Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary gift? A metal man made of nuts and bolts? Your niece’s name spelt out on wooden train parts? Mulled wine and hotdogs? ? If so, head directly to one of Paris’ Christmas markets, starting with the Father Christmas Village in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, just a few minutes from our hotels!

Here’s all the info, and our helpful little map.

A photo posted by @rukote on Dec 5, 2016 at 6:31am PST

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Xmas Market (here) has just opened and runs until 3rd January 2017, but it’s not the only choice on the Left Bank – far from it.

The Montparnasse Xmas Market is open from 10th-24th December. It’s at place Raoul Dautry (here) and all around the famous tower. No ice rink this year though. Meanies.

The Notre-Dame Xmas Market starts 15th December and finished on the 25th. It’s held in the square 30 seconds south of the cathedral, on the Left Bank (here).

They have handmade items, regional delicacies, Fathe Clause himself and a drawing contest for the little ‘uns. Apparently, every stall has been hand-picked for its genuinely qualitative, handcrafted products (at least that what their website says).

A photo posted by pat (@patcamelia) on Dec 5, 2016 at 12:21pm PST

From 15th December 2016 – 3rd January 2017, why not check out Eiffel on Ice, a Xmas village on the Champ-de-Mars just behind the Eiffel Tower (here). You’ll find chalets, snow sports, events, tasting sessions… The village is open every day from 11am-11pm.

And there’s even a Made In France Xmas Market (here) ! It runs from 12th December 2016 – 24th December, from 10am-9pm, and you’ll find 30 chalets with lots of mega-Frenchy gifts!

And one last mention for a two-day market on the Left Bank, supporting charity le Secours Populaire. It’s the Super Market de Noël at the Batofar (which is a boat moored on the Seine here) on 17th & 18th December from midday to midnight. You’ll find second-hand clothes, books, vinyl (yay!)… The venue also offers brunch if you’re hungry, and DJs will serenade the whole experience with the best ‘tracks’ that the ‘kids’ are listening to nowadays. More info here.

A photo posted by Бюшон Ирина/ Irina Buchon (@lorinatour_guide_in_paris) on Dec 4, 2016 at 10:39am PST

And should you want to explore the Xmas markets on the other side of the Seine (shocking!), you’ll find the full list of markets here.