What’s that scent wafting over the Tuileries Gardens? It’s the sweet aroma of pain d’épices and hot mulled wine adding some yuletide magic to the season. Christmas is less than a month away, and Paris is getting in the mood. The marchés de Noël are showing off their wares, illuminations are up on the Champs-Élysées, and boutiques are dolling up their windows. Need some inspiration for your holiday shopping? Give the gift of France to the Francophile in your life. Here we present a selection of treats and favorite finds curated by the Bonjour Paris team.
Gourmet Advent Calendar
Long gone are the days of traditional advent calendars filled with ho-hum chocolates. In recent years, the variety has skyrocketeted, with calendars brimming with fun, creative gifts – from craft beer to beauty products. If you haven’t yet stocked up on your 2024 edition, Bonne Maman is offering a calendar with delicious conserves, while Mariage Frères- the beloved Paris tea brand that’s celebrating its 170th birthday this year- is presenting the NOËL ROYAL calendar.
Mariage Frères Noel Royal calendar
Notre Dame de Paris Nativity Display
Celebrate the December reopening of Notre Dame with a handcrafted Christmas Nativity scene made from stone powder and resin. Created by artist Susan Lordi, this creche includes Mary, Baby Jesus, Joseph, a shepherd, two sheep, and a donkey. The Notre Dame online boutique also offers Christmas ornaments, rosaries, and souvenirs.
courtesy of Notre Dame boutique
Ducasse sur Seine Dinner Cruise
What’s better than admiring the glittering Paris monuments as you glide down the river? Ducasse sur Seine, an electric boat which docks across from the Eiffel Tower, offers gourmet dinner cruises for both lunch and dinner. Overseen by legendary chef Alain Ducasse, this experience is sure to delight the gourmand in your life. A variety of gift certificates are available.
Ducasse sur Seine. Photo: Pierre Monetta
Plaq Chocolate
There’s fine French chocolate, and then there’s the bean-to-bar excellence of pioneering chocolatier Plaq. As recently profiled by correspondent Emily Monaco, this Parisian company opened in 2019 on the foodie-favorite street of rue de Nil. This gift box includes a selection of dark chocolate bars showing off the high-quality Plaq range.
Caudalie Gift Set
From its origins in the Bordeaux vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte in 1995, Caudalie has developed into a cult beauty brand with a wide range of skin-care products, also showcased in spa locations worldwide. The products harness the anti-oxidant power of the polyphenols found in grape seeds. The “Resveratrol–Lift” range, appreciated for its anti-wrinkle and firming qualities, nourishes and plumps the skin, prolonging its youthfulness.
Psssst. If you’re a BP member, you can snag a discount of up to 30% at Parapharmacie Monge, a popular and well-stocked store in the 5th arrondissement with helpful staff and excellent prices.
Food and Culture of France Tour
Dreaming of traveling to France next year? Hosted by gastronomy guide Allison Zinder and Jack Butt, JMU Professor Emeritus of History, this April trip will be an immersive experience into French art de vivre, including gastronomy, culture, history and art. On this extraordinary 12-day journey, you’ll taste your way through Paris’s most venerable food institutions and discover the history of the ingredients, marketplaces, restaurants, and iconic dishes that make up the French dining experience.
Hosts Allison Zinder and Jack Butt, Food & Culture of France
Swimwear by Vilebrequin
When it’s cold outside, we can’t help but dream of the sunny French Riviera. Born in Saint-Tropez, the iconic Vilebrequin brand is synonymous with the Côte d’Azur. Not only are the prints colorful and distinctive, but some styles are even made with 100% recycled polyester yarn from plastic waste recovered by Mediterranean fishing boats.
A Luxury Stay at a Relais & Châteaux Property
What’s better than giving the gift of travel? Established in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an association of 580 independent hotels and restaurants throughout the world. For Christmas, you’ll find a number of gift boxes available, including DUNE (a gourmet meal or spa treatment for two at more than 130 participating properties), and JADE (an overnight stay for two with breakfast at participating hotels). What’s more, you’ll get a free bottle of Pommery champagne with every purchase of €450 (minimum) until December 24. Use code CHAMP24.
Le Grand Véfour is a Relais & Chateaux restaurant in Paris
Francophile Holiday Gift Box from Aimee’s French Market
Aimee’s French Market is an online portal to the marvels of the Provençal marketplace. All products are individually selected by Aimee herself on excursions in France, and each order is packaged like a gift, whether you’re ordering for a friend or yourself. The 2024 Francophile Holiday Gift Box is brimming with delights: illustrated cards, linen towel, lavender confit, a luxurious Christmas candle, and more.
Psssst. BP members get a 15% discount with an exclusive code. Click here for more.
courtesy of Aimee’s French Market
Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass allows cut-the-line access to more than 50 museums and landmarks in the City of Light and the surrounding region. Chose from the 2-day, 4-day or 6-day options. The pass can now be purchased online in an e-ticket version. On average, you start to save after your fourth museum visit- the more you see, the more you save!
Anything by Saint James
This classic Normandy brand- behind the beloved fishermen sweaters and striped marinière shirts – has been labeled a “Living Heritage Company” by the French government for its artisanal savoir-faire. Stylish and warm, these well-crafted garments last a lifetime. Available for men, women and children.
Courtesy of Saint James/ Facebook
A Membership to Bonjour Paris
If you appreciate Bonjour Paris, why not help us spread the word? Call us biased, but we can’t think of a better gift than a membership to the oldest English language site about the City of Light. For the price of a cup of coffee in Montmartre every month, you get access to over 5000+ articles plus our online event series of expert lectures, discovery talks and conversations about la vie française. Previous events include discussions with bestselling authors, insights from a renowned food critic, and lecture “tours” of the lesser known corners of Paris. What’s more, BP members also get a slew of shopping rewards and discounts with our partners.
France Calendar
The FRANCE 2025 Calendar is a beautiful year-long reminder of the country you love. This popular year-planner shows the best of France through 14 stunning glossy photographs, brought to you by the FRANCE Calendar team. Expect days in French and English, ample space for notes and reminders, French school and public holidays, French fêtes and saints’ days, plus a forward planner for 2026.
A Tour with Context Travel
Planning your travels for 2025? Why not consider a tour with the experts at Context Travel? Context Travel provides immersive walking tours in 60+ cities around the world led by an impressive network of PHD or MA-level degree scholars, specializing in the areas of architecture, art history, culinary and more. Check out the selection of tours and programs here.
Pssst. BP members get a 10% discount on private and group tours in any destination.
courtesy of Context Travel
Pommery Champagne
Based in Reims, Pommery & Greno was established in 1836, and owes its reputation to the entrepreneurial Jeanne-Alexandrine Louise Pommery, who took over the business in 1858 and pioneered a new approach. At a time when champagne was oversweetened, Madame Pommery launched the first commercially successful Brut Champagne in history. This fine and fruity champagne is a delicate pale pink with slightly salmon tones. A blend of rosé and Pinot Noir of Bouzy Grand Cru. The champagne is stored in a cellar for three years to develop the distinctive properties of Pommery Rosé.
For more shopping inspiration, visit our dedicated website.
Pommery Brut Rose Champagne NV
Lead photo credit : Christmas in Paris, Photo by: Jerome Delaunay/Flickr