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Paris - the gastronomic paradise

15th September 2008

The all-year-round city of Paris will offer particular attractions for foodies in the run-up to Christmas, from chocolate-orientated events such as the Salon du Chocolat to the festive delights to be found in its array of Christmas markets.

Now in its 14th year, the Salon du Chocolat will take place at Porte de Versailles from October 29th to November 2nd and feature 130 chocolate-makers and 400 exhibitors dedicated to the foodstuff.

The annual event brings specialists from all over the world under one roof, giving visitors the chance to sample and buy treats - either as early Christmas presents or purely to indulge!

It also offers a host of other activities and things to see, including a display of chocolate graffiti created by artists live at the event.
Exhibitors include Bovetti Chocolats, Fundacio Kabk'uh, Moet Hennessy France Bailey's and Valentino Chocolatier, to name just a few.

Visitors to Paris from late November onwards may want to stop off at some of the city's Christmas markets and enjoy some local delicacies such as croissants and chocolate and a glass of 'vin chaud' - hot wine in English - while shopping for presents.

Markets are held at La Defense (November 28th to December 29th), Les Halles (dates yet to be confirmed), De la Cour de Rome (November 30th to December 24th), the Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Pres(December 5th to 31st), Montparnasse (December 3rd to 31st) and Place Saint Sulpice (December 6th to 24th).

To give a taster, La Defense Christmas Market features around 10,000 sq m of stalls and an ice rink and is lit beautifully at night, while the one at Les Halles is very traditional and much-loved by the French.

Indulge your senses in Paris.

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