How to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Paris before Christmas

Paris is not being called “the city of love” for no reason. The monument-lined boulevards, the smell of fresh croissants in the air, and the luxurious boutiques at every corner will make you fall in love with the city and life in general at every turn. Why not pick the city of love for a romantic Paris weekend getaway before Christmas and enjoy the city in full sparkle?

Known for its unique and tasteful cuisine, a stunning selection of museums and beautiful architectural highlights Paris is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend getaway – or like in my case an engagement.

Whilst most people recommend visiting Paris in spring to see it in full bloom, I am a firm believer of going during Christmas times. Christmas lights make the most romantic city even more romantic. I am here to give you the scoop on the most beautiful Christmas markets and most romantic things to do during the most wonderful time of the year in Paris!

Perfect hotels for a romantic weekend getaway in Paris during Christmas
- The Westin Paris – Place Vendome
- Hotel Derby Eiffel
Romantic Christmassy things to do in Paris

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Perfect hotels for a romantic weekend getaway in Paris during Christmas

The Westin Paris – Place Vendome

Located right in the heart of the city and close by all the beautiful Christmas lights is the stunning Westin Paris. Located between the Place Vendome and the Louvre it is the perfect spot to spend the weekend during Christmas times in Paris.

The rooms are luxurious and decorated in typical Parisian fashion. Before heading out in the morning you will be served a traditional and delicious breakfast, consisting of atypical assortments mixed with local delights.

Check rates here!

Hotel Derby Eiffel

For a more relaxed vibe and as a more budget-friendly option I recommend the Hotel Derby Eiffel in the 7th Arrondissement. The area around the hotel is perfect for long romantic strolls and a relaxed cappuccino in a cute cafe.

The Eiffel tower is in walking distance of the hotel, as well as the stunning museum Les Invalides. Most of the streets surrounding the hotel are covered in Christmas decorations. This brings a very special charm to the area.

The rooms are modern and clean, yet pretty small for two people. Nonetheless, we found this was a great budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway in Paris.

Check rates here!

Romantic Christmassy things to do in Paris

1. Visit the Christmas markets

As an Austrian, visiting Christmas markets before Christmas is only natural to me. Hot mulled wine (vin chaud), sweet treats, and traditional arts and crafts pop-up stores are calling! Every year, in the month of December, roughly 15 – 20 different Marchés de Nöel open up all around the city. Vendors offer their special delicacies under a stunning ceiling of fairy lights.

What would be a romantic weekend getaway in Paris without hot wine? – Find all opening times here.

I have compiled a small list of my favorite Christmas markets in Paris:

La Magie de Noël (“The Magic of Christmas”) in Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre
Montmartre Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses (near Sacre Coeur)
Paris Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
Eiffel Tower Christmas Market on Champs de Mars

2. Check out the huge tree at Galeries Lafayette and combine it with some Christmas shopping

The festive decoration inside the famous shopping mall Galeries Lafayette are simply next level! If the huge, overly ornamented tree is not gonna get you in the mood for some Christmas shopping, then I don’t know what is.

Christmas tree at galeries Lafayette in Paris romantic weekend getaway

3. Embark on a romantic River Cruise on the Seine

By far one of my favorite experiences in Paris was the Seine Dinner cruise. A small but luxurious boat takes you along all the famous sights. See Notre Dame church and the Eiffel tower while you sip a glass of champagne and enjoy the fine french cuisine.

Since we booked the evening version, we saw Paris lit up with moonlight while a piano player enchanted us with his music. This was by far one of the most romantic moments of my life.

The boat passed by the Eiffel Tower at the exact time when it was illuminated with sparkles for a Grande Finale. Check rates here!

This is one of the many amazing things to do in Paris for couples.

4. Visit Montmartre

Montmartre is a hill in Paris’ 18 arrondissement. It is famous for its artistic history, as well as the stunning white-domed church Sacré Coeur.

During Christmas times you can find a lovely Christmas market in the district. Also, most of the Cafés will be decorated to the max. Montmartre is definitely worth a day trip, because it is the perfect spot to buy a souvenir from street artists and spend a romantic weekend getaway in Paris.

Montmartre Paris Christmas decorations Paris romantic weekend getaway

5. Christmas lights bus tour

The next one might sound cheesy but I promise it is not. Hop on a bus and catch a tour around Paris’s most beautiful streets lit up with Christmas lights. You can cuddle in a big fluffy blanket, sip some delicious hot chocolate and listen to some festive music on the tour. During evening hours the tour passes by the Eiffel tower, at the exact moment when it is sparkling. This is the perfect activity for a romantic weekend getaway in Paris.

Check rates here!

6. Christmas shopping on the Champs Elysees

To make sure you bring home unique and stylish Christmas gifts I recommend a shopping trip down the Champs Elysees. Also, the shopping mile will be lit up with tons of sparkly lights and is very heavily, extravagantly decorated.