Dec 21 - Paris - Gallerie de Lafayette and the Tuilieres at night

It was a bit rainy today so we stayed in most of the morning.  We headed out for a short walk to the Gallerie Lafayette.  This is a premier department store with several buildings clustered closely together. 

Since we are sightseeing and not buying we headed to the main building.  The center of the building rises about 8 floors to a beautiful stained glassed dome.  

It was well decorated for the holidays with a huge Christmas tree and many strings of lights hanging from the ceiling. 

After getting a few pictures we headed up to the very top level to the terrace where we had great views of the opera house (just across the street)…

and the Eiffel Tower across town.

We could see the Notre Dame but not well…too low and hidden by other buildings.

We decided to have lunch at the cafeteria at the Gallerie and then headed out to Angelina’s.  Angelina’s has some of the best hot chocolate anywhere and divine desserts.  We over dosed on chocolate.  It was almost too much chocolate if that is possible.

We then headed to the hotel room to do some packing as we leave tomorrow.  Shortly after nightfall we headed out to the Christmas Markets at the Tuileries Gardens to get some night pictures.  The most dominate feature was the Ferris wheel...

but the entire market was colorfully lit.

Santa and his sleigh zoomed overhead.

We could also the Eiffel Tower.  It was beautifully lit and occasionally twinkled.

It has been a great set of Christmas Markets all across Northern France.  Recommended for those who love to shop for Christmas and who enjoy the chance to buy unusual and regional items and foods.