French Travel News-2010/2011 | Making the most of Paris this Christmas

Wednesday, November 24th at 16.15 by Deborah Bates

Christmas is approaching fast, and as the busiest shopping week of the year has begun, some are considering booking French holidays so they can enjoy their Christmas shopping, reports FrenchEntree.com.

Famed for its fashion, luxury gifts and delicious treats, Paris is the ideal place to make the dreary Christmas shopping experience an exciting one. Euro News reports that the city's Christmas lights (part of the City of Lights project) have just been switched on, covering more than 100 streets and 33 bridges across the city - providing the perfect atmosphere in which to treat loved ones.

Collete, on rue Saint-Honoré, is an ideal place to start with a multi-level shopping centre perfect for filling up on everything from little stocking treats to luxury, designer items.

To keep those Christmas tingles stocked up, FrenchEntree.com suggests then moving to the Galaries Lafayette mall on rue Lafayette, which has a range of diverse shops boasting gifts for all the family.

More traditional offerings are found at Noisy le Grand, one of Paris' biggest Christmas markets. A favourite with locals, the marketplace is perfect for purchasing unique, handcrafted decorations, and authentic wooden toys - but with 35,000 visitors each year, bargains are snapped up fairly quickly.

Ladies who like to pamper themselves will appreciate Ladurée, a famed patissier who also sells silky bath oils and brioche-scented candles - perfect for relaxing with. With flights starting from around £30 for a one-way ticket, visiting Paris can be a fantastic location for a long weekend, or even provide good value as a day-trip with friends.