Winter wonderlands

With the end of the year approaching and Christmas and New Year's round the corner, First Class takes a look at some of the best destinations for a very Merry Christmas.

France

Paris and Cannes are two of the best cities to visit in France over the Christmas period, both offer festive places to shop, dine and wander. Walking around Paris is like walking around the proverbial winter wonderland. There are lights glittering everywhere and sparkly winter surprises dotted around the city.

What to See

With so many museums and galleries, Paris can keep you occupied for several weeks. What's more, the city provides the quintessential romantic backdrop and just strolling around Champs-Elysées with its twinkling lights is enough to get you feeling all rosy.

Go ice-skating on the large ice-rink over the cobbled courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville. Saunter over to the Christmas crèche at the oldest church in Paris, the charing Eglise St-Germain-des-Prés. Stock up on gifts or just warm up with vin chaud at Christmas Markets dotted around Paris, from La Défense to the Champs-Elysées. Late at night, head to the Eiffel Tower for a wondrous view of the City of Lights.

Meanwhile, Cannes is also suffused with the holiday spirit, especially with its colossal Marché Noël (Christmas market) by the waterfront plaza. You'll find all sorts of knick-knacks here including jewellery.

The food stalls sell fabulous goodies including churros, crêpes, candied fruits, roasted chestnuts cotton candy (called la barbe de papa noël or Santa's beard). There are beverages to warm you up including hot chocolate, hot cider and vin chaud. Kids love the Santa's hut and mini carnival rides including a ferris wheel.

Where to Stay

Cannes, The InterContinental Carlton

The undisputed jewel on the French Riviera and inspired by the Belle Époque period, The InterContinental Carlton is located on the La Croisette seafront. With famous stars and Hollywood glitterati as regulars, nothing is too difficult for the staff to handle. The bar Le Petit Carlton is a prime spot to indulge in people-watching. Deluxe Rooms start at EUR 295.00.

58 Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes 06400, Tel: + 33 93 06 40 06, Paris, Hotel Bellchasse

Located just a few steps from the Musée D'Orsay, and walking distance from the Louvre and Tuileries, Hotel Le Bellechasse is right in the heart of the prestigious Faubourg St. Germain district. What makes this place really interesting is the fact that all 34 rooms are entirely outfitted by the famous French fashion designer Christian Lacroix.

Three nights package in the Discovery Room starts at EUR 189.00.

Hotel Bellchasse - 8 rue de Bellechasse - 75007 Paris, Tel : + 33 1 45 50 22 31, http://www.lebellechasse.com/

Paris, Hotel Gavarni

Located a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero and amidst fashion boutiques, Hotel Gavarni is a quiet haven effortlessly combining modernity with luxury. Some of the luxurious suites include the Trocadero and Versailles.

Deluxe Room starts at EUR 260.00, Hotel Gavarni, 5 rue Gavarni 75116 Paris, Tel: + 33 1 45 24 52 82

Shopping

Galeries Lafayette in Paris is a dream destination for fashionistas, just try to resist the dramatic window displays! What's more, you'll find the city's Golden Triangle of shopping between rue Vielle du Temple and the rue Charlot is chockablock with multi-brand boutiques.

While in Cannes, you can shop to your heart's content at the designer boutiques of La Croisette. But for something more eclectic, make your way to Rue Meynadier, this streets brims with craft stores and gourmet shops nestled into 18th-century storefronts. For cheese aficionados, stop by at Fromagerie Ceneri, Cannes's best-known cheese vendor.

Dining

Paris, Altitude 95

In Paris, Altitude 95, on the first stage of Eiffel Tower boasts a panoramic view over the Seine and the Trocadero. Reservation in advance is recommended.

Altitude 95, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Tel: + 33 1 45 55 20 04

Paris - 1728

1728 is an art gallery and a restaurant featuring 300 works of art. With gorgeous Venetian chandeliers, satin drapes, hand-painted silk wallpaper and marble tables and velvet-covered armchairs, the food is a stunning fusion of Japanese and French., 1728, 8 rue d'Anjou; (33-1) 4017-0477

Cannes, La Palme d'Or

Bruno Oger, the resident chef showcases his definitive Provencal technique at this restaurant, so look forward to local dishes, such as his mouthwatering foie gras risotto

La Palme d'Or, Hotel Martinez, 73 La Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France, Tel: +33 4 92 98 73 00

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