Your gourmet Christmas tour of Paris starts in the heart of Saint-Germain des Prés, at the Place Saint-Sulpice. From there you will visit one of Paris' Christmas Markets which include authentic wooden stalls decked in twinkling lights to help put you in a festive mood.

Focusing on the gourmet foods available at the market, you'll sample regional specialties as you stroll around with your expert guide. Sip on hot spiced wine (vin chaud), and try beautiful Christmas cakes, gingerbread cookies and other seasonal delicacies on sale in a Parisian Christmas market.

Your small-group tour will continue to some famous Paris food stores, where you will enjoy samples of chocolate and traditional French sweets. Learn about the Thirteen Desserts of Christmas, a Christian tradition that originated in the south of France, whereby 13 desserts are eaten after a Christmas meal. The 13 desserts symbolize the 12 apostles and Christ, and while you won't have chance to sample all of them, you'll try a few of the best – including candied fruits, nougat and gingerbread.

Your gourmet Christmas tour ends in a typical Parisian tearoom, where you can relax with a hot beverage while your guide regales you with tales of festive French traditions.