There is no Xmas without a skating rink. For all the Parisians who are not lucky enough to go to the mountains this year, the alternative is slipping on a special ski parka, and a big pair of gloves to glide off on the smooth ice of one of our favourite skating rinks.
The most chic
The good spot: the Hôtel Plaza Athénée skating rink. A concentrate of luxury on 100m² of ice which you have access to when you come for a regressive tea time in the chalet on the palace patio. On the menu of treats:the marble cake by chef Angelo Musa(€7), gingerbread to share (€18),Guillaume Cabrol’s famous kouglof (€8), all to be enjoyed with a delicious hot chocolate (€12) signed Alain Ducasse.
The must? A professor on deck all afternoon long to give skating lessons to your offspring while you are enjoying tea inside…
© Francis-Amiand
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, access reserved for kids from 3 to 12 years old, until the 2ndof February 2020—Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 7pm.
The most “under the stars”
The good spot: ideally located on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette,this green skating rink allows you to sky-glide over the Paris rooftops as though you were in the ad for La Petite Robe Noire.... Show up with your hands in your pockets (with gloves): skates and helmets are supplied… Ideal with little ones for a first session on the ice.
The must? Going there at night fall for a 360° Paris by night and an amazing view on the roof of Opéra Garnier… Hurry up, the skating rink closes its doors on the 31st of December!
The Galeries Lafayette skating rink, open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm, free for all.
The most fanciful
The good spot: the largest indoor skating rink in the world has taken its winter quarters under the skylight of the Grand Palais des Glaces with the complicity of Coca-Cola. You will soon be the Snow Queen.
The must? In the evening, the skating rink morphs into a big party lit up by a huge disco ball with a DJ at the turn tables along with intense light shows from 9pm until 2am.
© Didier Lefèvre
Le Grand Palais des Glaces, until the 8th of January 2019. In the morning from 10am to 1pm, in the afternoon from 2pm to 7pm, in the evening from 8pm until 2am. Starting at €17, skates included.
The most “in the air”
The good spot: better than a chair lift, take the elevator up to the rooftop of La Grande Arche! Perched at more than 100 meters from the ground, you can practice figure skating on 300 m²of synthetic ice.
The must? If you are not too tired, check out the street art exhibition of Cyril Kongo,already considered as one of the leading graffiti artists of the past 30 years.
© Le toit de la Grande Arche
Patinoire de la Grande Arche. Until the 5th of January, every day from 10:30am until 6:30pm, gloves are obligatory. Rate: adults €15, teenagers €10, kids less than 12 years old €7
The most unusual
The good spot: Polpo beach(the most trendy brasserie of Western Paris) is going into Winter mode with an open sky skating rink worthy of the prettiest ski resorts … but along the Seine. On the programme: a 40m² rink of synthetic ice,more slippery than ever... accessible after a nice tea time.
The must? Comfort food oblige, the outdoor bar serves French fry cones from Maison de la Poutine (€10.5), warm cider with cinnamon (€8.5), to enjoy snuggling under softplaids and heating lamps. It’s almost like being at Montréal-sur-Seine...
Polpo Nord, until the 27th of February 2020, on Friday and Saturday night from 6pm to 9pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.
Also discover how to keep kids busy during the holidays.
