Ice-Skating & Pop-Up Shops in Paris this February

1 February 2017

Indulgently Thaw Away the Winter Chill with Three Luxurious Picks

The season for chilly adventures and luxurious indulgences is upon us, so wrap up warm, tie up your skates and follow your nose to the divine perfume and chocolatier pop-up stores for our favourite February round-up.     

Sky-High Ice-Skating 

Eiffel Tower (Until 19th February)

Paris takes first prize for Europe’s best ice-skating rink set half-way up the Eiffel Tower. Don’t miss the chance to carve up the ice – 57 meters above the ground. If you can stay on your feet, you will be able to savour breathtaking views over the magnificent city. The rink will be ice-hockey themed in celebration of the world championships which are held in France throughout 2017. The rink is accessible and free to Eiffel Tower ticket holders from 10:30 -22:30. Skates and sled chairs for children are available free of charge. As you wait for your turn, warm up with hot mulled wine, creamy hot chocolate, pumpkin soup and cinnamon pretzels. Entering the rink is like emerging into a whirlpool of gloves, scarfs and beanies as you join all generations from all walks of life.

As a prelude to the championship, the Eiffel Tower will offer you the unique chance to discover the sport by joining a special course supervised by French professionals in an effort to raise ice hockey’s profile. Hockey initiation sessions are free, in partnership with the French Ice Hockey Federation on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Upon entering the rink, club coaches will help you warm up by introducing the techniques of skating.

Chances are the crisp February air will leave you in need of a trendy beanie. A version specially designed by Cabaïa for the Eiffel Tower will be available in the shop located on the edge of the rink. Cabaïa is 100% French, and the design keeps to the iconic concept: 1 beanie / 3 interchangeable bobbles. Even if you are no Olympic ice skater, and have been on skates just once in your life, you must give this stunning rink a go. After all, there are not many European cities that offer the opportunity to combine a romantic landmark with an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lace up the skates tight, because this is literally going to be skating on air.

Haute Chocolate Arrives in Paris

Carrousel du Louvre (Until February 28th)

Belgian master chocolatier Pierre Marcolini has taken over Paris’s exclusive area, Carrousel du Louvre, hosting a pop-up shop of the world’s best chocolates. Within the wonderfully mood-lit modern store, you will be taken on an indulgent journey of divine chocolate flavours as inventions from the illustrious range of beans celebrate what makes Maison Pierre Marcolini so special.

Marcolini gained something akin to star status long ago; he’s reached the upper tiers of the chocolatier ranks by satisfying the cocoa cravings of stars such as Charlotte Gainsbourg, Diane Kruger and Kylie Minogue. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the man himself working hard behind the counter of his new shop. If you pop in to sample his wares, we recommend the Esquimau choc ice to get the chance see the attendant take great pleasure in soaking the caramel and pecan ice cream in a tub of glistening milk chocolate and almond topping.

If ice-cream strikes you as too cold for February, choose from an abundance of éclairs, chocolate hearts and macarons of every flavour that twirl around on the carrousel. The chocolatiers are so curious about the customer’s response, you may see one watching you closely as you savour an éclair (try the raspberry version topped with dark chocolate). Afterwards, wash down all that sugar with a Belle de Nuit jasmine tea cocoa infusion. Marcolini remarks that “it’s good for the body – full of antioxidants from cocoa”.

Carrousel du Louvre Pop up Store is open every day from 10am to 8pm, until February 28th, 2017.

Range of Classic Scents at Diptyque

Rue Saint-Honoré (Until 28th February)

As you prepare for Valentine’s Day, sip Champagne and discover the beautiful City of Love, be sure to pop-into diptyque, the Parisian connoisseurs of fine fragrance. The classic perfumery on the Rue Saint-Honoré is a quintessentially theatrical pop-up shop, decorated with antique furniture, cinema seats and products from the current Valentine’s Collection and Boutique Exclusives.

Diptyque’s pop-up shop will feature its winter line “A Night at Diptyque”, inspired by the Pollock Theatres miniature paper theatres sold by the three founders of the house in the 60’s at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. For over 40 years, Diptyque has been developing a sophisticated collection of personal fragrances giving it a clear, distinctive signature. This month, the rich history is distilled into a fine palette of classical perfumery, blending scents to be worn by man or woman.

Amidst the giant advent calendars and looming indoor plants, you will find the perfect perfume and limited-edition aromatic candles presented by the assistants in their beautiful outfits. The counter features scented treats championing winter, with a theatrical twist, created collaboratively with the local designers and perfumers. The pop-store’s counter presents Diptyque’s signature scents for season; Roi Sapen (cedar, patchouli with notes of pine needle) Épices et délices (gingerbread notes with honey and star anise) Encens Étoilé (elemi, cloves mingled with incense and vanilla) will be showcased in a beautifully presented candle. Each scent has its own specific gift wrap with colour code which is a signature of the fantastic service.

Take a peek at the winter collection here: