The confetti has settled, glitter can now be found just about anywhere, and the hangover is much worse than you could have ever imagined. But fear not, for Paris whispers a seductive "encore!" even as January casts its chilly spell.
Forget the rain and the gloomy skies – the City of Love and Lights has come to the rescue! Let me show you why Paris is indeed your 'January Blues' fix.
1. Wander into winter wonderland: Although the festive period has been and gone, it does not stop you from strolling through the Tuileries Gardens Christmas Market! You have until the 7th January to ride the ferris wheel, eat the famous 'raclette' and marvel at the decorations!
2. A feast for the soul: Dive into the warm embrace of onion soup gratinée in a cosy bistro. Or let buttery croissants and flaky pain au chocolat awaken your senses at a corner boulangerie. I recommend 'Mamiche', who will certainly accomplish your pastry cravings!
3. Cosy corners: Escape the January chill in a Parisian haven known as 'Shakespeare and Company'. Snuggle into a velvet armchair, open up that book you have always wanted to read and listen to the antique piano echoing throughout the store.
4. A cultural queen: From the exhibitions at the Grand Palais to the intimate galleries tucked away on Rue de Seine, Paris is brimming with colour, history and inspiration. Catch a breathtaking ballet at the Opera, or lose yourself in the Musee d'Orsay. There is almost too much to see!
5. Steal your heart: In January, Paris sheds its summer crowds, revealing a quiet more intimate exchange. Walk comfortably through the Marais, hand-in-hand along the Seine, and allow the river to whisper secrets only lovers can hear! Share kisses under the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, or write your own love story on a postcard beneath the Sacré-Cœur. Romanticing your life begins now!
So, mon amour, come chase away the January blues in the arms of Paris. The city will not only 'bisous' away your worries and reignite your spark, it will leave you feeling warm and ready to conquer 2024.
P.S. Don't forget the fromage, the wine, and the promise of a croissant-filled morning!
