Imagine this: twinkling lights, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, and the festive spirit of Christmas in the heart of Paris. This is exactly what we experienced at the Jardin des Tuileries in December 2019.
This charming garden, nestled right next to the Louvre Museum, was brimming with holiday cheer. A bustling Christmas market had taken over the space, attracting a huge crowd. It was a vibrant mix of locals and tourists alike, all eager to soak in the festive atmosphere.
The market was a sensory delight. A towering Ferris wheel, “Roue de Paris,” dominated the scene, its gondolas offering breathtaking views of the city. Having a slight fear of heights myself, I was initially hesitant, remembering a less-than-pleasant experience on a smaller Ferris wheel years ago. However, this one, with its enclosed gondolas, offered a sense of security and a truly spectacular vantage point.
The ride itself was magical. We ascended 55 meters into the sky, the city sprawling beneath us like a miniature toy set. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of soft pink. The iconic Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the Montparnasse Tower, and even the La Defénce district, all seemed within reach. We could even see the houses below and the people bustling around the nearby Louvre.
The Ferris wheel wasn’t the only attraction. The market offered a delightful mix of shops selling unique gifts and delicious treats, an ice skating rink, and fun amusement park rides. It was a smaller version of London’s Winter Wonderland, but just as charming in its own way.
Did you know? The Christmas market used to be held on the Champs-Élysée before moving to Jardin des Tuileries in 2015.
Our Parisian adventure didn’t end there. After our Ferris wheel escapade, we embarked on our journey home. The city was in the midst of a general strike, adding a bit of chaos to our evening. Thankfully, the metro line 1 was still operational, and we managed to board a train to our hotel. We had a taxi booked, but it never arrived. The hotel receptionist was distraught, having called the taxi company twice.
Undeterred, we ventured onto the street to hail a taxi. However, the strike had made finding a cab a real challenge. Finally, after a long wait, my husband managed to secure a ride. The traffic was thick, and the ride was expensive, but we were relieved to be on our way home.
Our taxi driver, a man who had immigrated from West Africa in 2010, had an interesting perspective on the strike. He expressed frustration with the French people, arguing that they were lazy and resistant to raising the retirement age. He explained that many of the Uber drivers were actually retirees, unable to find fulfilling activities after leaving the workforce.
Despite the strike’s inconveniences, our Christmas market experience in Paris was unforgettable. The festive atmosphere, the stunning views from the Ferris wheel, and the unique encounters with the city’s residents made for a truly special holiday memory.
