Planning on coming to Paris for the holidays? What a great idea! But... what to expect and what to do, what’s open and what’s closed? Yes, it’s the end-of-year holiday season in Paris and that means festivities and traditions that can remind you of celebrating the holidays wherever you call home, and somethings that are particularly French.
Let’s begin with something very French, and not just at this time of year: enjoying the holidays by eating well. At this time of year, magazines and newspapers are filled with recipes for calorie laden dishes that are hard to resist. And at the beginning of the new year, the same magazines are filled with diet suggestions for losing the weight you gained by eating all the good things they proposed.
Some of the most common foods that are eaten at Christmas that you shouldn't miss are:
Starters: raw oysters & foie gras
Main Course: Stuffed Capon
Dessert: Buche de Noël (rolled sheet cake that has a layer of buttercream frosting in between the layers of cake)
Most Parisians will be celebrating the holidays with family and friends, but most visitors won’t have the opportunity, so what to do? Choose a nice restaurant as soon as possible to assure a table and a memorable experience! Our suggestions for restaurants follow...
Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
As so many locals celebrate this holiday at home, many Paris restaurants are closed. We have confirmed that the following will be open (Nov. 23, 2021).
Le Ciel de Paris at Tour Montparnasse (+ or - 250€ p/p)
Excellent panoramic view from the top floor of one of the few Paris skyscrapers.
33 Avenue du Maine 75015
l’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Christmas dinner menu and price to be announced soon (Nov. 29- Dec.3).
Joel Robuchon is one of the more innovative chefs in Paris; his restaurant has one star in the Michelin Guide and is highly recommended in the Gault Millau and Zagat.
Reservations online at www.atelier-robuchon-saint-germain.com
5, rue Montalembert, 75007
Le Violon d'Ingres (+ or - 220€ p/p)
A one-star Michelin Guide restaurant with excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and steps away from the Eiffel Tower. Reservations: https://leviolondingres.paris/
136, rue Saint Dominique 75007
Inka Restaurant (+ or - 50€ p/p)
Peruvian Restaurant with original Blindfolded gastronomic experience!
Reservations at https://feverup.com/m/93375 13, Boulevard du Temple, 75003
Bateaux Parisiens (+ or - 200€ p/p)
A lovely way to enjoy the sites of Paris while cruising the Seine and feasting on traditional Christmas fare. OK for families. Reservations at https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/en/meal-cruise/holidays-cruises.html Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007
Moulin Rouge dinner & show (+ or - 230€ p/p)
This historic Parisian cabaret founded in 1889 offers an amazing dinner & show (vegetarian and pesco-vegetarian menus possible).
Reservations online at https://www.moulinrouge.fr/reservations 82, blvd de Clichy, 75018
Le Lido dinner & show (from to 230€ to 330€ p/p)
Elegant cabaret located directly at the iconic Champs Élysées!
Reservations online at www.lido.fr 116 ave. des Champs Elysées, 75008
Epicure at Le Bristol (+ or - 800€ p/p)
This 3-star Michelin restaurant by by the chef Eric Frechon. Considered to be royalty among French chefs he always provides an extraordinary dining experience.
Reservations at https://www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris
112, rue Faubourg Saint Honoré, 75008
Lucas Carton (+ or - 300€ p/p)
One of the oldest gastronomic restaurants in Paris: opened in 1839. OK for families.
Reservations at https://lucas-carton
9 Place de la Madeleine, 75008
Le Gabriel (+ or - 400€ p/p)
A two-star Michelin restaurant offering a menu that makes frequent use of truffles for its holiday feasts.
Reservations at www.lareserve-paris.com La Reserve, - 42 ave. Gabriel 75008
Le Grand Café (+ or - 80€ p/p)
This restaurant specialises in shellfish and seafood. Located near the Opéra Garnier is the perfect spot for post-theatre dinners. It's good for families.
Reservations at https://www.legrandcafe.com/en/ 4 Boulevard des Capucines
Merry Christmas & bon appetit!