Chic and Seine-sational - Christmas shopping in ParisSample the sophisticated, French capital at its romantic, festive best, while stuffing your bags with unusual bargains and ready-wrapped pressies 8 November 2007 You know the feeling. Christmas is looming again and shopping time is almost up. All the stores stock the 'same old same old' and in the cold your inspiration for gifts has deserted you. It's time for a touch of Parisienne action. Eurolines, the international coach operator, part of National Express Group, can whisk you away to Paris for a weekend break and somewhere different for your seasonal shopping. Let's face it, it's time your Santa routine was stress free and fun into the bargain! Paris is sizzling, stylish and sophisticated when it comes to Christmas and cheap-chic really can be found. Eurolines has up to six services a day direct to Paris from just £37 return. It's tremendously convenient too, without any long journey to an airport or lengthy check-ins, you can cash in on a seven hour trip straight from the centre of London to Paris. For anyone determined to shop until they drop, the generous baggage allowance of 30 kilos means you won't even have to worry about getting you're your booty home either. Many shops will even beautifully gift wrap your pressies (however cheap) for that free, designer, finishing touch! If you want more time there, for less cost, you can take the overnight Eurolines coach. They'll whisk you right to the heart of festive Paris in time for a croissant and café au lait, just as the city wakes up and comes to life. And you are already revved up to shop, shop, shop. There are some things not to be missed. Start with the favourite French department stores - Printemps, Bon Marche and Galeries Lafayette. Or for the cheapest Paris high-street fashion and beauty products, try the hip (if unpromisingly named) Tati. If it's cut price designer you're after join the locals rummaging for bargain 'top labels' at Mouton a Cinq Pattes. For gifts with that certain 'je ne sais quoi' Paris has a choice of enchanting Christmas markets with alternative, crafty gifts and mouthwatering selections of French food. They run from late November to December with Les Halles and La Defense two of the most popular. And don't miss the famous flea markets (Les Puces) where you'll pick up interesting bric-a-brac loaded with Gallic style, for a stocking filler with a difference. Le Marais, the Jewish quarter, is full of trendy boutiques and heaps of interesting pieces of eclectic jewellery. If all that leaves you breathless, take a little time out to enjoy café life with a glass (or two) of Burgundy whilst you watch Paris go by. Soak in the elegance of the sparkling Champs Elysees dressed in its Christmas finery; take a walk across one of the beautiful bridges straddling the Seine or along the Christmas tree lined boulevards. Here are some other top tips:
Booking is easy online at www.eurolines.co.uk where you can organise your whole trip including your accommodation. You can fix up something to suit any style or budget. You can also book tickets at any National Express travel agent or at the Travel Centre on 08705 143 219. Back home you will have Christmas in the bag, wrapped and ready to reveal on Christmas morning. You will also have plenty of time to enjoy everything else coming your way in December without a shopping street to worry about. The chances are you'll be amazed what you've achieved without breaking the bank. - Ends - Notes to editors:
Contact Rod Macrae - Eurolines Media Office: 01491 613 715 or click here to send an enquiry. Back to top Please use the browser 'close' button (top right) to close this window. |