At Christmas time, Paris becomes a veritable whirlwind of lights, entertainment and activity. To take advantage of all this while staying in a calm and relaxing setting, the hotel Le Relais de la Malmaison invites you to set down your suitcases some twenty minutes from the heart of Paris, on the banks of the Seine, in a two-hectare park of greenery. You'll discover that the capital's surroundings also have some wonderful surprises in store for the festive season. 

 

A new menu for winter

Nestled in a loop of the Seine, next door to the Bluegreen Golf Club in Rueil-Malmaison, the Relais de la Malmaison has everything it takes to welcome you. Its indoor pool, wellness area and rooms overlooking the park are complemented by a gourmet restaurant bathed in natural light. And if it's impossible to eat on the terrace this time of year, you'll be able to warm up with the magnificent and creative proposals of our chef Paulo Goncalves. Seasonal produce, surprising gourmet combinations and dazzling savoir-faire combine to produce aesthetically pleasing, tasty dishes.

 

A gourmet voyage

Leek chiffonnade with walnut vinaigrette and creamy Jerusalem artichoke remind us that winter is here, but it's not all bad news. Other starters include Royale de joue de boeuf, Brillat-Savarin cromesquis and smoked salmon with wasabi espuma. Then there's the lamb mouse with thyme and vegetable compote, the surprising pork sauté with shellfish or the grilled octopus with green juice... Among the desserts, the chocolate pear charlotte and the brioche perdue with praline custard are deliciously regressive. 

 

Christmas shopping at La Défense

Want to spoil your nearest and dearest and play Santa Claus? Just 20 minutes from Relais de la Malmaison, head to La Défense. The towers of this major business district at the gateway to Paris are home to a huge shopping mall, Les Quatre Temps, where you'll find something to suit every taste, young and old alike. Head to the Parvis to discover the Marché de Noël de La Défense. Amid the illuminations, the wooden chalets are home to craftsmen and designers selling jewelry, accessories and gourmet products. You can stroll along sipping hot chocolate, or stop for a traditional and invigorating tartiflette or flammekueche. Of course, you'll also have every chance of bumping into Santa Claus!

 

The magic of illuminations

Take a stroll through the streets of old Rueil-Malmaison to discover the magical illuminations. But you can also treat yourself to a trip to the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, a twenty-minute drive away. Set on the slopes along the banks of the Seine, the gardens overlook Paris from a sublime vantage point over the illuminated city. They are also home to a two-kilometre illuminated trail, Lumières en Seine. Conceived on the theme of the four elements, it features illuminated tableaux such as "Water Dances" and "Northern Lights", creating a veritable enchantment. Of course, the whole event has been set up with an eco-responsible approach, in conciliation with the park's wildlife managers. You can enjoy it until January 7, 2024. 

Le Relais de la Malmaison welcomes you all year round. The festive season is a particularly good time to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal, while taking advantage of the many attractions in and around Paris. Book your room now!

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Photo: Olga

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 Relais de la Malmaison, an exceptional setting near Paris