This year, the Champs-Elysées is deprived of a Christmas market following the war between Anne Hidalgo and Marcel Campion. The opportunity to see what is elsewhere, and more specifically in Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas, where Baccarat chandeliers are reappearing this year.
December: Christmas decorations began to invade homes, shops and especially the streets. Strasbourg, the French capital of Christmas, had seen its Christmas market reduced over the past two years following terrorist threats and security measures. This year, the 447th edition is extended and increased, the city expects more than two million visitors.
Goodbye Paris, hello Strasbourg again!
Throughout Strasbourg are presented decorations as splendid as each other. Rue des Hallebardes, the city has been installing Baccarat crystal chandeliers for about fifteen years. Last year, the latter had been relocated to Paris, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, to promote the opening of a Baccarat Paris store in the same street. But this year has formalized the return of the famous chandeliers to their original location, to the delight of the inhabitants but especially of thousands of visitors every day.
On November 24, the 2017 edition of the Christmas market was inaugurated by singer Christophe Willem. The Strasbourg traders' association devotes more than 600,000 euros to illuminations each year. Thus, at nightfall, the illuminations of the city gradually lit up. The best opportunity to discover or rediscover the nine Baccarat chandeliers on Rue des Hallebardes, where the Baccarat shop is located. Each chandelier is protected by a glass chest, protecting it from possible malicious acts. You should know that a Baccarat chandelier costs at least 10,000 euros. Finally, exclusively this year: a new chandelier is installed on rue Gutenberg.
If the chandeliers have been exposed for so many years in this shopping street in the heart of downtown Strasbourg, it is for a reason. Symbol of luxury and quality "à la française", the company Baccarat France has created a strong reputation since its creation in 1764. More than 250 years of know-how for one of the largest crystal factories in France. All this happens in the small town of Baccarat in Meurthe-et-Moselle, about 4000 inhabitants. The city gave its name to the Baccarat crystal factory, now known worldwide. Inside, tailors, engravers and blowers passing the torch from generation to generation, create magnificent crystal pieces. 50% sand, 30% lead and 20% potash in a huge oven at 1200 degrees, this is the secret of the brand to make the purest crystal in the world.
Baccarat, symbol of luxury "à la française"
The crystal factory has given rise to a museum in honor of the city and its crafts: the Baccarat Museum. Located in the middle of the manufacturing sites, there is a private collection of the brand's most emblematic pieces. Inside, you can also hear the hum of the oven, from which the creations come out. A Baccarat museum is also present in Paris, in the former mansion of Marie-Laure de Noailles, Place des Etats-Unis, in the16th arrondissement. At the moment, an exhibition "Baccarat, timeless modernity" is presented.
However, Baccarat crystal does not only offer chandeliers. There are many Baccarat jewels, from rings to necklaces to earrings, all cut to perfection and detail. The "Psydelic Flowers" collection is particularly elegant and pure. The company is also rather known for its table services, especially the Harcourt Baccarat service. Glasses, plates but also carafes and champagne buckets of an incomparable class. Something to please everyone, there are animal sculptures with an absolutely huge number of species (cats, dogs, horses, butterflies, turtles, rabbits and even monkeys and sheep)! We also discover more affordable lighting, vases, candle holders, clocks and other decorative elements. A special Christmas collection was recently unveiled. The timing is ideal for anyone in need of decorations to hang in his tree or elsewhere.
In short, Baccarat glass offers a huge range of objects of all kinds to fill your home, as well as jewelry and tableware. As the holiday season approaches, the quality and know-how of Baccarat crystal bring a huge plus of finesse and elegance. It is also a great gift idea for anyone around you who appreciates quality things.
To do this, take a look at the Baccarat online store. And if you go through Strasbourg, do not hesitate to visit the Christmas market passing particularly through the rue des Hallebardes to discover the chandeliers with your own eyes.
