Christmas in Paris 2013

Christmas in Paris with our children and grandchildren…. a perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Our family arrived in Paris December 23rd. They requested we not let them go to sleep on day one, so we took them to La Défense Christmas Market. The pink orb tree was a popular photo opportunity.

pink trees

Christmas Eve was rainy and overcast. We slept a little late and got out in the rain about noon. We headed to Montmarte to visit the Sacre Coeur and the fabric stores in the area.

Christmas Day was very quiet. We slept in, enjoyed a family breakfast and opened gifts. Dinner included roti poulet, roasted vegetables, green beans, and fig tart.  If you want to try baking a fig tart click here.  If you can’t find figs (or don’t like figs) I think apricots or pears would work just as well. This was so tasty we made it twice!

dinner

Ginny's fig tart

The rest of the week flew by….. The children went to Versailles, Saint Chappelle, Notre Dame, The Louvre, Conciergerie, and surrounding sites. We did enjoy visiting Les Invaildes and The Army Museum with them as we had seen the other sites many times. The boys loved the guns and body armor.

One extra special highlight was a trip to Disneyland Paris. It was a great day but really, really cold. We had no idea it would be as cold as it was but we dealt with the wet, bitter temperatures and totally enjoyed the day. We decided the Happiest Place on Earth was also the Coldest Place on Earth!

family at disney

 

disney garland

avery the wizard

Avery the Wizard!

meeting minnie

meeting minnie2

minnie

Benji took this picture!

New Year’s Eve was another quiet day around here. Everyone was worn out and needed down time.

January 1st was not only the New Year; it was also Benjamin’s 11th birthday.  We celebrated with a late lunch at Café du Marche, a trip to the Eiffel Tower, a ride on the Carousel, and a walk through the Trocadero Christmas Market.

birthday lunch

benji on the horseHappy Birthday, Benjamin!

The rest of our days were filled with sightseeing, shopping and family time. It was a very satisfying and unique holiday for all of us.

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Packed and ready to go home.