Christmas in Paris

There is nothing like Christmas in Paris. The romantic city of lights gets even more magical during the holidays.

From Christmas Eve Mass at one of the Gothic churches to window shopping on the Champs Elysees, your Parisian dreams become a reality in November and December.

Here are a few of my favorite things to experience and eat while visiting Paris at Christmas time. (Scroll down for the Buche de Noel recipe 🍰 )

Christmas Markets

Originating in Germany and the Alsace, Christmas markets have spread across the whole of Europe since the 1990s. A great favourite with Parisians and visitors to the city, they have gradually become an essential part of the festive season in Paris. Christmas markets can be found all over the French capital, from Les Halles, Notre-Dame to Les Tuileries, as well as the impressive Christmas Village at La Défense. Soak up the Christmas atmosphere on the streets of Paris!

These markets made up of wooden chalets create a warm and magical Christmassy atmosphere and are the perfect place to pick up Christmas decorations, festive objects, regional produce and arts & crafts … You will certainly find  decorations for your Christmas tree, some original ideas for Christmas presents and ingredients to make your Christmas meals even more delicious.

Brunch at the Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris has its own special rituals, and brunch is one of them! A Sunday rendezvous centered on a sweet and savory buffet best enjoyed in one of the hotel’s gilded salons. A Parisian institution, starring the best produce and artisanally made products. 🌟 I recommend the truffled scrambled eggs! It’s truly a delight for the palate.

Buche de Noel – Log Cake

Each year, great pastry and chocolate makers compete in originality and daring to offer Christmas logs to eager Parisians. The signature gourmet logs of master pastry chefs offer many surprising flavor combinations.

Here is a recipe for the traditional Chocolate and vanilla version (Using a shortcut to make the buttercream)

Ingredients:

Genoise Cake

Sugar Syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1/3 cup water

Buttercream 

• 3 sticks of butter softened
• 7 ounce jar marshmallow fluff
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
• 1 cup whipping cream

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Grease a baking sheet (10 x 15) and line with parchment.

• Melt butter and cool.
• Beat whole eggs, egg yolks and sugar in a bowl. Continue beating at high speed until thick and light in color. 8 to 10 minutes
• Sift flour over batter a third at a time folding in each third lightly
• After last addition, add melted butter and fold in.
• Spread batter evenly on the baking sheet. 
• Bake 8 to 10 minutes until just brown. 

While hot, invert cake onto a clean dish towel and roll it up to let cool

Make a sugar syrup by simmering water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved

To make the buttercream filling

Beat butter with a mixer until completely smooth gradually beat in the fluff then the vanilla. 

Use half to fill the roll cake

Heat whipping cream in the microwave for one minute then pour over chop chocolate, let’s sit for a few minutes then start together until smooth.  Add chocolate mixture to the reserve buttercream cream and blend together

To assemble the cake

• Unroll cake and brush with sugar syrup
• Spread vanilla buttercream over the cake
• Roll the cake back up 
• Ice with a chocolate buttercream (leaving ends bare)
• To create the knot on the top of the log slice off one end of the cake and attach it to the top with more chocolate buttercream

Enjoy!

It’s no secret that Paris is one of my favorite places to plan client vacations. If spending Christmas in Paris is on your wishlist let me know and I can help you plan the ultimate French vacation. Just schedule a complimentary discovery call with me today. 👉 CLICK HERE 🎄