Tramuta says that, though Thanksgiving celebrations in France have historically been potluck-style and held at home, more and more restaurants and hotels are scoring a piece of the pecan pie. They’re getting guests—locals and tourists alike—into the festive mood (and their businesses) by offering special tasting menus, events, and deals on stays. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, for example, offered a “Frenchgiving” dinner for the first time in 2023—and they’re doing it again this year, on Thursday, November 28.
It makes sense: Americans always make up a large portion of tourists in Paris, especially during the festive season, according to Nicolas De Gols, the hotel’s general manager. Why not give them a hearty US tradition garnished with a little French sophistication? Besides, he says, “A holiday celebration with caviar and Champagne with a view of Arc de Triomphe sounds spectacular to me.”
There’s something harmonious, I think, to the act of spending Thanksgiving in Paris—or anywhere outside the US, really. There’s that truth universally acknowledged: travel pulls us out of the chaotic whirl of our lives—occupied perhaps by jobs, commutes, and kids (in my case, windowsill herbs)—and gives us an opportunity to get into a new rhythm or shift our perspectives. Pair that with this holiday that encourages us to self-reflect, to consider what we’re thankful for, and you get a confluence of introspective energies ideal for a soul-searching or soul-satisfying trip abroad.
That said, if you just wanna miss the messy domestic travel circuit during the holiday weekend, that’s as good a reason as any to leave the country. So why not, in dark times or otherwise, travel to the City of Light?
Where to spend Thanksgiving in Paris
Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris: On November 28, the Palace hotel’s restaurant, Le Bar Long, will offer a special six-course Thanksgiving dinner of French-influenced dishes, featuring the likes of yellow chicken of the Landes and a vegan tarte tatin (standing in for American apple pie, naturally). Dinner starts at $163 (€150) per person, with a supplementary wine pairing.
Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs: From November 25 to 30, this sleek hotel on the Left Bank is offering a three-course Thanksgiving dinner at their Grands Voyageurs Brasserie. The menu includes a pumpkin velouté, pressed poultry with chestnuts, a parsnip purée, charred corn, and—of course—cranberry sauce. There’s a pecan tart for dessert, topped with Fontainebleau cream for a French touch. In addition to the culinary offerings, the hotel is offering special room rates starting at $249 a night. Dinner starts at $59 (€55).