Holiday delights in Lyon and Paris

The Festival of Lights in Lyon, gastronomy capital of France

On December 8th, the residents of Lyon celebrated the Virgin Mary. They illuminated each of their windows and balconies and strolled through the streets with small traditional lanterns. Christians have been celebrating Mary on December 8th since at least the year 431. The tradition of celebrating her with lights has been present in France since the Middle Ages.

From streets to neighborhoods, the tradition has returned to Lyon, and the religious celebration has transformed into a true event heralding the Festival of Lights.

Photo Credit: Tourism Center of Lyon

This year, from December 7^th to December 10^th, in all parts of the city, people had a chance to see a world of lights, enchanting spaces on the walls of historic buildings, in squares, along the banks of the Rhône, created by artists. Thirty works, installations, or monumental mappings illuminated the city. To add to the delight, it’s a free celebration, and anyone could enjoy the spectacle!

Photo Credit: Tourism Center of Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful city, the second largest city after Paris, offering a rich cultural heritage with its UNESCO-designated heritage sites, showcased in a unique way during the festival. Do not miss the opportunity savor a delightful dinner at one of the authentic traditional restaurants in Lyon called ‘’bouchons’’.

Photo credit: Stephanie Burtin, Osprey Boutique Travel

Winter Romance in Paris, the City of Light

Start your morning with a delightful French breakfast at your hotel including croissants, breads, delicious jams, homemade cakes and fresh-squeezed fruit juices. Afterwards, you will meet your private guide at the hotel lobby to embark on a tailor-made food and decoration walking tour in the charming neighborhood of St Germain-des-Pres, nestled in the heart of Paris. During your tour, you’ll taste traditional French holiday delights served over Christmas including oysters, foie gras, and an array of sweet delicacies. This is where you’ll truly immerse yourself in the Parisian way of life.

Photo credit: Stephanie Burtin, Osprey Boutique Travel

Following lunch, your afternoon will be dedicated to an exclusive shopping experience under the guidance of your personal shopper, in the comfort of a VIP apartment with its Parisian style design, located in one of the oldest historical shopping buildings in Paris.

After such a special day, go back to your hotel to relax by the fireplace or enjoy a spa treatment.

And conclude the evening with a romantic dinner at one of the finest Michelin gastronomic restaurants, admiring the beautiful lights of Paris at night.

Photo credit: Stephanie Burtin, Osprey Boutique Travel

Header Photo credit: Stephanie Burtin, Osprey Boutique Travel

About the Author

Stephanie Burtin is a Personal Travel Designer, originally from Lyon, the Gastronomy Capital of France, and currently based in Los Angeles. Her life is a perpetual exploration driven by her deep love for travel and her homeland France. Driven by these passions, she founded Osprey Boutique Travel, specializing in creating exclusive custom "voyage" to France, tailored to each clients' unique personality and wishes. During her leisure, she loves to immerse readers in the French "Art de Vivre" by sharing her knowledge about France and her beautiful pictures brought from her travels.