Notre Dame: Light Born of Light

Beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral is THE place to celebrate Christmas week. In addition to its special services—from Mass on Christmas Eve to Gregorian Chants on Christmas morning—the cathedral puts on a magical display, called Lumen de Lumine (Light born of Light).

Projected across a huge screen is an “image opera,” which tells the story of the Nativity, followed by a gorgeous sequence of the world’s greatest Christian art ever created, from sculptures and paintings to illuminated manuscripts, from architecture to icons to stained glass windows. The soundtrack is a collection of music by the Notre Dame choirs and organ concerts. While no specific daily time is set, the illumination begins in the when the church is calm... a moment well worth waiting for.

Details:
Notre Dame is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve Services (December 24)
4:30 First Mass of Christmas
6 p.m. Family Christmas Mass
8 p.m. International Mass
11 p.m. Christmas Midnight Mass with Carols

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS
and A WONDERFUL, HEALTHY 2011
from all of us at Chocolatine!

Tis the Season for Chocolate!

The holiday season in Paris is romantic, festive and one of the tastiest times of the year! For those with a penchant for all things chocolate, the city’s finest cocoa bean wizards offer up splendid concoctions perfect for an afternoon’s indulgence—or that perfect gift for someone special. Here’s a short list of some of Paris’ most renowned shops and chocolate chefs...

Christian Constant
37 rue Assas
Specialites: raspberry ganache; chocolate covered orange peel.

Josephine Vannier
4 rue du Pas de la Mule
Specialties: artisan-crafted chocolate “sculptures,” from mini grand pianos to chocolate masks; nougatines and truffles

Piere Hermé
72 rue Bonaparte
Specialties: pralines with caramelized sesame seeds, ganaches with oranges and balsamic vinegar

Patrick Roger
108 Blvd. St. Germain
Specialties: chocolate-coated caramelized almonds; and a variety of chocolate confections with ingredients such as hazelnut praline, and lime ganache

Christmas Markets in Paris!

Paris marks the holiday season with dozens of annual traditions, including its famous Christmas Markets. Offering unique shopping opportunities in a variety of arrondissements, the markets make for a delightful outing and the perfect place to find Parisian treasures—great and small—for friends and family members.

Here is a short list of some of Chocolatine’s favorites:

• Arche de la Défense, Ile-de-France
Nearly 350 little “log cabins”—the vendors’ booths— create a miniature village, all lit up for the season.

• Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower
120 booths sell handcrafted items, tasty baked goods and tempting local specialties, and, to complete the experience, you can even go ice-skating!

• The Hotel Boheme (Dec. 11 & 12 only)
An outstanding two-day “sale” featuring decorations, jewelry, and clothing by ethnic designers.

• Saint-Germain-des-Pré has its own little Christmas Market, with 25 vendors selling uniquely Parisian gifts.

• Place de la République/Bastille area
Fabulous finds—sculpture, lace, hand-painted fabrics, leather, and handmade jewelry—hallmark this market of treasures.