Decadent December in Paris
Updated December 2022
As the holiday approaches and the grey winter days set the backdrop for the months to come, Parisians seek comfort in the decadent pleasures their city has to offer. In December, everything is permis as end-of-the-year parties and merry-making provide ample opportunities to indulge in gourmet pleasures. Champagne, oysters, cheese, and chocolate are some staples of the season’s feasts in France and there’s no better place to source such decadent treats as Paris.
Decadent Seafood
Firstly, lets look at seafood, the ubiquitous French apรฉro during the holiday season. In fact, oyster vendors set up corner stands that spot Paris neighborhoods as soon as the city’s Christmas lights go up, and it’s hard to resist taking a dozen fines de claire home with you. But if you don’t want to be bothered with shucking your own oysters, have a classy night out at one of the city’s many seafood specialty addresses.
La Coupoleย is a Paris dining institution where classic service and cuisine come together to make a memorable Parisian soirรฉe. Seafood platters (29-178 euro) are served in silver bowls heaped with ice and adorned with oysters on the half shell, crab, shrimp, langoustines, whelks, among other fresh shellfish.ย Another great option for platters of high-quality shellfish, paired with the best Negroni in town, is Le Mary Celeste which has been an oyster go to since it opened in 2013.
Decadent Pastries
For some more seasonal decadence, l’Hotel de Crillon, 10 place Concorde, 75008, Paris, has a chalet open with pastries, hot chocolates and spiced breads from Chef Pรขtissier, Matthieu Carlin, from Nov. 30 to Jan 4 2023.ย In particular, this year the Chef has put chouquettes as the center piece for their Christmas snack of choice. They offer 5 or 12 chouquettes of your choice for 12โฌ and 15โฌ. Or 10 chouquettes and 2 hot chocolates for 20โฌ.
Decadent Chocolates
As kids get giddy over advent calendars, adults in Paris embrace their inner child with chocolate boutiques. Alain Ducasse’s seasonal chocolates can be admired in his many points of sale across the city. Probably the most fun spot to take in his cocoa creations is La Manufacture– where the magic happens and the smell of fresh chocolate will immediately put you into the holiday spirit.
This year La Maison du Chocolat offers a decadent December fix with its Christmas collection, a series of gift boxes and creations that will delight and make a chocoholics dreams come true. Plus, no holiday season would be complete in France without a Bรปche de Noรซl, which you can find in famed Paris pastry shops such as La Durรฉe, Angelina, and A la Mรจre de Famille or check our availability to learn how to make one at home with our Bรปche de Nรถel class on December 23rd, register soon as you do not want your spot to sell out!
Decadent Cheese & Wine Pairing
Our Cheese & Wine Class is also a great decadent December activity where you will discover how to pair French cheese with French wine and enjoy their decadence with plenty of tasting –ย the only way to truly understand the reasons behind the pairing choices! There are places available, this December 20th and January 5th!
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