Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Various Chocolate and Pastry Shops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Christmas Market
- Marché Saint-Germain
- Left Bank
Photos & Highlights
- Dive deep into the heart of French culinary traditions during the festive season, tasting a variety of rich and flavorful dishes along the way
- Explore local holiday markets to find unique and memorable holiday mementos
Select a date
Tour Description
In the heart of Paris during the enchanting Christmas season, you become part of a timeless tradition. Père Noël brings joy to the children while the air fills with the aroma of roasting chestnuts, signaling the start of a holiday stroll you'll never forget.
This 2.5-hour holiday food tour, guided by a culinary expert, will unveil the secrets of French Christmas delicacies. Melt into a warm, flavorful and mouthwatering experience that intertwines traditional dishes with the thrill of discovering new, exquisite flavors as lights twinkle around you and beautifully decorated shop windows ooze with holiday spirit.
Begin at the historic Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the neighborhood around you glowing with festive lights and decorations. With one of our experts by your side, you'll taste foie gras, oysters, champagne, and the iconic Bûche de Noël cake, all while learning about the traditions behind each dish. Keep the culinary exploration going as you indulge in additional dishes, like chocolates and baguettes from Gérard Mulot or macarons from Pierre Hermé. With each bite, you'll connect with the soul of Paris through its gastronomic wonders and holiday customs.
Afterward, walk through a quaint Christmas Market lined with rustic Alpine cabins. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by handcrafted goods that speak of the region's rich heritage; from fragrant soaps to cozy woolen accessories, each item has a story to tell. Your expert guide will illuminate the role these markets play in the local festive shopping experience.
Concluding your tour at the Bon Marché department store, with its enchanting holiday window displays, you'll feel the magic of Christmas in Paris all around. Now, you have both a satisfied palate and a deeper appreciation of the Parisian approach to Réveillon.
Choose this tour if you're seeking to…
- Immerse yourself in Parisian Christmas magic: Experience the city at its most festive, with streets and shops adorned in holiday splendor. This tour isn't just about seeing Paris; it's about being a part of its Christmas traditions.
- Savor the flavors of French holiday cuisine: Delight in a culinary adventure that takes you through the best of French holiday delicacies. From the rich taste of foie gras to the sweet indulgence of Bûche de Noël, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Enjoy a family-friendly experience: If you’re looking for an enjoyable tour for all ages, this is it. The festive atmosphere and variety of treats are sure to delight both children and adults alike.
- Find unique gifts and souvenirs: Wander through charming Christmas markets and find handcrafted gifts that are as unique as they are beautiful. This tour is ideal for bringing a piece of Parisian Christmas back home.
- Create unforgettable memories: Perfect for those wanting to make special holiday memories, this tour offers a blend of sensory delights and heartwarming experiences, making your holiday season in Paris truly unforgettable.
Here are some of the foods you might choose to taste during this experience
- Vin Chaud: Warm your senses with this traditional French hot spiced wine, perfect for chilly holiday evenings.
- Pain d'Épices: Savor this classic French spiced bread, a holiday favorite with its rich flavors and warm spices.
- Nougat: Indulge in this sweet confection, a blend of honey, nuts, and egg whites, offering a taste of French culinary tradition.
- Foie Gras: Experience the luxurious taste of foie gras, a rich and velvety French delicacy often enjoyed during festive seasons.
- Oysters: Delight in the fresh, briny flavor of oysters, a classic French Christmas treat savored for their exquisite taste.
- Gérard Mulot Treats: Treat yourself to a selection of fine chocolates and a fresh baguette from the renowned Gérard Mulot.
- Pierre Hermé Macarons: Taste the Christmas Collection Macarons from the famous Pierre Hermé, offering a symphony of holiday flavors.
- Bûche de Noel: You might cap off your tour with a mini version of this quintessential French Christmas cake, a delightfully sweet treat.
Please Note:
- We plan for a variety of bites and tastings on this tour. While each bite may seem small, they do add up to quite a bit of food. Many guests choose to forgo a meal following this tour, but you are in Paris, so why skip a meal?
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run; hours and availability may vary.
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order allow our team time to adapt the tour.
- We don’t recommend this tour for individuals with severe allergies to nuts or seafood to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination.
Trip Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your tour, take a read through 4 Days in Paris with Context— Your Holiday Itinerary
- If you are looking to learn more about Paris before a visit, check out our audio guides and lectures here.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQ page.
What is the group size for this food tour?
Our food tours are designed to offer a personalized and intimate experience. Typically, our tour is capped at 6 guests, allowing for a more engaging and interactive tour. This ensures that each participant gets individual attention and a chance to ask questions and learn in-depth about Parisian food culture.
Are children welcome on the tour?
Absolutely! Our tours are family-friendly, and children are more than welcome. We find that kids enjoy the sensory experiences of tasting different foods and exploring the markets. Please let us know if you're bringing children along so we can make any necessary adjustments to enhance their experience.
How much walking is involved in the tour?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking as we explore various neighborhoods and markets. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. However, the pace is generally leisurely and suitable for people of most fitness levels. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know in advance so we can make accommodations.
What if I have dietary restrictions other than allergies?
We strive to accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requirements. Just mention your dietary restrictions in the Additional Notes section when you book, and we will do our best to tailor the tour to your needs.
Can the tour be conducted in languages other than English?
Currently, our tours are primarily conducted in English. However, we may be able to arrange tours in other languages upon request. Please contact us in advance to discuss your needs, and we will do our best to accommodate.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Our tours go ahead rain or shine. Paris can be particularly charming in the rain! We recommend checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately for the day of your tour.
If I'm interested in exploring more Parisian culinary delights, which other Context food tours would you recommend?
For a comprehensive taste of Paris, we offer 5 additional culinary tours. You'll explore a different neighborhood, uncovering hidden gastronomic gems and gaining new insights into the evolving Parisian food scene.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
We prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in our tours. However, it's true that some of the quaint, historical shops we visit may present accessibility challenges, such as narrow entrances or steps. We recommend contacting us in advance with any specific accessibility needs.
We prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in our tours. However, it's true that some of the quaint, historical shops we visit may present accessibility challenges, such as narrow entrances or steps. We recommend contacting us in advance with any specific accessibility needs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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18 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Laurie was delightful. We visited great little shops, learned a lot about Parisian holiday treats, and enjoyed the tasting she put together.
Edward
Dec. 16, 2018
Linda and I had great fun and delicious things to eat with Laurie!
Marcia
Dec. 11, 2018
Laurie N was exceptional. Not only was she completely knowledgeable about food, she was a real Parisian. She shared with us about Parisian parenting traditions as well as holiday traditions. Our kids were completely enthralled with her stories and we had to go back to the places she took us throughout our time in Paris so we could get the food. She was also great about getting the adults wine and picking out food and cheeses we have a hard time getting in California. The kids loved the way she talked about how certain cheeses are made high in the mountains and we were able to taste the difference in the cheese. We would highly recommend her to anyone going to Paris. We can’t wait to take another context tour and we have recommended the company to all our friends and family visiting Europe this summer.
Michelle
Jan. 9, 2018
