Sweet Christmas in Paris & Strasbourg with author Steena Holmes

Meander through the streets of Paris, sipping mulled wine in the markets while enjoying a fairytale Christmas setting with New York Times & USA Today best-selling author Steena Holmes.

Steena can’t wait to share her perfect day exploring the streets of Paris with you. In a fairytale setting, you’ll sip hot cocoa (or mulled wine) in the market, be dazzled by gorgeous lights and displays, and of course indulge in the best chocolates and macarons ever.
In Strasbourg, the magical Christmas capital of France, Steena will take you on a quest for the best hot mulled wine, French onion soup and grilled chestnuts. After a hands-on pastry workshop in Paris, you’ll be cooking like a French pastry chef. ‘Tis the season to fill your senses with everything decadent, sweet and Christmassy!
It’s said there’s an author in everyone! How would you like to help Steena plot a new story set in Paris during Christmas time? Every evening over dinner, you’ll discuss highlights of the day: places visited, things you saw, special moments and more to be used as scenes for an upcoming book. You will also help her create and name characters within this “Paris-themed” story.
And, as a special treat, you will receive a signed copy of a “special” novel to be released during the Sweet tour. You’ll be the very first to read the story!

Monday December 7: Bienvenue à Paris

Your sweet tour of Paris begins! From Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport,  you will transfer to a charming 4-star boutique hotel @Maison Favart, where you will have time to freshen up, relax or explore. Steena and Nancy will be greeting you and the other guests for a welcome cocktail at your hotel followed by dinner at the lively local French bistrot Le Vaudeville.

Tuesday December 8:   Chocolate and markets 

One of Steena’s favorite areas is the Left Bank, and it’s not just because that’s where the famous Shakespeare & Co bookstore is located (Odette’s puff pasty is just around the corner) or the fact there are so many amazing chocolate shops to explore or quaint streets. For lunch, sweet and savoury crepes will put you in the mood for more treats at the picturesque and lively Tuileries Marché de Noel market.  After a glass of mulled wine or a cup of café au lait, across the bridge over the Seine, we’ll enjoy a most spectacular light show as night falls on the Hotel de Ville (city hall) market.  Dinner will be at the  legendary belle époque bistro  @Le Petit Riche.

Wednesday December 9: Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas

We’ll take a morning train through the countryside to a winter wonderland: Strasbourg.  On arrival, there will be free time to stroll along  some 300 stalls at the main market offering an amazing choice of sweets by master chocolatiers, gingerbread, mulled wine and hand-crafted items for Christmas gifts – presided over by a giant Christmas tree!  After lunch, you’ll have time off to try more local specialties such as Quiche Lorraine, gingerbread, pretzels… Our guide Vincent will take us on a tour of the Strasbourg cathedral, described by Victor Hugo as “a skillful combination of monumental size and delicateness”.  The spire is considered as a masterpiece of elegance for its ornamental features decorating the facades. At nightfall, the Christmas lights will illuminate the town, just the time for some mulled wine before boarding the train back to Paris. Dinner will be “on the go” with delicacies you will have picked up  from the Strasbourg market.

Thursday December 10: French desserts  & Montmartre 

The day begins by donning our aprons for a hands-on pastry workshop to make delicious desserts in Montmartre.  Then we’ll take our  pastries for lunch at a quaint tavern  in Montmartre.  There will be free time this afternoon to further explore the area which includes a small Christmas market, or visit a favorite museum, or relax at the spa.  On our way to dinner at the charming Bistrot Vivienne, we’ll pass through the most beautiful passageway of Paris, the Vivienne Gallery.

Friday December 11:  Did someone say chocolate and cabaret? 

Today begins with an exploration of the Right Bank and a guided tour with Vincent of the iconic @Opera Garnier, best known for The Phantom of the Opera. You’ll start the day with a best hot chocolate in town at Angelina’s. Before lunch, there will be a discovery of the best macarons and the unique chocolate sculptures by Roger chocolatier.   If you have never had a croque monsieur, the lovely wine bar in Place de la Madeleine where we will have lunch has the best!   You can’t leave Paris without admiring the window displays and the giant Christmas tree in the art deco dome of the Galeries Lafayette.  Their gourmet food section is not to be missed for its iconic chocolates by Ducasse,  and other fine chocolate makers and pastry chefs including Christophe Adam, whose work is entirely devoted to éclairs. Another must-see in Paris is  a genuine French cabaret. After  an early dinner it will be time to head out for champagne and showtime @Le Moulin Rouge!

Saturday December 12: A fairytale Christmas Palace  
Today, we’ll visit fairytale Christmas palace Chateau Vaux le Vicomte on the outskirts of Paris. The castle, which inspired the design of the Château de Versailles, transforms into a magical palace for the Christmas holidays decked out with garlands, illuminations, decorations, vintage toys and baubles which can be purchased in the wonderful gift shop.  After lunch @ L’Ecureuil, you’ll discover the secrets of the French art of entertaining in the intimacy of a private salon at the château.  Dinner will be just a short walk from the hotel.

Sunday  December 13: Only the Best 

No best day in Paris is complete without a photo op of the Eiffel Tower and  the Louvre on your way to admire  impressionist Monet’s works in a small jewel of a museum, tucked away in Paris’ posh 16th arrondissement. You’ll make your way down the Champs Elysees for lunch and macarons at the flagship Ladurée boutique and shop.  After lunch, you will delve in luxury at the Dior museum.  Back at the hotel, you’ll raise your glass of  bubbles for a toast before heading to a farewell dinner at the elegant @Le Grand Vefour in the courtyard of the Palais Royal.

Sunday December 14:  Farewell 

It’s time to  have that last café au lait and  bid farewell to glittering Paris bringing home unique stocking stuffers, sweet memories and new friendships.  Transfers to Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport will be arranged in the morning.

Read here why Steena likes travelling with tour guests 

 

Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that a 30% deposit will be required. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.

Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & guide, activities and admission fees as indicated in program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning of last days of the tour, transportation by subway and on coaches for day trips, return trip train ticket Paris/Strasbourg, accommodation in a 4-star boutique hotel with a pool and wellness area.

Not Included

Round trips airfare to France, tip to tour guide and coach driver,  any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, and all the sweet treats you pick up along the way, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).

Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described,  we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and  content. If Steena is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Nancy McGee, Tour with Absolutely representative.

Cancellation Policy
This is a non-refundable package group tour, no refunds even in the case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick before the trip, departs or during it you will need your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.

Payment
We accept Visa and MasterCard.

Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out  SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…) . Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress free trip.

Arrival and Departure
On arrival, December 7, airport transfers are included from Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by Steena Holmes and Nancy McGee Tour with Absolutely representative who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last days of the tour , December 14, airport transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport. When searching for flights, check out  Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.

Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.

What to Pack
Phone chargers, medication, warm clothing, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes/sneakers/boots. Amenities, iron and hairdryer are in every room. 

Weather
We expect average  temperatures of max 8°C/47°F) and min 4°C/39°F.

Physical Requirements
This tour is  “physically active.”  Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. 
The best way to get around Paris and avoid traffic jams is to take the metro which will be the main means of transportation in the city. We will also be travelling in a coach for the day trip to Vaux le Vicomte chateau and to the Marmottan Monet museum, as well as on a train to Strasbourg.  You may be on your feet, walking and standing, on uneven sidewalks,  going up and down stairs in the metro, for a few hours, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. If you need help climbing onto a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma will have other trips for you to join.

Accommodation
You are staying in a 4-star boutique hotel @Hotel Favart

Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with roommate matching in twin occupancy as well as pre- and post-tour travel planning.

CONTACT US

To reserve your spot or request additional information,  please fill out the form below. Emma will then contact you to discuss the tour details and arrange your booking.

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Tour Details

Dates: December 7 -14, 2025
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Cost: Private room 5875 euros / Shared room 5225 euros twin occupancy
Participants: 10

Tour HIGHLIGHTS

  • Travel with New York Times & USA Today best-selling author Steena Holmes on her special Christmas trip to Paris and Strasbourg
  • Learn how to host a French dinner party  in the dining hall of a Chateau with champagne and macarons bien sur!
  • Join a quest for the best mulled wine, French onion soup, crepes and grilled chestnuts at three Christmas markets in Paris
  • Take a day trip to the French capital of Christmas markets: Strasbourg
  • Take part in a hands-on cooking workshop to make delicious desserts in Montmartre
  • Gaze at the festive Galeries Lafayette window display and their giant Christmas tree
  • Capture images of the Eiffel Tower on your way to lunch at Ladurée on the Champs Elysées.
  • Watch dazzling performances at the Moulin Rouge cabaret
  • Meander through the cobblestone streets of Paris while tasting the most delicious chocolates, macarons and hot cocoa.

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