Everything You Need to Do in Paris in December

© Collectif Image Melun © Auberge Nicolas Flamel x The Travel Buds

At Do It, our mantra for the month: let the magic of the holidays in—at home, at work, out and about, everywhere, all the time! On the agenda: an elegant €25 lunch at our favorite hotel in Paris, a dose of humor (and sex) with Bérengère Krief, a delightfully wanderlusty exhibition, a magical detour to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a stylish Christmas pop-up to fill your gift sack, or an ultra-desirable collab to steal the wardrobe of the chicest it-girl of the moment. Ready to follow along?

December is the perfect time to dive into maximum holiday magic, and this cherished address nestled in the quiet of Rue Junot, high up in Montmartre, is one of our top picks! Picture this: a cozy room with a crackling fireplace, an enchanting garden, an exotic-chic bar, and five romantic and sexy suites housed in this elegant building, once home to the Hermès family. In short, a dreamy hideaway!

The good news? Hôtel Particulier Montmartre introduces a weekday winter lunch menu for just €25! The deal includes a veggie-forward starter with lamb’s lettuce, walnuts, shallots, and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette, followed by a daily-changing main dish brimming with love and seasonal ingredients: chicken and spinach pie, venere rice with parmesan, clam linguine, braised beef chuck with parsleyed potatoes, or rosemary-braised pork with spelt and Comté cheese. This is haute cuisine at its finest, recently recognized with Maître Restaurateur and Restaurant de Qualité titles. Coupled with flawless service, a good time is guaranteed. Bonus: we’re melting over Marie, the house’s adorable chicken who roams the garden and might visit if you offer her a bit of madeleine or whipped cream!

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, 23 Avenue Junot, Pavillon D, Paris 18th. +33 1 53 41 81 40. Weekday lunch menu available Monday to Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM, throughout autumn/winter.
© Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

To say Bérengère Krief is a romantic would be an understatement. While her previous show, Amour, explored her post-breakup state after being ditched just months before her wedding (charming), the comedian has since taken time to reflect on her… sexual karma. A profoundly introspective process tackling a still-taboo subject: despite sex’s omnipresence, who can truly claim to understand their own desires, limits, fantasies, and fears? Enter this hilarious yet tasteful show, free of vulgarity, aiming to encourage open conversations about sexuality.

Drawing from her more or less glorious memories, Bérengère covers everything from her (predictably disastrous) first time, her fatigue with men that led to a night with a woman (arguably the funniest part of the show), a shaman-cured sexual block, her mom’s baby pressure, and more. Unapologetic and refreshingly mature, she even reveals never watching porn, rarely masturbating, and having sometimes had “just because” sex. The result? A 100% liberating performance that demystifies preconceived notions and inspires you to explore your own desires.

Sexe by Bérengère Krief, until December 28th, Wednesday to Saturday at 9 PM, December 31st at 7 PM at Théâtre de L’Œuvre, 55 Rue de Clichy, Paris 9th. Tickets from €21, online reservations available.
© Lambert Davis © Lou Escobar

The new exhibit at the Musée Guimet is a true time machine: showcasing 207 works borrowed from over 30 Chinese museums, it revisits 300 years of cultural and artistic brilliance from the Tang Dynasty, over a millennium after its fall. Among the incredible treasures (presented in France for the first time!) are three masterful Tang goldsmith pieces, artifacts from recent archaeological discoveries, and rare, ultra-detailed scrolls of painting and calligraphy. Highlight: the room projecting images and sounds of a Chinese river onto the floor and ceiling!

Thanks to immersive scenography, you’ll wander through Chang’an (literally “long peace”), the iconic capital of the Tang dynasty, beneath red lantern-adorned ceilings and through traditional Chinese archways. A genuine escape!

La Chine des Tang, Musée Guimet, 6 Place d’Iéna, Paris 16th. Until March 3, 2025. Entry: €13.
© Didier Plowy © Vincent Leroux

For Potterheads, the name Nicolas Flamel instantly conjures the inventor of the Philosopher’s Stone. But it’s also the name of one of Paris’ most iconic restaurants. Nestled between Le Marais and Beaubourg in “the oldest house in Paris” built by the alchemist himself in 1407, L’Auberge Nicolas Flamel was taken over in 2007 by beloved chef Alan Geaam, who poured all his savings into it—exactly 600 years after the house was built! Now, with its new chef Émile de France, the venue is experiencing a fresh revival, inviting Parisians to rediscover this legendary spot. The best pick? The Discovery Menu, a three-course delight for €78.

Start with a glass of mead (catch the reference?) to prep your palate, served alongside amuse-bouches like cheese gougères, radishes, and foie gras. A whimsical touch: the butter is gold-colored and shaped like the Philosopher’s Stone! Then, dive into dishes like a divine onion soup revisited with black garlic, crab with caviar, wild mushrooms on a Plougastel biscuit paired with Ossau Iraty, and barbecued lobster with artichoke variations. For a sweet finish: a fig blancmange with shiso leaves and sorbet. The verdict? A gastronomic journey that feels both modern and straight out of an ancient spellbook. A must-try.

Auberge Nicolas Flamel, 51 rue de Montmorency, Paris 3rd. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00-1:30 PM and 7:30-9:30 PM. Online reservations.
© Auberge Nicolas Flamel x The Travel Buds

After successful partnerships with Momoni, Sea NY, and G.Kero, Sézane is back with another swoon-worthy capsule collection co-designed with Maria de la Orden. This Madrid-born designer is adored for her playful use of bold prints and colors with a distinctly retro, preppy vibe. From impeccable tailoring to standout prints and premium fabrics, fashionistas of all ages are sure to find something to love in this collection of blouses, jackets, trousers, shoes, and jewelry.

Perfect for the holidays, the collection features a statement floral blazer (€180), a brocade jacquard jacket (€175) with matching trousers (€130), jewelry starting at €15, suede boots (€250), a lavallière-collar blouse (€95), and adorable printed dresses for little girls, plus a white-collared blouse (€60). The collection is available online and at Sézane’s chic apartments in Paris’ 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 17th arrondissements.

Sézane x Maria de la Orden, available from December 1st online and at Sézane apartments.
© Sézane x Maria de la Orden

Vaux-le-Vicomte is the place where Christmas dreams come alive! For the festive season, the majestic Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte transforms into a magical wonderland, opening its grand halls with roaring fireplaces to welcome visitors into the company of beloved fairytale characters like The Nutcracker, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and Alice in Wonderland. Each room is a unique, enchanting universe, complete with custom scents that evoke the coziest Christmas vibes.

The highlight? For the first time ever, a pop-up ice-skating rink graces the castle gardens, offering a breathtaking experience on the ice. From treasure hunts for kids to marshmallow roasting, the castle provides a magical escape for the whole family. The grand finale is a stunning light show that brings the château’s walls to life in dazzling displays. A truly enchanting experience not to be missed!

Le Grand Noël, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. November 16, 2024 – January 5, 2025, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM. Entry: €23.90.
© Collectif Image Melun

Ditch the last-minute holiday panic and avoid gifting disasters! From November 20 to January 4, three beloved brands—Alexandre.J, Edwart Chocolatier, and L’Atelier Paris—join forces to create the ultimate Christmas HQ. This luxurious pop-up store is a treasure trove of chic, magical gifts.

Discover gems priced between €50 and €400, starting with Alexandre.J’s exquisite candles and rare perfumes. This niche fragrance house, launched in 2011, takes inspiration from 20th-century architecture to craft sophisticated scents far removed from mainstream offerings. For your holiday tablescape, L’Atelier Paris showcases luxurious linens and high-end collaborations, transforming your dining setup into a palace-worthy feast. And because Christmas isn’t complete without chocolate, Edwart Chocolatier offers artisanal creations sure to impress even the most discerning gourmets.

Bonus: Weekly masterclasses take you behind the scenes of perfumery, table styling, and chocolate-making for an immersive holiday experience.

L'Atelier de Noël, Pop-up store, November 20, 2024 – January 4, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, 24 rue de Turbigo, Paris 2nd.
© L'Atelier de Noël

We already loved Sœur, the ultimate love brand dressing all the stylish Parisian women. But have you met its little brother? Set up as a pop-up in the heart of Le Marais, Frère, the brand’s new men’s collection, adapts Sœur’s iconic pieces for men through utterly desirable designs. More than just a men’s collection, Frère showcases a series of sublime photos from the everyday life of an average Parisian: a shirt with a relaxed, twisted collar for fast-paced days, wool trousers paired with sneakers that are as chic as they are comfortable… In short: a dose of casual elegance, straightforward and masculine.

What’s in store? Men's wardrobe essentials in sleek tones (khaki, brown, anthracite grey, purple) with emblematic jackets (Samuel, Nathan, Aliocha), wool polos and sweaters (€245), a tunic to wear with or without trousers, classic and functional shirts (€185), ultra-trendy worker pants (€245), a long coat (€595), and a sleeveless sheepskin jacket (€695). Accessories are also a must, with underwear (€45), scarves (€165), and hats (€95).

Frère, 103 rue Amelot, Paris 3rd. Also available in stores at Bonaparte, Saint-Pères, Guichard, Le Bon Marché, Les Galeries Lafayette, Bordeaux, and Lille.

The exhibit Jackson Pollock: The Early Years (1934-1947) explores the early career of the American painter. His early artistic production was largely shaped by American regionalism and Mexican muralists, up to his first experiments in dripping, or paint splattering on canvas. This exhibit at the Picasso Museum, rarely shown from this perspective, highlights the numerous influences that feed Pollock's art, blending Native American art with European avant-garde movements, with a significant influence from Pablo Picasso.

The exhibition traces multiple milestones of his artistic and intellectual journey, featuring key figures in his circle, such as Charles Pollock, William Baziotes, Lee Krasner, André Masson, Pablo Picasso, and Janet Sobel. The Picasso Museum thus seeks to underscore the uniqueness of his work through various forms of expression that the incredibly versatile artist used: painting, material, engraving, and sculpture. In total, a hundred works from prestigious international institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Stedelijk Museum are brought together to retrace this formative phase of his career.

Jackson Pollock: The Early Years (1934-1947). Picasso Museum, 5 rue de Thorigny, Paris 3rd. From October 15, 2024, to January 19, 2025.

© Voyez-Vous Vinciane Lebrun - Musée national Picasso-Paris Voyez-Vous, Chloé Vollmer-Lo

We invite you to the 8th arrondissement of Paris, at the Galerie Dior located just steps from the very first Christian Dior boutique, to discover the incredible exhibition of renowned Peter Lindbergh. An illustrious fashion photographer, Lindbergh transcended eras with his cult photographs published in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Elle, as well as his avant-garde vision that emphasized natural beauty, unretouched, through his signature black-and-white style. "The responsibility of photographers should be to free women from the obsession with age and perfection," he once said. In this unique exhibition, it’s hard to know where to look first, as divine creations from different artistic directors—from Christian Dior to Maria Grazia Chiuri, passing through John Galliano—stand alongside over a hundred photographs captured between 1988 and 2018 for the couture house.

In front of his lens stood the greatest models and supermodels, from Mariacarla Boscono to Naomi Campbell, along with Debra Shaw, Shalom Harlow, Cindy Crawford, and of course, Linda Evangelista. The exhibit includes exclusive shots capturing Kiki Williams in New York with saturated tones, mesmerizing street portraits of Amber Valletta and model Irina Shayk. In photos of Caroline Murphy or Shalom Harlow, Lindbergh’s love for simple but perfectly staged backgrounds comes through, adding depth and power to his work.

Peter Lindbergh, Galerie Dior, 11 rue François-1er, Paris 8th. Exhibition until May 4, 2025. Open Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

© Peter Lindbergh Foundation, Paris / Adrien Dirand

The venerable Maison Petrossian, the queen of caviar, is offering a gourmet journey celebrating the best of the sea at its historic location in the 7th arrondissement this early November. This devilishly chic residency features none other than triple Michelin-starred chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Emmanuel Renaut (formerly of Claridge’s, Yves Camdeborde, and Eric Fréchon), promising a culinary elevation that showcases the finest local products.

For lunch, savor velvety parsnip and beetroot served with a delightful horseradish garden broth, marinated scallops with citron served alongside Petrossian’s legendary caviar, roasted venison with blackcurrant condiment, Savoie cheeses, and deliciously addictive sugar flakes. For dinner, indulge in wild mushrooms under a thin Beaufort crust, delicate langoustines marinated with citron beneath a fine layer of iced water, caviar enlivened with grapefruit and gentian root, a pike and monkfish cake with grilled onion jus, as well as roasted venison with blackcurrant condiment. Finish with Savoie cheeses and those unanimously loved sugar flakes.

Petrossian, 13 boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, Paris 7th. Lunch menu at €150 and dinner at €250. Wine pairing available for an additional €50. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. More information online. 

© @anneemmanuellethion -  Francis Amiand 

In need of comfort this autumn? Head over to Lactem, the cozy spot run by Leslie and Hoëlle, and indulge in their nostalgic Pumpkin Spice Latte (€7), the ultimate drink of the season! Nothing beats wrapping up in a wool sweater and savoring THE comfort drink par excellence. This autumnal latte combines a hearty spoonful of pumpkin purée, a rich espresso with a hint of sweetness, vanilla, and a generous layer of whipped cream. Mmmmh…

Lactem is truly a coffee lover's haven. Quality is no joke here: each cup is made with specialty coffee, roasted with love in Paris, sure to delight purists. And those with a sweet tooth will be equally pleased by the irresistible house-made pastries. The vibe is friendly to the max, whether you’re here for a gourmet break or a focused afternoon: at Lactem, the captivating aroma of freshly brewed coffee works its magic.

LACTEM PALAIS ROYAL, 38 rue Croix des Petits Champs, Paris 1st, open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LACTEM MONTMARTRE, 58 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9th, open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

© Instagram - @lactemcafe

The chill is settling in, bringing with it the urge to cocoon in warmth. No passport needed: head to Spa Mamabali for an immersive escape right in the heart of Paris, transporting you straight to Indonesia. Imagine: two full hours of treatments (yes, two hours!) where you’re pampered and surrounded by pure relaxation. This serene, colorful space is designed to whisk you away instantly, with highly skilled practitioners who have been perfecting the art of Balinese massage for over 11 years. Trained by Indonesian experts, they use sacred oils from the temples for truly authentic and restorative treatments.

What’s on the menu? A complete ritual awaits: hammam, scrub, and Balinese massage, perfect for enjoying solo, as a couple, or with friends. Each treatment is customized to maximize benefits and offer total relaxation. And with the holidays around the corner, it’s also the perfect gift idea to give (or treat yourself to) a timeless experience.

Spa Mamabali, 2 rue Brunel, Paris 17th, 01 58 57 75 75, open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., online reservation available.

Discover also 5 Pop-ups to Fill Your Christmas Stocking and Our Favorite citizenM Hotels to Book During the Holidays.