Cite de la Musique © Atout France / H.Guignolet

The Cité de la Musique in Paris is a venue which offers music lovers the opportunity to be totally immersed in the music world. More than just a venue for music performances, the Cité de la Musique contains the Musée de la Musique which has an important collection of rare musical instruments such as a Stradivarius violin and the Pleyel and Érard pianos belonging to Chopin and Franz Liszt respectively.

The Cité de la Musique is located in the Parc de la Villette, a popular Paris park in the 19th arrondissement, just inside the Boulevard Périphérique or Paris ring road. Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, it comprises concert halls, exhibition halls and space for workshops and conferences.

Concerts at the Cité de la Musique

There are two concert halls at the Cité de la Musique and between them they host some 250 concerts every year. Its unique proposition is that it offers an eclectic range of western and eastern music spanning from the Middle Ages to today. In addition to world-renowned artists and ensembles from France and abroad, the Cité de la Musique also hosts rare ensembles and unique creations from all over the world.  See what’s on here at the Cité de la Musique.

Since 2006, the Cité de la Musique has charge over the management and organization of the programming for the Salle Pleyel, another prestigious Paris concert hall.

Musée de la Musique

Music Instruments - Classictic

A Music Media Library

The Cité de la Musique also serves as an international reference centre devoted to music. Its Media Library offers numerous digitalised documentary resources on western and non-western music. The Media Library partners with prestigious European concert halls to encourage the creation of music and the promotion of young European talents.

Getting here:

The Cité de la Musique is situated in the popular Parc de la Villette which is also home to the Cite des Sciences.  There is good public transportation to Parc Villette.

• By underground: Line 5, direction Bobigny-Picasso, exit at Porte de Pantin
• By bus: Lines 75, 151, PC2 and PC3 – Noctilien N13 – N41
• By Bike: The Velib docking stations (bicycle stations) are located opposite the Café de la Musique, at the Conservatory and Porte de Pantin – www.velib.paris.fr.

Address:
Cité de la Musique
221 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris
Website: www.citedelamusique.fr/

Hotels Near the Cité de la Musique

If you’re looking for a hotel near the Cité de la Musique or Parc Villette, you can read hotel reviews and book your hotel Here.

Map of Paris:

Champs-Elysées - Christmas Illuminations

It would take a lifetime to see all the attractions that Paris has to offer and if you are wondering what to do in Paris at Christmas time, there are some additional festive events that should not be missed.

Christmas Illuminations

Paris already holds the title of “City of Lights” and its Christmas Illuminations seals the Paris’s reputation as the most romantic city in the world!  More than 125 of Paris’ streets, squares and avenues are decked out in festive decorations and fairy lights to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year.  And these are all energy efficient lighting.

Go to the Champs-Elysées and you’ll be dazzled by the Christmas lights here.  From the Arc de Triomphe all the way down to the Place de la Concorde, 2.4 km of lights cover the trees along this famous boulevard giving it a fairyland appearance.  This is topped off by the big ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde spinning colourful lights into the skyline.

And it’s not just the capital’s streets that are decorated, the Eiffel Tower, public monuments and the big department stores like the Galeries Laffayete and Printemps are also decorated in Christmas lights and decorations.  If you don’t have time to explore all the streets on your own, you can see the Christmas Illuminations on a Paris Christmas Lights Tour.

Marchés de Noël

Then, there are the traditional Christmas markets or Marchés de Noël which add another dimension to the Paris Christmas atmosphere.  At the Marchés de Noël you can mingle with the locals and can get into the festive mood by doing some of your Christmas shopping at the wooden chalets which sell Christmas gifts, crafts and decorations.  This is the opportunity to also try some of the traditional regional festive foods.  Christmas markets can be found in most arrondissements and the Marché de Noël sur les Champs-Elysées is one of the bigger ones.

Ice-skating at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville

For those who love ice-skating, Paris City Council has set up two open-air ice rinks on the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall), one large rink and a smaller rink for novices and younger visitors. Skates can be hired on site. The ice rinks operate from December 16, 2011 to March 4, 2012.

Christmas Concerts in Magnificent Paris Churches

Paris’s beautiful churches are regular venues for classical music performances and many of these hold special Christmas concerts – see here for the locations and dates.

Christmas Illuminations, Paris

Paris Food Walking Tour

With all the food stores stacked with Christmas goodies, this is a good time to do a Food Walking Tour of Paris. You will be taken through a number of Paris neighbourhoods to visit a French bakery, pastry shop, French caterer, wine shop, cheese shop, fruit and vegetable shop and market. Your expert foodie guide will give an overview of French culinary habits and being Christmas you will no doubt get an introduction to selected Christmas specialties in the shops. There is also a specialized Small Group Gourmet Christmas Tour where the focus is on Christmas specialties.

Paris Dinner Shows

Since its beginning, the Moulin Rouge and its Cancan dancers have been thrilling customers who come to experience this famous Parisian cabaret.  You can enjoy a lively Moulin Rouge Christmas Dinner and Show or the the glamorous Lido de Paris Christmas Dinner and Show.

Disneyland Paris at Christmas

For children and the young at hear, a stay at Disneyland Paris would be one of the best Christmas gifts ever.  Disneyland Paris has many special offers to make this Christmas dream come true.

For the complete list of things to do in Paris at Christmas and New Year see Here.

Search Paris Hotel deals and read reviews Here.

See Travel Signposts Paris Photo Gallery Here.

Marchés de Noël © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

For those who love Christmas markets, there are more Marchés de Noël in Paris than just those in the Champs-Elysées and central Paris. From the gigantic Marché de Noël at La Défense to the smaller village-like market at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there are plenty of Christmas markets to explore.

Christmas Market: La Défense Christmas Arch
Dates :  Nov 23, 2011 to Dec 27, 2011
Getting there :  Metro: Grande Arche de la Défense | RER: La Défense

When it comes to Christmas market size, you can’t beat La Défense Christmas Market. For the 17th consecutive year, the Parvis de la Défense plays host to one of the biggest Christmas markets in the Ile-de-France region. There are more than 350 chalets selling trinkets, handicraft and thousands of other items that you could give as gifts during the Christmas season. Christmas is a time for special treats and the star attractions of the Christmas market are the chalets with local Christmas fare such as hams from Corsica, cheese from the Alps, French chocolate and lots of other temptations.

Christmas Market: Saint-Germain-des-Prés Village of Father Christmas
Dates : Dec 2, 2011 to Jan 2, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Along boulevard Saint-Germain visitors will find no less than 25 chalets oozing with the magic of Christmas. A nice market to stop by for some shopping and to taste some seasonal goodies. Note that the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market goes on until January 2nd.

Christmas Market: Place Saint Sulpice Christmas Village
Dates : Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Saint Sulpice | RER: Saint Michel – Notre Dame

The Place Saint Sulpice Christmas Village chalets are a perfect complement to the old Paris atmosphere of the area. Place Saint Sulpice is in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and shoppers will be able to enjoy mulled wine and the Saint Germain des Prés Christmas spirit.

Christmas Market: Montparnasse Christmas Village
Dates : Dec 5, 2011 to Dec 30, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Montparnasse Bienvenüe

Situated below the Montparnasse tower block, this Christmas village has a wonderful selection of regional products. There are 40 or so chalets where shoppers can stock up for the Christmas goodies. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, you can always enjoy a little snack and soak in the festive spirit.

Christmas Decorations © Atout France / Fabrice Milochau

Shoppers at the italie 2 shopping centre, at Place d’Italie, will be able to enjoy an extra treat. Surrounding the shopping centre are 20 or so chalets for Christmas. An ideal opportunity to pick up a gift or two or meet up with family or friends to sample some Christmas treats in the cold Parisian winter.

Christmas Market: Christmas Market at Place de la Nation
Dates : Dec 1, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Nation

The theme for the 17th edition of the Christmas Market at Place de la Nation is the ‘craftsmen of the world’.  Occupying the chalets this year are craftsmen from Russia, Vietnam, Peru, Thailand, India, Korea and more.  The craftsmen from all over the world will be showing their collection of different types of handicrafts. This is the Christmas market with plenty of ideas for gifts and decorations, plus the sensation of having travelled the globe.

Christmas Market: Christmas Market – “Noël en Auteuil, les Festiv’ Solidaires”
Dates : Dec 14, 2011 to Dec 18, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Jasmin

The Festiv Solidaires is five days of festivities at Christmas time, but this is also a Christmas market with a good purpose. It is organized by the members of the ‘Apprentis d’Auteuil’ foundation which works for the social integration of young people in difficulty. Stroll through the Christmas market with its rustic wooden chalets selling regional produce like foie gras, cheese, wine, as well as Christmas decorations like nativity scene figures, Christmas trees, baubles, garlands, etc. There are also concerts, workshops for children, second-hand goods and lots more!

Christmas Market: Boulogne Christmas Market
Dates : Dec 8, 2011 to Dec 24, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Billancourt

The Christmas Market at Boulogne is now an annual tradition. Every December, the big square opposite the shopping centre  welcomes the great Christmas Market. No less than 45 chalets, special events and a little train spread the magic of Christmas time to visitors.

Paris Hotels

Looking for a hotel near your favourite Paris Christmas market? You can search, read hotel reviews and book your Paris hotel Here.

Champs-Elysee-Christmas-Market © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

Christmas markets have caught on in many towns and cities in France and have become part and parcel of the pre-Christmas activity and attraction. Paris has a good spread of Marchés de Noël and some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the centre of Paris are included below:

Christmas Market: Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Dates : Nov 19, 2011 – Jan 2, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile | RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile

The Champs-Elysées Christmas market is one of the biggest in Paris and if you only have time to visit one Christmas market in Paris, this has got to be it. Where else would be more ideal to stop off and do some Christmas shopping than on the most beautiful boulevard in the world. There are about 160 authentic chalets lining the Champs-Elysées between the Rond-Point and Place de la Concorde. The Christmas market also offers the opportunity to enjoy some mulled wine and taste some regional produce like foie gras, ham, champagne, etc. And if you don’t mind being taken for a ride, why not hop on the big ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde for a breathtaking view of the Champs-Elysées and the Christmas illuminations.

Christmas Market: Christmas market at the Maison de l’Alsace
Dates : Nov 24, 2011 to Dec 23, 2011
Getting there : Metro: Champs-Elysées

As you stroll along the Champs-Elysées, enjoying its Christmas market, don’t hesitate to stop at the entrance to the Maison de l’Alsace at 39 avenue des Champs-Elysées and enjoy a cup of mulled wine which will be much appreciated in winter time. Better still, go up to the first floor of the Maison de l’Alsace and enjoy an Alsatian Christmas! The Maison de l’Alsace offers a spread of regional products to take away or taste on the premises. Here you can discover specialities from the Alsace region such as bredele (petits fours baked for Christmas), baerewecke (bread with dried fruit served at Advent), gingerbread and chocolate.  Then of course there is the wonderful wine from the Alsace and foie gras which many may want to feature on their  Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve menu.

To enhance the magic of an Alsatian Christmas, a local choir, the Liederkranz from Attenschwiller will open the market on November 23rd. On Tuesday, December 6th at 5.30pm, the Gosspel Kids choir will be singing and children will be treated to a free hot chocolate and gingerbread!

Marchés de Noël, Paris © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

If you’re a fan of Alsatian gastronomy, this is another market for you. The Gare de l’Est is the train station that services trains coming from and going to regions in the east of France. As Christmas approaches, this is where Parisians flock to, to find the best of Alsatian treats. On the square in front of the station you can taste real pretzels, delicious gingerbread and little Christmas biscuits. For your Christmas meals, there is Alsatian wine and delicious foie gras and not forgetting the Christmas decorations for your table. Daily from 9am to 8pm (except Sunday, from 10am to 7pm)

Christmas Market: Le village de Noël Européen du Trocadéro
Dates : Dec 8, 2011 to Jan 2, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Trocadéro | RER : Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel

The Trocadéro European Christmas Village is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Paris. At this market, visitors can experience and learn about the different European Christmas traditions. At the wooden chalets visitors can shop for gifts and sample produce from various European countries.

For more Paris Christmas markets see Here.

Paris Hotels

Looking for a hotel near your favourite Paris Christmas market? You can search, read hotel reviews and book your Paris hotel Here.

Grande Roue © Atout France / Fabian Charaffi

Visitors to Paris at Christmas are in for a treat. From the end of November, Paris turns on its Christmas magic with thousands of Christmas fairy lights, showing that it is truly the “City of Light”. And, there are some interesting lighting concepts to enjoy as well.

Paris Christmas Lights

Where: Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Dates: From Nov 22, 2011 to Jan 9, 2012
Getting there: Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile | RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile

The Christmas illuminations on the Champs-Elysées is famous around the world and it is worthwhile stopping in Paris just to see the world’s most beautiful avenue at its Christmas best.

Each year the Christmas Illuminations committee tries to outdo its previous year’s record. For Christmas 2011, the 200 trees along the Champs-Elysées are decorated with luminous ‘tree rings’. Some 100 mirrors are scattered amongst the branches of the trees, creating reflections and waves of colours that are bound to dazzle.

Where: Avenue Montaigne
Dates: From Nov 23, 2011 to Jan 10, 2012
Getting there: Metro: Alma Marceau | RER: Pont de l’Alma

Thousands come to Avenue Montaigne at Christmas to kiss under a mistletoe. Avenue Montaigne and its surrounds are decked out in Christmas lights and a series of luminous balls decorated with mistletoe. This is a beautiful place to come for a romantic stroll.

Printemps © Atout France / Eric Larrayadieu

Where: Place Vendôme
Dates: Nov 22, 2011 to Jan 15, 2012
Getting there: Metro: Place Vendôme

Place Vendôme, rue de la Paix, rue de Castiglione, rue Saint-Honoré and rue des Capucines are some of the outstanding streets and squares in Paris’ 1er arrondissement. The Christmas lights in this area adds to the prestigious character of the district.

Where: Forum des Halles
Dates: Nov 14, 2011 to Jan 7, 2012
Getting there: Metro: Les Halles | RER: Châtelet Les Halles

The Forum des Halles may be undergoing renovation works, but nothing stops the Christmas lights here. It’s worthwhile coming here to see how digital art is used to create the Christmas effects in the area. Miguel Chevalier, an avant-gardist in digital art, has created a virtual reality work featuring snowflakes which turn, open out, and change shape on contact with the public. This leads me to think that perhaps it can be done indoors so people like me who don’t like the cold can experience snow without the cold!

Where: Bercy Village
Dates: Nov 25, 2011 to Jan 10, 2012
Getting there: Metro: Cour Saint-Emilion | Bus: 24, 64, 109, 111

Bercy’s paved streets, which date back to the Middle Ages, are decorated with a fascinating lighting concept. Neon tubes mounted on aluminum structures create a ceiling of stars and snowflakes so that a star-spangled sky illuminates Bercy Village.

Paris Department Stores

As in Oxford Street in London, the large department stores in Paris like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and BHV have now made it a tradition to light up their buildings at Christmas time. Store windows aren’t just full of tempting goods to buy – they have become works of art which the public love and enjoy.

Paris Christmas Lights Tour

If you don’t have the time to explore Paris’ Christmas Illuminations on your own, you can always join a Paris Christmas Lights Tour and enjoy the Christmas sights of Paris on an open-top, double-decker bus.

Paris Hotels

The Champs-Elysées is the most beautiful avenue in Paris, especially so at Christmas time. If you want to be able to step out of your hotel and right onto the Champs-Elysées, then the Paris Marriott Hotel Champs-Elysées is the hotel for you. Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels, just off this famous boulevard that would be just as convenient to the Champs-Elysees. See here for the list of Champs-Elysees hotels.

Christmas Concerts in Paris

Paris has some of the most beautiful and historical churches and many of these are regular venues for classical music performances.  During the festive season these famous churches traditionally host special Christmas concerts.

If you’re spending Christmas in Paris, you can enjoy Christmas music, classical or religious music at one of the many Christmas concerts in the city.

Famous Paris Churches

Many of these Christmas concerts are held at venues which are themselves famous Paris attractions such as the Sainte Chapelle, which is famous for its stained glass windows, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Madeleine.

Most of these Christmas concerts are limited-performance events, so book early if you don’t want to miss out.

See the calendar of Christmas concerts in Paris churches and to make your concert ticket bookings, just click on the links below.

Apart from the above list of Christmas concerts, there are many other concerts and performances in Paris every day. You can see the complete list of Paris concerts and book your concert tickets HERE.

Looking for hotels in Paris? You can search for hotels, read reviews and make your Paris hotel bookings here.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons at the Eiffel Tower

Here’s a unique opportunity to enjoy Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” at the most iconic Paris landmark.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

This exciting performance offers classical music lovers the chance to hear some of the most popular works of classical music at Europe’s most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The Eiffel Orchestra

The Eiffel Orchestra performs Vivaldi’s beloved “The Four Seasons” and other favourite works in this unique Paris concert.

The elevator ride to the 2nd floor is included in the concert ticket price. You are requested to arrive 40 minutes before the start of the performance to enjoy a visit to the second floor of the tower.

There are only six performances for this concert so book your concert tickets early HERE

Check out other Paris classical music concert schedules and tickets HERE.

Atout France

If, like me, you weren’t the lucky winner of the July holiday competition to France, here’s another chance to try your luck — this time it’s a shopping trip for two to Paris, compliments of the French Tourist Bureau and Air France.

Here’s the shopoholic’s dream prize –

- 2 return flights to Paris with Air France
- 3 nights accommodation
- $1,500 Gift Certificate to shop at the famous Galeries Lafayette

About the Competition

To be in the running for this shopping extravaganza, all you have to do is answer three simple questions and register your details.

The French Tourist Bureau P/L is the promoter of this competition. Entry to the competition is open to residents of Australia only.

The competition ends on September 16th, 2011, so get your entry in early. For more information about the competition, read the Terms & Conditions on the competition website.

To get inspired, you have a look at some Paris shopping through Travelsignposts’ Paris shopping photos HERE.

Bonne Chance!

© Marché International de Rungis

For the foodie, Paris has always offered the opportunity to visit lively neighbourhood food markets where all kinds of wonderful foods are on display.  If, like me, you enjoy visiting Paris markets and finding out about the seasonal food in Paris, there is now the opportunity to visit a fresh produce wholesale market. The Marché Rungis (Rungis Market) supplies metropolitan Paris with fresh produce and is believed to be the largest fresh produce wholesale market in the world.

About Marché Rungis

Rungis Market is located in the southern suburb of Rungis, about 7.0 km from Paris. This wholesale market occupies a staggering 232 hectares of building space and there are some 1,200 companies operating at Rungis, providing work for 12,000 employees.

The market is organized into six groups of fresh produce – dairy products, fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, horticulture and cut flowers, meat, gourmet and other edible produce. Each of the produce halls has different operating hours and opening days.  Every day, up to 26,000 vehicles deliver all kinds of fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and flowers to the Rungis market site which then find their way into the local Paris markets, restaurants and supermarkets.

So if you every wondered where the food in Paris comes from, this one wholesale market alone supplies over half the fresh seafood consumed in the French capital, 45% of Paris’ fruit and vegetables, 35% of its meat and 50% of the flowers that decorate Parisian homes and businesses.

Visiting Rungis

© Marché International de Rungis

Up till recently Rungis Paris was off-limit to the public. But now, foodies and tourists alike are able to take a guided tour of the Rungis Market on the second Friday of each month.

This tour is not for those who object to early morning starts – the pickup from Paris is at 5:00 am!  At €75 per person, it is not cheap either, but the tour cost includes transport to and from the Paris city centre and a guided tour around the fresh produce halls where you’ll be able to see the food merchants in action.  The visit ends at 8.30 am with a traditional market breakfast which is included in the tour price.

For more information about visiting Rungis Market and booking the tour, visit their website at www.visiterungis.com.

Address:
Marché Rungis
1 rue de la Tour
BP 316
94152 Rungis cedex

Explore France © Atout France

If you’re dreaming of a holiday in France, but your bank balance isn’t as flush as you need it to be as yet, here’s a chance to win a holiday to France for two, compliments of the French Tourist Bureau, Air France and Accor and Rail Europe.

Here’s the Prize – Ooh la la!

- 2 return flights to France with Air France

- 8 nights’ accommodation with Accor in Paris

- 2 Rail Pass with Rail Europe

About the Competition

To be in the running for this holiday of a lifetime, all you have to do is explore the three beautiful French regions of Aquitaine, the French Riviera and Languedoc Roussillon and then answer 10 simple questions

to enter the competition.  You may already know the answers.

To begin exploring France click HERE

The French Tourist Bureau P/L is the promoter of this competition. Entry is open to residents of Australia only. The competition ends on July 21st, so three more weeks to get your entry in. For more information about the competition, read the Terms & Conditions on the competition website.

To get inspired, you can visit France through Travelsignposts’ France photos HERE.

Bonne Chance!