Christmas in Paris...Guest Post from Pine Cones and Acorns

Now that it is November we can start thinking about everyone's favorite time of year - the holidays!! And, today, I have a special treat for you - one of my favorite bloggers, Elizabeth, from Pine Cones and Acorns is taking all of us to Paris for Christmas!

Enjoy this wonderful virtual escape and be sure to check out Elizabeth's blog - she loves to share delicious goodies to bake, photos of her travels and her adorable pups, and the latest books she has discovered. I never like to miss one of her scrumptious posts!!

Hello, my name is Elizabeth and I write the blog Pine Cones and Acorns. I was really excited when Sandy mentioned that she was looking for people to guest post for her while she is on vacation because I love to travel.

I have been a wandering since I was a little kid, first traveling with my parents and then off to discover the world with my friends and family.

One of my absolute favorite places in the world is Paris. I have been visiting there every year, for over 31 years and although I have seen a lot, I have only just scratched the surface of what the "City of Lights" has to offer.

Creche Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris anytime of the year is a feast for the senses but never more so than around the holidays.

I know for many December is a very busy time of the year but if you ever have the chance to visit Paris then, I promise that you will not be disappointed. And if you are really lucky it might even snow!

The city is decked out in its holiday finery.

There are Christmas trees, wreaths, packages and gifts everywhere from hotels, to restaurants, to shops to churches.

The windows of most every store are festooned with animated animals, interesting art, fabulous food and more.

You can wander the city and visit the markets that are heaped with nuts, and fresh produce to celebrate the upcoming holidays.

The patisseries showcase their Christmas breads and cakes and if that is not to your liking you can always taste the delectable macrons or eclairs.

Pine Cones and Acorns

Chocolate is a French staple and never more so than at the holidays, there are bars, and truffles, cakes, and tarts and my absolute favorite thing in the world, chocolat chaud!

Hot chocolate can be found at almost every cafe and of course everyone has their personal favorite place to drink it.

It could be Angelina, Cafe de Flore, Laduree or any number of places.

For me a trip to Paris is never complete without chocolat chaud served in a beautiful white porcelain pot with a wooden muddle at Un Dimanche a Paris. This amazing "chocolate universe" is the brainchild of Pierre Cluizel, heir to one of the chocolate dynasty's of Paris. Pierre created this unique space which houses a bakery, a bar a restaurant, and a chocolate store all is one space.

You must see it for yourself if you love chocolate, it really is a special place and it is just down the alley from Le Procope, the oldest restaurant in Paris where Benjamin Franklin and Robespierre as well as many others have dines for over 225 years.

I could go on, and on about the chocolate, the food, the museums, the restaurants, the parks, the monuments and the beauty around every corner. But I will leave you with this thought from Audrey Hepburn, , "Paris is always a good idea."

Thank you Sandy for letting me share a few of my favorite photos and thoughts about the holidays in Paris! I hope that you have a fabulous and safe trip!

I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip upon your return!