Every year the historic Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store puts on a spectacular Christmas display featuring a decorated tree beneath its majestic dome. This year’s theme “A Christmas Journey” takes us around the world through the enchanting window displays depicting far away lands. The Christmas tree tells the story of this expedition, with glittering lanterns and Jules Védrines’ plane flying overhead. It was 1919 when his actual plane landed on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop! Ready to embark on a virtual journey?
Every 30 minutes the dome lights turn off to reveal a spectacular sound and light show. A sight to behold!
The window displays at the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann store take us to distant imaginative lands, from a fairytale village full of polar bears to a mystical land of Arabian nights. This is the magic of Christmas!
If you’re lucky enough to visit Paris this holiday season, there are several not to miss events that I’m sure you’ll enjoy as much as I did. The Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette outdoes itself every year. It’s a majestic vision from every angle. Head to the 3rd floor for a close-up view from the Glasswalk, a glass platform 9-meters long and 16 meters high! For a bird’s-eye view of Paris, head up to the rooftop of this historic department where you can go ice-skating until December 31st. Read more, here. In case you miss this ice-skating op, discover the largest ice-skating rink in the world is at Le Grand Palais until January 8th!
BHV MARAIS has also put on a holiday show this year, with its first every Alsatian Market serving specialties every day until December 24th. Take a tour with me in the video below and read more about it, here.
To taste some of the best pastries and chocolat chaud in the French capital, make your way to Place Vendôme where Ritz Paris’s pastry chef François Perret (recently named the best in the world) is baking up sweet treats at their Christmas Chalet. Read more about it, here.
For a thrilling night that will leave you dancing and singing your way home, head to Théâtre du Châtelet which just reopened for a spectacular performance of An American in Paris, in English until January 1st. Read more about this musical here, and order your tickets through Theatre in Paris.
A new year has begun. And with it come resolutions. Or do they? I’ve stopped resolving to do and to be (or not to do and to be), and instead I create intentions. Is this an easy way out of making (and sticking to) resolutions? Actually, I think it’s an even stronger way to resolve to do and to be. So, what are these intentions for the months and years ahead? I’m sharing them in case you too would like to partake in my intentions, or to create your own. After this I’ll be back to blogging about Paris and travels, don’t worry.
Eliminate negative energy. We all know what feels good, and who aids in elevating those good feelings.
Focus more on how you view yourself, and less on how you think the world views you.
Develop a spiritual practice in which to communicate with God or the universe. And speak to your hearts content.
Take time to simply be. To see the world around you and to enjoy what is, rather than thinking of what could or should be.
Know that happiness is often a choice. And choose it. And know that it’s not up to anyone or anything to provide it. Also know that it’s okay to have bad moments. That’s called life.
Any of your own intentions to share? I’d love to hear them!
This year we headed south for the holidays, destination Sicily. I fell in love with this vibrant island on our first jaunt two years ago, and decided where better to spend a few days over Christmas with the Italian family, and ring in the new year. For part one of the trip, we made our home the city of Trapani at Sicily’s western tip. It wasn’t the old city’s charm that enticed us (I’ve seen better), but its proximity to so many sights and ancient ruins, not to mention the Egadi Islands. What we quickly discovered is that Trapani is a food haven, with Trapanese specialities including Fish Couscous, influenced by neighboring Tunisia, and Pesto alla Trapanese made with tomatoes and almonds. The many fresh fish dishes were exceptional and every day became a dining adventure, with local wines of course (my favorite being a red blend of Frappato and Nero d’Avola grapes). Here’s a list of our top restaurants, all in the old town.
Antichi Sapori for the best traditional dishes (the seafood antipasti alone is worth the visit)
Serisso 47 for fine dining in an elegant setting (rumor has it the chef might be awarded a Michelin star soon)
Sood for live music and small plates of Sicilian specialties with a bio twist (great local vibe)
After settling into our apartments and enjoying the rooftop views, we took to the road. Our first stop was Scopello, a tiny village near Castellammare del Golfo, and what was once a tuna fishing port. The coastline was breathtaking! We also discovered that this is where scenes from our favorite Sicilian detective series Inspector Montalbano were filmed.
From here we drove to Segesta, one of the most notable Siceliot (Sicilian-Greek) ancient cities. We walked the path leading up to the Greek temple, a sight to behold, lit by the late afternoon sun.
Continuing up to the hilltop site where the ancient city was inhabited into the Middle Ages, we discovered the remains of a Norman castle, a small church and a mosque, and a classical amphitheater with admirable views.
The next day we decided to explore another highly esteemed archaeological site, Selinunte. Walking through this abandoned town founded by Greeks in the 7th Century BC, with its main street, homes and temples, you can imagine the life that once took place here.
The day after Christmas we headed for the largest of the Egadi Islands, Favignana, less than an hour by boat. It being winter and the holidays, the island was quiet and most of the restaurants and shops were closed. We did however find a bakery with some of the most delicious cassata and cannoli to date. (Read more about Sicily’s sweets here.) The most stunning landscape on the island was the little gulf called Cala Rossa.
My Italian and I climbed down the rocks to the turquoise water, completely in awe of this cliffside paradise.
On the last day before the two of us continued our adventures solo, we drove up to the medieval hilltop town of Erice. It was the people of this town that also built the town and temple of Segesta. I first noticed the Venus Castle, and soon learned that the temple of Venus outlasted the many civilizations who took residence in Erice.
The town itself is eerily charming with its tones of grays and cobbled paths leading to restaurants, artisanal shops and pasticcerias offering sweets made of almond paste. Here too we found a sweet gem!
Our final stop before saying farewell to Trapani was a Marsala cellar tour and wine tasting at the famous Cantine Florio. The perfect ending to part one of our adventures in Sicily. Next stop, Cefalù…
It’s that time of year to slow down and look up. To spend time with those most dear to us, reflect on the year coming to an end, and the one soon to start. The past year has been challenging both personally and globally, and I for one am looking forward to beginning a new one. But first, Christmas. My Italian and I are heading to Rome for a little pre-holiday celebration. I’m looking forward to rediscover this city that I haven’t visited in nearly 15 years. And who better to explore it with than my favorite travel companion! Join me on my adventures in Rome followed by the Italian Riviera, via Instagram and Facebook. Incidentally, I was recently named one of the 20 Paris Instagram Accounts to Follow by Bonjour Paris. I’m honored!
For a little year end news, here’s my holiday newsletter. I’ll be back in the new year sharing more of life and love in the City of Lights, and who knows where 2016 will find me. Thank you for joining me on this beautiful journey.
Wishing you and yours merry everything! Happy new year from the City of Lights!
The holiday season is upon us, as the clock ticks down to the new year. To thank you all for following along on my adventures, (it’s been over six years of love in the city of lights!), and to wish you a very happy new year, I have a few goodies for you that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I do. Certainly they will compliment any travels you take in the new year. Which leads me to the giveaway… Firstly, you have your choice of Kasia Dietz handbags from my many collections. I’m always happy to share my wearable art, inspired by my travels to Andalucia, Bali, Istanbul, Provence, Giverny… Secondly, to remain on time in whatever timezone you’re in, win $129 towards any hand-crafted Jord Wood Watch. Lastly, what better way to stay in top form in the new year than with mantras by Diana Antholis? Win her latest book Sanity is Sexy: Mantras to Inspire a Healthy Mindset.
To enter, simply mention your favorite Kasia Dietz handbag or clutch and Jord Wood Watch in the comments below, and where you’d like to travel with them in 2016. Winners will be chosen randomly on December 20th. Good luck!
