Despite being enamored of the Marais district, on Christmas eve I am drawn to strolling along the Champs Elysees where the Christmas market takes place every year.
While thinking about nothing in particular, the sun caressing my face, the clear sky above me, I suddenly feel happy for no reason. I just love that feeling, and that is why I come back here each time.
To tell you the truth, I don’t really like the beginning of the Champs Elysees near the Arc de Triomphe. It is full of pompous shops and arrogant staff such as the Nespresso Boutique Champs Elysées security guard convinced he is George Clooney, the realm of Louis Vuitton with its patient Asian tourists lined up at the door, unwelcoming windows, simulated smiles, exorbitant prices.
Thankfully, after a 10 minute walk, an atmosphere of genuine joy starts: cheerful music, the aroma of reasonably priced sweets, the enthusiastic charm of provincial salesmen peddling regional French food such as homemade cheeses and sausages. This is where my Christmas market begins.
What I never miss out on is mulled wine with cinnamon and a slice of orange. Sitting on a bench and drinking this 3-euro elixir I am reminded that life is beautiful. The sky seems endless, I can see a airplane flying above me. That means someone is flying to meet someone. Someone is waiting for someone.
After a ride on la Grande Roue de Paris, the giant ferris wheel, this time I continued wandering along the rue de Rivoli. During my walk, I met some French friends. I asked them what they would wish for at Christmas if they could have anything they wanted. The answers were :
– eternity
– a woman
– love
– a passionate kiss
Only one girl replied that she wanted a large house.
Oh well, there are still many romantic people in Paris.
I kept meandering with a smile on my face.
I love the Paris Christmas market.
