Holiday Shopping Hours!

In France Sundays are sacred. I think this is a good thing even if every once in a while I miss being able to shop whenever I like. It makes you slow down at least one day of the week. Few streets like the rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the Marais or the Champs Elyséés actually pay fines and keep their doors open Sundays year-round. But, at Noël the French are willing to lighten up and let everyone spend to their hearts content, même la dimanche.

I'll be out checking off all my lists with the husband and enjoying a nice lunch sans enfants. It's been a long time since we have been out without the kids and am already looking forward to it.

The grands magasins: Bon Marché, Printemps and the Galéries Lafayettes are open Dec. 5th, 12, and 19th!

Marché de Noël in the Village Saint Paul

This week-end if you are out and about in the Marais, stop by the Marché de Noël in the Village Saint Paul. Last year, a sweet older couple (very Mamie et Papy) served us delicious crêpes with home-made jam. We washed that down with some hot wine from the adjacent stand. If that doesn't get you, then the other 48 stands of regional produce should do the trick.

Friday Dec. 3rd 14:00-20:00

Saturday Dec. 4th 9:00-20:00

Sunday Dec. 5th 9:00-19:00

Le Bon Marché

I passed by the Bon Marché today to check out the Christmas window display. I think in another life I would have been a window dresser. Andy Warhol used to do window displays. My mother met Andy Warhol once. But, that is completely besides the point. The windows were interesting, but lacked Christmas magic. That is, at least from what would be a child's point of view. I'll take the kiddies to Printemps and the Galéries Lafayette. I'll let you judge for yourself.

If you do happen to go to the Bon Marché, the kids can check out the Tiny Tales Exposition by Tiphaine Verdier Mangan level -1. The artist takes us on a poetic journey through vintage illustrations and miniatures mis en scene. There is also an exposition of photos from Sophia Coppola's latest film, "Somewhere".