Markets, markets, markets!

One of this must things to do in Paris is to explore the various markets, from fashion to food and everything in between; vintage, wine, cheese and even birds! Being the foodie I am, I decided to start my market search with food! So last weekend, we discovered a market pres de chez-nous, and at only a ten minute walk away we joined the hustle and bustle on Rue d'Aligre in Paris' 12th. Where to start was the question! Fresh fruit and veg, everywhere! 

Just the start of the market! All different types of wild mushrooms!

Pumpkins don't just come out for Halloween here, in fact we couldn't find a citrouille for Halloween because the French don't really celebrate it, the good thing about that is that pumpkins don't make themselves scarce after the 31st October! Horrah for pumpkin soup (and pie, and mash, and...!!)

...and this is what we returned home with! Healthy eating couldn't be more tempting! If you're in the area, it's a great thing to do on a Sunday morning! 

E x

It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas...

Weekends in Paris just seem to be getting better and better... the more wintery it gets, what better excuse than to dig out the big coat, gloves and scarf and wrap up warm for an adventurous day in the city of love - with the one you love...

In Paris it seems acceptable that on the first of November they can display Christmas trees and decorations, but none of that tacky plastic stuff...Galaeries Lafayette are showcasing what must be THE most beautiful Christmas tree as their centre piece. Sponsored by Swarovski to mark the 100 year anniversary of the dome at the luxuary department store, this must be everyone's dream Christmas tree...? Can you imagine a 21m high tree mounted on top of a 9m chandelier with 5,000 Swarovski faceted crystal stars? This really made my window shopping and lust for everything in Lafayette worth it and magical and definitely brought in winter and the count down to Christmas well.

Looking up the 9m chandelier...impressive!

Make your Christmas sparkle... 

Do you go for a star or fairy at the top of your tree? 

Make sure you walk the billion floors to the top terrace to see the amazing view of Paris from the top, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & the Sacre Coeur, and the Opéra house are just a few of the iconic Parisian sites to be seen. Amazing views even on a cloudy day!

If the beautiful architecture of the building, lustful clothing and accessories and amazing view (even on a grey and rainy day) from the top isn't enough to get you down there, even if for nothing else, head down to Galeries Lafayette to see the amazing tree, you really won't regret it! I promise you!

E x