What to do in Paris at the end of the year?

Paris is an enchantment in every season. When winter and the end of the year arrive, even if the café and restaurant terraces are closed and the walks shorten, there are a thousand ways to enjoy the Parisian magic. Staying at the Hôtel Marais Bastille, at the crossroads of two lively, character-filled districts, here are a few ideas for experiencing Parisian enchantment on Christmas Eve...

Parisian shopping

What better place to fill your Santa's sack than in Paris? Just a stone's throw from the Hôtel Marais Bastille, discover concept stores, artists' and craftsmen's studios and galleries for original gifts. Join Bercy Village for a shopping spree in the former wine cellars of Bercy, rehabilitated as an open-air pedestrian shopping street. And don't miss the Grands Magasins, Samaritaine, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Bon Marché. In addition to their large selection of fashion, accessories, toys, beauty and leather goods, you'll be able to admire their window displays animated with Christmas skits and their ever more grandiose and elegant decorations. Last but not least, don't forget the Christmas markets that enliven squares and gardens throughout the month of December. The Marché de Noël alsacien de la Gare de l'Est, ten minutes by metro from the Hôtel Marais Bastille, is one of the most famous, especially for its gastronomic specialties.

Out and about

A veritable cultural whirlwind, Paris always offers a thousand possibilities for outings and events. Fancy an exhibition? Don't miss this year's event: Van Gogh à Auvers-sur-Oise at the Musée d'Orsay. With some forty paintings and twenty drawings, this exhibition covers the artist's last two months. In a completely different spirit, take a magical stroll through the illuminated structures of Jungle en voie d'illumination at the Jardin des Plantes. To warm up, dive into the immersive digital exhibition at Atelier des Lumières, dedicated this winter to the oceans. And don't forget the capital's many theatres. Musicals, stand-up comedy, classical theater, boulevard comedy - the choice is yours. Just a stone's throw from the Hôtel Marais Bastille, the Opéra de Paris immerses you in the magic of Christmas with Les Contes d'Hoffman and The Nutcracker. Don't forget to reserve your seats early! Finally, take the time to stroll through the city and admire the Christmas illuminations. From Bercy Village to the Champs-Élysées, via Place Vendôme and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris is decked out in lights to celebrate the end of the year in style. The magic happens year after year. 

The Hôtel Marais Bastille is ideally located to make the most of the magic of the end of the year in Paris. Depending on your pace and desires, our team will advise you on activities, outings and entertainment to make your stay an exceptional one.

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Photo: Elena Dijour

Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3-star hotel a few steps from Place de la Bastille