The year is about to end and Paris is as busy as ever. What the city looks like today is far from how it was this time last year. Back in 2020, France was still facing the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic with a national lockdown still imposed. Now, after around 75.70% of the population has been vaccinated, the country has reopened and things are getting back to normal. This is truer in Paris than anywhere else in France. These past few months have been busy and by the looks of it, this November 2021 won't be any different. Here's what to expect next month!
Paris and chocolate go together like, well, Paris and chocolate! For a city known for sweetness, the famous cocoa treat is a staple all throughout, from
chocolate shops to dessert stores and the like. It's no wonder then, that the city also hosts the Salon du Chocolat, a trade show dedicated to chocolate. Over 500 patisseries, bakers, and chocolatiers show off their most stunning chocolate-induced fantasies, ranging from couture creations to confections and concoctions. You can also learn how to make all sorts of chocolate treats and desserts, many of which are easy enough to make at home. Make sure you go as it ends on the very first day of November!
Source: Salon du Chocolat Facebook Page
Christmas Window Display Reveals (Starts November 11)
In most places, the holiday season starts way before December 25. In Paris, it actually starts as early as November, particularly when it comes to its many stores. This year, many of the city's department stores and
shopping districts will be revealing their Christmas window displays next month.
BHV Marais will unveil theirs on November 11,
Galeries Lafayette will show off theirs on November 17. And
Printemps Haussmann will reveal their displays by mid-November. Bask in the fantasy of their displays, complete with twinkling lights, dancing dolls, and a whole lot of Christmas magic. Just seeing them up close will have you feeling the holiday spirit already!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Armistice Day (November 11)
An
important holiday in France, Armistice Day is celebrated every November 11. It's the one day where countries pay tribute to the fallen heroes of both World War I and World War II. It also holds quite the significance in Paris, the capital of France, a country that lost around 1.6 million soldiers in both wars. On this day, the president parades through
Champs-Élysées up to the Ard de Triomphe, where he lays down a red, blue, and white wreath. It's an important annual ceremony that's important to both France and the rest of the world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Paris Christmas Market Openings (Starts Mid-November)
Paris's Christmas markets are a must-see if you're here during the holiday season. These Medieval-style markets, complete with roasting chestnuts and warm mulled wine, are quintessential to the Parisian holiday experience. you haven't had a true-blue Christmas in Paris if you haven't been to one. Fortunately, this year, the markets will start lighting up around mid-November. Get ready to marvel at the twinkling fairy lights, novel holiday gifts, adorable handicrafts,
Christmas snacks, and more. Do note that these markets tend to get busy so make sure you have enough energy if you plan to go, especially at night!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Guilhem Vellut
Enchanted Christmas in Disneyland Paris (Starts November 13)
Since Christmas is the happiest time of the year, it's only natural that the 'happiest place on earth' is the place to be! And here in the French capital, that's Disneyland Paris. As early as November 13, the world-famous theme park starts getting into the holiday spirit with 'Enchanted Christmas.' The holiday decorations are hung up, Christmas carols are playing throughout the park, and your favorite characters from all
Disney films will be decked out in their fabulous holiday garb. Come nightfall, the park's streets light up in must-see Christmas-themed parades. You won't want to miss all this holiday magic!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Alanis Morisette Concert (November 13)
'
Isn't it ironic?' This is only one of many iconic lines that Canadian pop superstar Alanis Morissette has in her repertoire of hit songs. And if you're a big fan of hers and you're in Paris, you're in luck! The singer is stopping by the French capital, at the
AccorHotels Arena in the
12th arrondissement, on November 13, 2021. It's her only French stop in her 2021 world tour. See her live and go on a nostalgia trip as she belts out her famous hits from the late 90s and early 2000s. It's a trip down memory lane you won't want to miss!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Festival of Lights (Starts on November 15)
They say that Paris is the 'City of Lights' and rings truer come November. Particularly in the
5th arrondissement's Jardin des Plantes, one of the most
beautiful parks in Paris. Every year, the botanical garden host the the 'Festival of Lights,' a sparkling extravaganza that welcomes the holiday season. At this time, the park brightens up with illuminated statues and light displays, each more beautiful than the next. It's a feast for the eyes at a time when it's too dark to see the natural wonders that this garden usually offers around daytime.
Source: Flickr.com/ Yann Caradec
With how Paris is these days, it almost feels as if the Covid-19 pandemic never happened. This coming November 2021, the French capital is as bustling as ever with all sorts of events, ranging from concerts and exhibitions and beyond!
If you'll be in Paris by November 2021, why not go for a
luxury home for your stay? You'll have a better time here, that's for sure!
