Travel

Paris in the winter

I suddenly realized last week that I haven't been to Paris even once this year. And that's really strange for someone who used to go there about ten times a month for years. I decided to at least fill my Paris gap with a digital visit, which made my Paris hunger even more intense. Here is my Paris-in-winter checklist.

1. Angelina, Rue Rivoli

Next to my favorite hotel Le Meurice, you will find Angelina, an old French tea house with the most beautiful pastries and the best chocolat chaud. If it's too crowded at Angelina, you can always walk around the corner to Ladurée. The one on Rue Royale is just a bit less touristy than the one in Saint-Germain. If you want the best macarons, you can also go to Hermé.

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2. Roasted chestnuts

Just a little stroll along the Seine with a bag of roasted chestnuts in your hand and take a photo on Pont Neuf.

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3. Ice skating

And preferably in the Grand Palais, because how amazing must it be to skate in the place where Chanel holds its fashion shows? You can also skate on the roof of the Grand Arche where you can enjoy a lovely view over the city, and what about the roof of the Tour Montparnasse?

4. The courtyard of Hôtel Costes

Sit there, wrap a blanket around your legs, order a glass of Pouilly-Fumé from house Ladoucette (Princess Beatrix drinks it too, so that's all good) and watch. Watch the staff who are just exceptionally handsome, the bags of the guests, the woman next to you on the right who could just as well be Beyoncé.

And if you want to treat yourself, buy one of those delicious scented candles from the hotel. Then you take the Paris memory home in your suitcase.

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5. The shop windows

Of course, the ones from LR Bon Marché, my favorite on the left bank. I haven't been there (so) but it seems that moving Christmas trees and classical music are involved. Galeries Lafayette also has a reputation to uphold when it comes to Christmas windows. This year the theme is La Ruche de Noël, or the Christmas beehive with lots of bees, butterflies, and other cheerfulness in the form of a glass dome that you walk through. Again: I wasn't there – grrr – but I've heard all about it.

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Le conseil ✨: Escale à Marrakech . La maison @dior vous présente, au sein de son écrin Rive Gauche, sa collection Croisière 2020, rendant hommage à la ville rouge. ?Tissus wax, mise à l’honneur de la créativité et du savoir-faire africains, collaborations avec des artistes et créateurs locaux : cette escale à Marrakech crée l’émerveillement devant ces associations spectaculaires. – A piece of advice ✨: Marrakech stopover . The House @dior introduces its new 2020 Cruise Collection, which pays tribute to the Red City. ?Inspired by Wax fabrics, African savoir-faire and creativity, the collection also includes collaborations with local artists and depicts spectacular Fashion associations. This Marrakech stopover creates amazement – you’re invited to dive into this world at Le Bon Marché. . . . #LeBonMarche #VuAuBonMarche #RoisDesForets . . . . . #Paris #RiveGauche #igersparis #igersfrance #lavieestbelle #magasin #shopping #trends #mode #fashion #noel #christmas #cadeaux #sapin #christmastrees #dior #mariagraziachiuri #driorriviera #diorcruise #diorcruise2020 #diormarrakech

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7. La Coupole

Always nice, but especially enjoyable in winter to indulge in profiteroles and sauerkraut. And the singing waiters of course, because in La Coupole there is always someone celebrating a birthday.

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