Joyeux Noël, Merry Christmas

Being wished Merry Christmas by a bus. Sweet.

I'll let the bus do the first part of the talking.  First of all MERRY CHRISTMAS - JOYEUX NOEL, thank you so much for reading my blog. It's not a huge readership, but it was never intended to be. But thank you! Now onwards with the post....

It's Christmas time. I'm getting lucky with the fact I'm getting to experience this 'French Christmas' before quickly darting home for the real thing. (Sorry France, your Christmas just isn't as good). But I thought, well, why not do a little blog post talking about what sort of things I've experienced in France during the festive period. First thing to note, it's a little bit different. They love markets.

A Market near Notre Dame de Paris

Look, there is a market! Next to Notre Dame. Actually this one was quite arty, and more unique. But you pay for that arty unique-ness. It was also one of the more expensive markets I went to. Now the Parisian markets aren't that great (Sorry Paris!). They are very same-y. Take the Champs-Elysées market, unfriendly store owners and the same things over and over again. Seriously, if you like Churros for you this place will be heaven. It was, however, quite festive. The one in La Défence (I know, I know, not Paris. But close enough) was just not festive. I went with my friends on the 1st December and I wanted to come away feeling really festive. I just didn't. I felt more festive on the train that at that market. So instead we went and saw Rise of the Guardians at the cinema. Lovely film, reasonably festive too. On Tuesday I visited the market at Trocadéro. This one was actually the best one in Paris. Every stall offered something unique, but still the usual Maple Syrup stand, and Churros (Seriously, they are obsessed with those things). But for gifts, this one was great (However, I had already bought presents at...). The Christmas market in the town I'm staying in, Meaux. 'La Foire Gourmand' was something quite special actually. A Christmas market that sold exactly what I wanted. Gifts! Split into two zones, the zone artisanale and the zone gourmand, the market sold everything. I visited the Gourmand section last Friday after work, and tried some delicious home made sweets in the Vosges (I regret not buying some), saw some lovely cheeses and wines. The thing that got me, was the British stand. I bought a nice big bar of Dairy Milk for €2, and a packet of salt and vinegar crisps for 35c. Parfait!

Trocadéro Christmas Market, not a bad background

The Zone Artisanale was equally as good providing me with a good chunk of presents. They sold everything from jewellery to wooden door plaques for kids. And at reasonably prices! You could go with a €20 note, and come back with a fair amount. Fair play, that doesn't happen too often in France. Also, I was asked each time I bought something if I wanted it gift wrapped. To which I replied yes. It was free, if it was rubbish I could just do it again myself. Luckily it was not rubbish, actually very good. Dear Meaux. I might possibly come back some day for this xmas market, it was seriously quite good. The best one I went to this year, hands down.

So what else happens in France? Well, Christmas trees go up, the kids get excited over the Pere Noel (Santa). But of course, mixed messages over what can and can't be said or celebrated in schools. I've met some assistants who've said that even putting a tree up would be seen as breaking that old rule of 'Laicité', the school reception doesn't care, and put one up anyway.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe or something, well it's currently sat in Place de la Concorde. And I must say, it's rather beautiful

The Pere Noel magically flies over the Champs-Elysées

Now onto the more over the top Christmas approach offered at Disneyland. Whilst it may be over the top, one day there is enough to make you feel truly festive. You walk into the park, and they are playing Christmas Carols down Main Street in what sounds like 'Salvation Army' style. There's a giant Christmas tree (fake obviously), there are snowmen figures near the Castle. You can meet the characters in their Christmas outfits. Yeah, it snows too through the magic of foam type stuff. There is a 'Christmas Cavalcade' which is awesome, It's a Small World has had a festive makeover (Personal favourite is the mermaid singing Jingle Shells), Frontierland sees a Christmas village being set up. But the most magical things of all, the lighting up of the tree and the castle. Wow. As a Kid I always wanted to visit Disneyland at Christmas. My wish has been granted during the year abroad. How cool right?

Goofy and Pluto in front of the castle.. sort of.

Santa in the Cavalcade de Noel

Told you it was a big christmas tree

Castle at night

Santa in It's a Small World

Now I've experienced what Paris, and France is like at Christmas. Which is interesting (their Christmas Dinner is just odd to me), but I can't wait to get home and experience a home Christmas. It'll be nice to have some home comforts for two weeks too actually. I leave you with one more picture of Paris at Christmas. (I'm sure there'll be more next time).