From Paris to Bavaria: A Magical Christmas Journey by Rail

Begin your Parisian adventure at the iconic Galeries Lafayette, easily accessible via Metro. This legendary department store transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with elaborate decorations that rival any holiday display in the world. Take the elevator to the rooftop terrace for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris, then warm up with a coffee or indulge in Champagne and caviar at one of the elegant bars inside.

Hop back on the Metro and make your way to the Musée du Parfum, where you'll discover the artistry behind French perfume-making. This intimate museum reveals the secrets of iconic fragrances, and the boutique offers beautifully packaged scents that make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.

As evening approaches, take the Metro to Rue Montmartre in the lively 2nd arrondissement. Settle into a cozy neighborhood café for dinner—perhaps a warming French onion soup or steak frites—then stroll the charming street as it glows with holiday lights. The Metro makes navigating Paris effortless, allowing you to soak in the magic of the season without the stress of traffic or parking.

Start your morning by crossing the elegant Pont Neuf, Paris's oldest bridge, to Île de la Cité. Here, a charming Christmas market nestles in the shadow of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Stroll through the stalls with a steaming glass of mulled wine (vin chaud) in hand, browsing handcrafted ornaments, artisanal foods, and seasonal treats while taking in views of the iconic cathedral's restoration.

For lunch, choose between Baïeta for contemporary Mediterranean flavors or the legendary Les Deux Magots in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, where Hemingway and Sartre once lingered over coffee. If you're a French pharmacy enthusiast, this is your moment—make a pilgrimage to CityPharma in the Latin Quarter for cult-favorite skincare and beauty products at unbeatable prices.

Afterward, take a peaceful stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg, where winter transforms the elegant gardens into a serene escape. Watch Parisians play pétanque or simply admire the Medici Fountain dusted with frost.

Return to your hotel to rest and refresh—you'll want to be energized for dinner at the spectacular Le Train Bleu. This Belle Époque restaurant inside Gare de Lyon is a destination unto itself, with gilded ceilings, ornate frescoes, and classic French cuisine that transports you to the golden age of rail travel.

Your final day in Paris is intentionally unstructured—a chance to wander at your own pace. One wonderful option is to visit Galerie Dior, the brand's stunning museum showcasing haute couture history and artistry (book tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly). Afterward, make your way to the Tour Eiffel. Whether you ascend or simply admire it from Trocadéro, the Iron Lady never disappoints.

For lunch, settle into Les Marches, where unforgettable French bistro cuisine is served in a welcoming atmosphere. Savor classics like duck confit or boeuf bourguignon before setting off on a leisurely walk down Rue de l'Université, one of the Left Bank's most elegant streets. Continue through the grand Esplanade des Invalides toward the Musée d'Orsay, home to the world's finest Impressionist collection. Even if you don't go inside, the Beaux-Arts building itself is magnificent.

As evening falls, if you're craving a change from French cuisine, head to Pink Mamma near Montmartre for vibrant Italian fare in an Instagram-worthy setting. After dinner, climb to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and take in the breathtaking panorama of Paris twinkling below. Toast your journey with a glass of Champagne and a sweet treat at one of the nearby cafés before heading back to your hotel for one last Parisian night's sleep.

After breakfast, make your way to Gare de l'Est, where you'll board a high-speed train to Strasbourg. The journey through the French countryside takes just under two hours—sit back, relax, and watch the landscape transform as you approach the Alsace region.

Upon arrival, drop your bags at the hotel and immediately set off to explore. Strasbourg proudly holds the title of "Capital of Christmas," and for good reason—the city hosts 11 enchanting Christmas markets scattered throughout its medieval center. You can focus on one or two favorites, like the iconic Christkindelsmärik in Place Brongniart, or ambitious travelers can attempt all 11. The compact, walkable city makes it entirely possible to experience the festive magic in a single day. Wander half-timbered streets adorned with lights, sample bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies), sip spiced vin chaud, and browse handcrafted ornaments and local delicacies.

For dinner, indulge in Alsatian tradition. If you're staying at the Sofitel, their decadent raclette dinner is a must—melted cheese scraped over potatoes, charcuterie, and cornichons is the ultimate winter comfort food. Alternatively, head to La Petite France neighborhood, and dine at a traditional Alsatian restaurant, where hearty dishes like choucroute garnie and tarte flambée await.

After a restful night in Strasbourg, make your way to the train station for your journey to Munich—the longest rail segment of your trip, but well worth it. Settle into your seat as the train glides through the Alsace wine region and into Bavaria. The journey offers a perfect opportunity to catch up on emails, browse photos, or simply gaze out the window at the changing landscape. With onboard Wi-Fi, you can stay connected or use the time to plan the adventures ahead.

Upon arrival in Munich, check into your hotel. My top recommendations are The Charles Hotel, with its exceptional bar and luxurious spa—perfect if you want to unwind after a day of travel—or the charming House of Hütter, a quaint boutique hotel that offers intimate Bavarian hospitality with modern style.
Once settled, venture out for an authentic Bavarian welcome dinner at Augustiner-Keller, one of the city's most beloved beer gardens. Even in winter, the atmosphere is warm and convivial. Order a frothy stein of Augustiner beer and a perfectly crispy schnitzel—there's no better introduction to Munich's hearty culinary culture.

Important timing note: I recommend strategically planning your Munich dates around the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run), a thrilling folk tradition that happens only once a year, typically in early December. These costumed demons parade through the streets with chains, bells, and dramatic flair—a spectacle that's equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing. Missing this would be a shame, so confirming the exact date when planning your trip is essential.

Return to your hotel to rest up—tomorrow brings Bavarian Christmas markets!

Spend the morning wandering through Munich's Altstadt (Old Town) and the bustling Marienplatz, the heart of the city's Christmas celebration. The famous Christkindlmarkt here is one of Germany's oldest and most enchanting, with wooden stalls selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to roasted almonds. Watch the Glockenspiel chime at the New Town Hall, then warm your hands around a steaming mug of glühwein while enjoying a fresh-baked pretzel.

Head to the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of Bavarian monarchs, for a fascinating tour through opulent rooms filled with treasures, tapestries, and Renaissance splendor. The contrast between the grandeur inside and the cozy market atmosphere outside perfectly captures Munich's dual character.

For dinner, savor traditional Bavarian fare at Wirtshaus in der Au or Augustiner Bräustuben, where hearty dishes like schweinebraten (roast pork) and spätzle are served in authentic beer hall settings.

Optional day trip: Regensburg

If you're craving a smaller, more intimate Christmas market experience, take a scenic train ride to Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city about an hour and a half from Munich. The medieval Christmas market is tucked inside ancient castle walls at Thurn und Taxis Palace, creating an utterly magical, fairy-tale atmosphere. Beyond the market, explore Regensburg's cobblestone streets and charming boutiques, including a legendary hat maker who crafted pieces for Pirates of the Caribbean. The compact, walkable old town makes this an easy and enchanting day trip.

Optional day trip: Nuremberg

For a different flavor of Bavarian Christmas tradition, board a train to Nuremberg, just an hour from Munich. Home to Germany's most famous Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg has been celebrating Christmas since the 16th century. The market sprawls across the main square with over 180 stalls selling traditional Nuremberg bratwurst, lebkuchen (gingerbread), and handcrafted toys. Beyond the market, explore the city's rich history as a center of German craftsmanship—visit the medieval castle, walk the city walls, or discover artisan workshops that have operated for generations.

As you head to Munich Airport for your departure, don't rush straight to your gate—Terminal 2 holds a final delightful surprise. Tucked inside the terminal is a Rewe supermarket, which might sound ordinary until you step inside and discover it's a treasure trove of German culinary delights you won't find back home.

Stock up on an incredible array of artisanal mustards (from sweet Bavarian varieties to fiery horseradish blends), grab bags of Haribo gummies in flavors unavailable elsewhere, and browse shelves packed with gourmet treats: European chocolates, specialty spices, authentic lebkuchen, and regional delicacies that make perfect gifts—or indulgent souvenirs for yourself. The prices are surprisingly reasonable, and it's the perfect way to bring a taste of your European Christmas adventure home.

Think of it as your final Christmas market, climate-controlled and conveniently located before your flight!