This is my latest from my belle France; And it is that time again to tell you my latest rants about some news/wine from France. An eventful post in my blog that I have enjoyed together with you for the last 13 years , And for those non Roman CCCXCIII is 393 ! ,I have come back for an end of the year combine news/wine of my belle France, Of course, chosen by me; there are many others. Hope you enjoy the post as I.
In 2023, Christmas markets, nativity scenes, concerts and a multitude of festivities offer a wide choice of entertainment for the whole family in Paris. From the Champs-Élysées to the facades of department stores via the squares and streets of the city… discover the most beautiful Christmas illuminations in Paris. Luminous arches, multicolored bulbs, incandescent flames and sparkling projections sumptuously adorn the French capital. From November to early January,2024 the Christmas illuminations on Avenue des Champs-Elysées whose launch is sponsored each year by a celebrity, Also, by Avenue Montaigne, Place Vendôme, in the Montmartre district, at Bercy Village and in many other sites, give Paris a more captivating charm than ever! The stores also switch to winter time and adorn themselves with their most beautiful colors. The festive decorations on the facades of Parisian department stores are attractions in their own right!
These are my favorites over the years amongst many to choose from :
The Christmas Illuminations on the Avenue des Champs—Élysées, From November 19, 2023 to January 7, 2024 From 17h to midnight. All night on December 24 and 31. At the Place Vendôme and surroundings until the beginning of January 2024, Also, at the Westfield Forum des Halles from November 9, 2023 to January 10, 2024
An unmissable festive event during the end of year celebrations in Paris. The Chrismas markets take over the four corners of the city, to the delight of visitors, walkers and locals! The Magic of Christmas at the Tuileries, to January 7, 2024 , The Christmas Village on the parvis of La Défense up to December 27, 2023, The Notre Dame Christmas market , this year more sentimental than ever from December 8 to 25, 2023 at the Square René Viviani and 2 rue du Fouarre, The Christmas market at Place Saint Michel to January 3, 2024, and the Christmas Village at the Hôtel de Ville from December 14, 2023 to January 6, 2024, Another perhaps off the beaten path but sentimental to me is the Alsatian Christmas market in the Gare de l’Est by Rue du 8 Mai 1945, to Sunday December 17th, 2023
To celebrate Christmas in the purest tradition, don’t hesitate to open the doors of Parisian churches. Each church allows its faithful to gather there and participate in various vigils and masses. Masses are organized there on December 24 and 25 with prestigious celebrations, supported by exceptional choirs and concerts.
My best are at the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre , at the Madeleine Church ,at the Saint-Eustache Church, at the Saint-Augustin Church ,at the Saint-Sulpice Church, at the Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois Church ,and at the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
There is a non-exhaustive selection of Christmas nativity scenes such as the Christmas crib at the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre: visible during basilica hours, every day from 6h30 to 22h45 ! The Christmas nativity scene at the Madeleine Church: Provençal nativity scene visible every day from 9h30 to 19h Christmas nativity scene at Saint-Eustache Church: traditional nativity scene. The Christmas nativity scene at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church: presentation of the nativity scene to February 2, 2024, The Christmas crib at the Saint Germain L’Auxerrois Church, visible until January 2024
And we cannot leave out the faithful to tradition, the facades of Parisian department stores are adorned from November with their most beautiful festive decorations. Again, my favorite are the Galeries Lafayette: Christmas of my Dreams to December 31, 2023. Le Printemps Haussmann: A paper Christmas for wishes granted to January 1, 2024, BHV Marais: A Christmas in the forest From November 8, 2023 , La Samaritaine: A gourmet Christmas to January 9, 2024 , and Le Bon Marché: Christmas in all its splendor From November 10, 2023,
The Christmas spirit blows through Aéroville. A stone’s throw from Charles-De-Gaulle airport, the shopping center is transformed, from December 2, into a real tale for young and old. Led by the adorable elf Zbim, the common thread of the end-of-year celebrations, visitors will let themselves be carried into this magical universe. 9 meter high tree, Santa’s chalet, giant garlands, Christmas market, creative workshops, distribution of sweets… The magic of Christmas is wanting to please others… With a surface area of 84,000 m2, 200 shops, 38 restaurants, a hypermarket and an impressive leisure center (escape game, arcade complex, multiplex cinema, fitness center). Spacious aisles punctuated with relaxation areas, large bay windows facing the sky…the works, used it while worked at the airport, worth the detour with direct transport airport to mall, Webpage : https://www.westfield.com/en/france/aeroville
The King’s journey on the 2023 Christmas visit show at the Palace of Versailles, offers families the opportunity to discover the most beautiful rooms of the palace in a baroque atmosphere, from December 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024. From the Salon of Hercules to the Chamber of the Queen passing through the Gallery of Mirrors illuminated with royal fireworks, musicians, dancers, singers, fencers and actors prepare under the gilding of the Grand Apartments for an extraordinary spectacle visit leading to the Gallery of Battles, where adults and children go to meet a very special guest…the Baroque Santa Claus! A grandiose party in the prestigious Galerie des Glaces awaits us. Talented courtiers and renowned musicians are actively preparing spectacular performances. The central character is a French-style Harlequin, distinguished by his elegance and refined manners !
Christmas counter and market 2023 at the Domaine de Madame Elizabeth on December 2 and 3, 2023. A bit late but worth mention me think, More than 120 exhibitors from Yvelines (78), local artisans and traders, are present during this December weekend to present their products and creations. Entertainment will also be on the program. Open Saturday from 12h to 21h and Sunday from 10h to 19h Domaine de Madame Elisabeth located up from the palace on 73 avenue de Paris
One hundred years after its restoration, the Bal du Siècle will return to the Palace of Versailles on Monday December 11. Enough to promise future participants “the most wonderful costume party in 100 years”. The event should last 3 hours in the sublime Galerie des Batailles. This “Fête Merveilleuse”, as the palace describes it, will also be an opportunity to dance “from the waltzes of Vienna to the Roaring Twenties”, to the rhythms of Offenbach to Mistinguett.
The Royal Opera of Versailles. The festive shows will begin on December 14 with “Malandain Ballet Biarritz: the seasons”, a promise of a volcanic fusion between dance and music. Then, from December 20 to 31, fans of baroque dance will be able to rediscover the great ballet romantic and contemporary by Angelin Preljocaj, “Snow White”. Finally, the great comedy-ballet in five acts by Molière, set to music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, “Le Bourgeois gentilhomme”, will return to the Royal Opera of Versailles from January 4 to 14. This piece was performed for the first time on October 14, 1670 before the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV, at the Château de Chambord.
A Guignols theater will be set up on Saturday, December 23 morning at the Porchefontaine and Saint-Louis market, In the afternoon on the Carré à la Marée, Notre-Dame market, Wonderful !!
The Royal Opera Choir and Orchestra, conductor. Stefan Plewniak, and Sonya Yoncheva (soprano), on the program: songs, choirs and pieces for Christmas. Royal Chapel inside the palace of Versailles, Sunday December 10, 2023 15h.
And not missed while by it for my former neighborhood church which is now radiant as ever, The Notre-Dame Church In the heart of the district which owes its name, The church was built by Mansart to become the parish of the king… Recently restored, discover its architecture, its links with court life and its beautiful collection of painted and sculpted works…You will know everything about the personalities who frequented it and the events of which it was the scene, since the time of the Sun King…Indeed sublime !
This year, a large LED tree will take pride of place on Place Maurice-Marchais. Illuminated and crossing, it will be inaugurated on Sunday December 17. The theme chosen this year is “Vannes illuminated in red and white”, the colors of Santa’s clothes will set the tone in the streets of the city through the illuminations which will shine from Thursday December 1st to Sunday January 7th 2024.
An exceptional view of the illuminated city is offered to you from the Ferris wheel located on the Esplanade du Port. Do not miss ! Child: €5 / Adult: €6 , Animation offered by ACAPES. From December 1 to January 7 2024 from 10h to 23h, Strolling by Santa Claus and/or his elves. Entertainment offered by Coeur de Vannes From December 16 to 24 from 17h to 18h (23 and 24 at 16h) – City center, Stroll by an artist with extraordinary soap bubbles in the city center. Entertainment offered by Coeur de Vannes Wednesday December 6 Between 14h and 19h – City center, The Cactus Candies, a quartet of musicians and singers to have fun during the traders’ night. Animation proposed by Coeur de Vannes. Friday December 15 from 19h to 20h30 – place Lucien- Laroche under the Cocotte
Christmas with the family, On the program for this afternoon: wish tree workshops, cake and candy house, participatory fresco, face painting, game collection without forgetting the snack and chocolates offered by Santa Claus. Activities organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Council. Saturday December 16 from 15h to 18h – Saint-Patern district, Shops are open until 21h and many street activities will be offered. Animation proposed by Coeur de Vannes. Friday December 15 – Downtown
The city of lights for young and old with: a large LED tree on Place Maurice-Marchais and a marvelous mapping on the facade of the Saint-Yves Chapel. Take your best selfie under one of the decorative arches or under the giant crossing Christmas ball located on the Place des Lices. December 24, 25, 31 and January 1: mapping all night. December 23, 30 and January 6, mapping from 20h. to 22h. Activities offered by the City of Vannes. From December 17 to January 7 from 17h30. to 22h.
The Gourmet Chalet, Chocolate, mulled wine, coffee, tea… Entertainment offered by the Festival Committee. From December 17 to January 7 2024 and from 17h to 22h, Place Maurice-Marchais The arrival of Santa Claus in the city always offers a magical moment for children. You can accompany him through the busy streets of the city. From 10h to 18h: creative activities (make-up workshop, Christmas decoration, cupcake decoration and bead weaving, exhibition, solidarity workshop, photo studio, etc.) From 11h30 to 14h: pony ride From 14h to 18h30: musical entertainment with DJ Jean Teck 15h: Christmas dances 15h30: arrival of Santa Claus by boat From 15h45: Santa Claus parade in a carriage with the elves from the French Mountain Bike School of Vannes cyclo randonneurs who will distribute treats. Take advantage of the moment to eat in the gourmet chalet! Activities proposed by the Festival Committee with the kind participation of the Ria d’Étel team, the bagad de Rhuys, the Friends of the Sinagots, Rêve de clown, the Imaginarium de PetitPoi, the “lutines” of the dance school of Laurence Autret and the Pension de Calpéric. Sunday December 17 from 10h to 18h, Esplanade Simone-Veil
Santa’s Cottage : Meet Santa Claus. Creative animation with the PetitPoi Imaginarium. “Letter to Santa Claus” workshop with a response given for each letter left. Activities proposed by the Festival Committee. From December 17 to 24 from 17h. to 19h Place Maurice-Marchais. Hot chesnuts : The locomotive of hot chestnuts returns to the squares of the hyper-center. Cones offered by your big-hearted merchants! Animation proposed by Coeur de Vannes. From 20 to 23 from 15h to 19h and December 24 from 11h to 15h city center
Christmas Stories : Come and warm your eyes and ears by discovering our snowy books. Public: from 3 years old – free entry. Animation offered by the Palais des arts media library. From December 20 to 31 Place Lucien-Laroche (under the Cocotte) Mini Farm : Farm animals: rabbits, chickens, sheep… Entertainment offered by Coeur de Vannes. Wednesday December 20 – Palais des arts media library
“Proud on horse” show, Don’t miss this exceptional event with this magical and poetic show which will wander from the left bank of the port (departure from the B.R.E.F) to the historic center. Show proposed by the Federation of traders and artisans Coeur de Vannes. Saturday December 30 at 18h
Family Escape Game : A pleasant moment with the family to find in a given time the information to overcome this Escape game. Entertainment offered by Hôtel Evasion with Coeur de Vannes. From December 20 to 31 – City center
Christmas Tales, Afternoon storytelling. Activities offered by the Festival Committee and the Gulf Storytellers. Wednesday January 3 and Friday January 5, at 15h30 Saint-Yves Chapel. Wailers ; Stroll through the city center of Vannes. Animation proposed in the Heart of Vannes. Every Wednesday and Saturday (except the 9th) from December 20 to 24 from 11h to 13h, city center. Parking is offered to you from December 1 to December 31, 2023 from 17h to 19h
Moët & Chandon Champagnes: an Imperial vintage launched in the secret of a Parisian architectural jewel, In the delightful and little-known setting of the Hôtel de Bourrienne in Paris, Moët & Chandon is celebrating its 280th anniversary with the presentation of the first vintage of its Collection Impériale.Napoléon’s favorite champagne house to accompany the launch of the Cuvée Impériale Création No. 1. A champagne born from the desire to seek the highest expression of Moët & Chandon and bottle all our know-how to achieve a complexity never before achieved, Webpage : https://www.lvmh.com/houses/wines-spirits/moet-chandon/
A couple more to the reach of many and very good ones are :
Tarlant – Saignée des Tempêtes 2015 ,Under an exquisite color evoking the breast of a robin, delicate oxidative notes, Damask rose and red fruits, a fine, airy bubble, which loosens in the mouth with delicious notes of almond paste, quince, sap, lots of depth and complexity, spices, and a very long, pure, mystical finish! Webpage : https://www.tarlant.com/
Joseph Perrier – La Côte à bras 2014 , A pure, precise nose, with aromas of lily of the valley, white lilac, then vanilla sugar, moving from freshness to more indulgence, with notes of white fruits on the palate, an acidity that refreshes overall, a juicy, slightly spicy side, which holds your hand while caressing your palate, towards a long, energizing and tasty finish. Webpage: https://www.josephperrier.com/en/champagnes-and-cuvees/cote-a-bras-2014/
And a wonderful history, champagne, and beautiful monuments of my belle France, Faithful to the family reputation for excellence, Barons de Rothschild champagne is associated with the Comédie-Française and the Château de Versailles. Since 2012, Barons de Rothschild has been the exclusive champagne of the Comédie-Française Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, (met her in Pauillac!!) mother of Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, CEO of Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. since 2018, was an actress. She began her career at Le Français in 1958. She was a resident there for five years, meeting her husband, Jacques Sereys (who passed away on January 2, 2023, at age 94), 431st member of the Comédie-Française, which he joined in 1955. They therefore had very strong links with this theater. The Rothschild family donated many objects and pieces of furniture to Versailles and still wines often accompany events organized within the castle. But, unlike the Comédie-Française, there is a more commercial aspect to this partnership with Versailles. Since 2016, their wines are the attention as part of the VIP tours of the castle and gardens but also the costume ball organized every end of July and, which is held exclusively with Barons de Rothschild champagne.Indeed, Webpage : https://www.bpdr.com/en
There you go folks, my latest round of my some news/wines from France coming to you freely by the road warrior travel guy . Again, hope you enjoy this post as I,
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 