully with ancient fountains, medieval church spires, Hanseatic houses…
But not always!
Between the Arche de La Défense and the slick, cutting edge glass-and-steel towers, I stumbled upon an entire Village de Noël, a Christmas Village. As I strolled around the stalls, looking up at the brightly lit scyscrapers, the past and the future blended to make an interesting, all-encompassing present.
I never know what to get my mum for Christmas. Or my brother. But I managed to find quite a few unusual things here. This Christmas Village offers
a cornucopia of fun and festive finds…
… and food
Heaps of hams and sausages…
A giant pan for raclette to enjoy on the spot and foie gras to take home:
Honeys
Cakes and sweets
… and more sweets:
Say it with chocolate:
… and even more lovely, handmade chockies:
Paris hosts at least 10 different markets during Advent. The largest runs along Champs-Elyssés, from the Champs-Elyssés roundabout all the way down to Place de la Concorde. Another interesting one is at Trocadero, right next to the Eiffel Tower.
Many of the Christmas markets last until 2 January, so if you’re in or near Paris, there’s still time to get a few quirky Christmas presents and indulge: mulled wine, gourmet food, meats from Alsace, foie gras, honey, wine, cognac. And chocolate.
Gorgeous photos Sophie!
I’ve heard amazing things about Christmas markets in Europe and am so very jealous you can visit.
You’ve made me hungry for honey toast now! Haha.
Thanks, Nicole
Europe is very pretty before Christmas, but come January, I’ll be very envious of you down there in cheerful, summery Oz.
I’m actually coming to your side of the world in January Sophie.
Nicole recently posted..Getting the Base Pumping in Melbourne
Love the architecture of the building in the top photo…and then I saw all the lovely food photos too… Mmmmm.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted..Fethiye to Kayaköy: A Winter Afternoon Walk
Last year in late November, we had just returned from Europe. In most places, they were still setting up the Christmas markets but the one on the Champs-Elyssés was all set up and lit up beautifully as we walked back from dinner with some friends. I would loved to purchase everything in sight, but didn’t have much room in our suitcases. Maybe someday I’ll go back – and leave plenty of room in my suitcases this time!
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Looks like a Christmas market to my taste – or perhaps it’s just the lovely photos.
ItalianNotes recently posted..Italian classics for Christmas
Beautiful pictures of the Christmas Market. I only wish that we had markets like these in Malaysia. Merry Christmas in advance Sophie!
David @ Malaysia Asia recently posted..Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)
Love all the wonderful pictures and being in Paris is so Special – Enjoy your visits
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Julia, Jan, ItalianNotes, David@MalaysiaAsia, Eileen, Angela – Thanks for stopping by
Lovely, the more eclectic the better gifts you can find
Angela recently posted..Photo Essay: The colors of La Boqueria Market, Barcelona
For some reason I never thought there would be Christmas markets in Paris of all places. These photos are gorgeous and very tempting.
@Christian – I was a bit surprised, too. Christmas markets is something I connect with Germanic countries – and Eastern Europe. But this was cool, with a distinctive French flair.
I love the light scuptures! The skyscrapers in the background make the photos really pop! -David
The GypsyNesters recently posted..No Home for the Holidays
Beautiful photos. I did not know Paris has Christmas Markets, because I associate these with Germany. The photo of the Christmas tree that consists of colourful balls looks exactly like the Christmas tree in Dublin’s O’Connell Street
mivvy recently posted..Hotel Brouwer – Best Budget Hotel in Amsterdam
Seems like a rainbow of selections and lights. So nice to see a different spin on a Christmas market in Europe. I myself would rather have a unique gift than a popular one. Looking like a nice stop for the holidays.
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@Gypsynesters – Interesting combination, isn’t it – the old and the ultra-modern.
@Mivvy – I’d really like to see the one in Dublin – imagine there would be loads of beer
@Sherry – Agreed, much rather have the unusual and quirky.
By golly, you just inspired me. I’ll go to the big city and see if I can find some Christmas Market in Okinawa ! Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing.
What a fun Christmas market! And, in Paris… why didn’t I know they were also in Paris. Makes total sense now, but I just didn’t realize it until I saw your title. Fun!
jade recently posted..4 Things that don’t have to stay in Vegas
What fantastic pictures! You really brought life to the market.
Jessica recently posted..Computerized Christmas Lights and Cocoa
These colors were so ridiculously festive and wonderful!! What a great holiday post!
Abby recently posted..My Mini Turtle Rescue in Costa Rica
how fun…and how delicious!! would love another trip back to paris, especially during the holidays!
jenjenk recently posted..Istanbul, Turkey: Beyoglu
I do love Christmas markets. Haven’t been to the one near La Défense — the contrast of new world and old world can certainly be striking. Looks like lots of goodies at that market!
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@Mike, Jade, Jessica, Abby, Jen and Cathy – thanks for looking
Awesome set of photos, I love the colorful combinations and the cross of food to go with it! Looks like I need to find a similar market to buy some gifts real soon!
Mark Wiens recently posted..Good Morning Jaffna: Shadows of the Civil War in Northern Sri Lanka
I am definitely missing out on this whole Christmas market in Europe thing. Looks wonderfully festive!
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Am I A Digital Nomad Now?
I love all the lights and would think it would be amazing just wandering around! What a great find
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Finding the Best Santa in Switzerland!
A beautiful collage of shots – fantastic way to showcase the market
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@Mark, Stephanie, Debbie and Robin – Thanks
What a wonderful find…lovely photos!
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — December 15, 2011 — Psst, Santa..Look Who’s In Korea
Another lovely Christmas market – I think if I lived in Europe I would spend the entire month of December roaming from market to market.
Lisa recently posted..Christmas Ornaments as Travel Souvenirs
Fabulous!! I love the local flair of each individual holiday market across Europe
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@Nancie, Lisa and Andrea – Thanks for stopping by
Hah! You beat me to it. Been meaning to visit this Christmas market and other ones in Paris. Looks rather interesting. Somebody observed that it feels much like the Christmas market in New York. Nice shots!
Michael recently posted..Five Reasons Why I Do Not Like Hiking
@Michael – Not so easy to combine hiking with one of the Paris Christmas markets, perhaps? A New York Christmas Market would be interesting to see. With the skyscrapers, I can see how that could be similar. But different as well. Like New York and Paris.
Lovely photos
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Dear L’Novel – December
lovely. I finally managed to make it to the Vienna christmas markets this weekend…but I was so sick with a cold that I could just walk around like a zombie…I couldn’t even eat the lovely food
So angry…
Denise recently posted..What I hate about travel blogs nowadays. It’s rant time.
This post is very interesting..You really brought life to the market.Looks like I need to find a similar market to buy some gifts real soon!
Michelle recently posted..Waterfall Photography: Tips to Make a Stunning Images
Gee, these pics really give me the Christmas feeling!
Jim recently posted..Auckland: Travel Photo Thursday.
What wonderful and colorful pictures! The food and all those trinkets will make me go broke but with a satisfied stomach. I would love to visit the European Christmas markets.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Burano: Isle of Lace and Pastels
@Muza-chan – Thanks.
@Denise – Sorry to hear you were sick. Hope you’re feeling better. Next year, eh…?
@Michelle – thank you.
@Jim – Very cheerful market it was.
@Mary – My wallet was distinctly slimmer when I left.
Absolutely fantastic photos and I am so jealous. . .I can’t imagine going to Paris for work. . .afraid the hum-drum Pacific Northwest doesn’t match up to it.
Jackie Smith recently posted..TP Thursday: Malaga–Anything to See There?
I’m amazed at the number of Christmas markets in Europe and the selection offered – so much delicious looking food.
I love the first shot of the pink & white Christmas tree.
Leigh recently posted..Hike Bike Travel’s Year in Photos
Beautiful photos! I haven’t been to La Defense, but every time I’ve gone up the Eifel Tower I am intrigued by it.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Holiday Greetings From… The Grove, Los Angeles
I love all those photos! Makes for a festively decorated blog!
Kymri recently posted..Cats, Cameras, and Caring Less
I love all the lights. Interesting that most Christmas markets last so long in Paris. In Germany they’re usually over by Dec 23rd.
Laurel recently posted..Tollwood: My Favorite Festival in Munich
A beautifully colourful market post. A delight to see here!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Sydney, Australia: My two strangest shots
Wow, what a rich selection of goodies! I’d be so dizzy, I wouldn’t be able to decide what to get but I’d enjoy looking.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: New York Christmas Scenes
@Leigh, Michael, Kymri, Laurel, Andrew and InsideJourneys – Thanks for your kind comments.
Wow! This is great place to do shopping I like going to Paris..I love sharing this photo..Thanks for sharing this to us..
Paris – my favorite city – envious for your travels there – bring me stories of her
Eileen Ludwig recently posted..Christmas Celebrations Busch Gardens Ice Skating Musical Stage Show
Paris has some great markets but this looks like a particularly beautiful one! Happy Christmas!
Becky GlobalGrasshopper recently posted..In BIG pictures: Christmas around the world