Ice-Skating in Paris

Le Grand Palais is a magical palace in Paris. Built to show off the country’s industrial prowess for the 1900 World Fair, this glass-and-steel marvel now hosts spectacular events throughout the year: the Chanel fashion shows, the exclusive Biennale des Antiquaires and the Saut Hermès equestrian event to name a few. This year the Réunion des Musées Nationaux has made le Grand Palais even more magical by installing France’s largest ice-skating rink under la grande nef, turning this glass palace into an ice palace named le Grand Palais des Glaces, which is ideal for a dreamy time spent ice-skating in Paris.
Holiday events at le Grand Palais have always been memorable, and this year I can’t wait to find myself ice-skating on the 1,800-square-meter sheet of ice, under the steely lace Beaux-Arts details, with the French flag visible as it joyously crowns the glass cupola.

In the evening, the lights go down and the music pumps up, with DJs hosting events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Le Grand Palais is also presenting themed evenings, like Russians on Ice and Space Odyssey, for even more adventure at this otherworldly event. And kids are not left behind, with a special rink just for families. Good cheer is bound to fill the enormous space, as will the holiday aromas of vin chaud, seasonal soups and grilled sandwiches, available at the pop-up Café des Glaces.
The rink is open until January 6, 2013, and you can avoid the lines by prepurchasing tickets on the official site (see link below). Celebrating the holidays by ice-skating in Paris will warm your heart for years to come.
Related Links
Le Grand Palais
Le Grand Palais des Glaces
Editor’s note: Our partner Easy Pass Trips has the perfect way to do New Year’s Eve at the Eiffel Tower—no waiting in line. And if you’re a GG2P Travel Club member, you’ll get a much better deal.