The Origins and Meaning of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most essential holidays in American culture. Every fourth Thursday of November, families gather around a generous dinner to express gratitude, a moment that almost echoes Paris’s own love for grand culinary gatherings. The first celebrations date back to the 17th century, when settlers gave thanks for an unexpected harvest. Over time, the holiday evolved into a culinary and family tradition, blending recipes, heritage, and shared moments that now resonate even in the French capital.
In recent years, Thanksgiving has taken on a special meaning in Paris, a city whose food scene, from restaurants and cafés to gourmet shops, readily embraces international influences. The French capital draws a new generation of travelers eager to explore a more elegant and cultural interpretation of this American tradition. Between the streets of Le Marais and the banks of the Seine, the soft autumn atmosphere feels tailor-made for this festive moment where gastronomy, iconic spots, and cultural experiences intertwine.
How Thanksgiving Is Celebrated in the United States
In the United States, Thanksgiving always centers around an iconic meal. A roasted turkey takes pride of place, served with sweet potato mash, fragrant stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a pumpkin pie that warms the soul, not too far from the comforting dishes sometimes found on Parisian menus. Each family carries its own recipes, sometimes handed down for generations, turning the meal into both a feast and a reflection on gratitude.
The day often unfolds with festive moments such as large parades, football games, or visits with loved ones. While Paris does not recreate these traditions exactly, the city offers its own interpretation, blending French culinary savoir-faire with beautiful venues, galleries, pastry shops, elegant bars, and an unmistakably Parisian atmosphere that suits a Thanksgiving dinner perfectly.
What to Do in Paris on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2025
Paris in November has a particular charm. The city is wrapped in gentle light, façades glow with golden reflections, and the first signs of the holiday season begin to animate the boulevards, squares, and the Seine’s riverbanks. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Paris means discovering a capital where gastronomy, culture, and the beauty of iconic places come together naturally in a warm, festive atmosphere that feels almost like a living postcard.
The city is full of ideas to make the most of this special day. Autumn marks the return of major exhibitions and strolls through neighborhood markets filled with pastries, artisanal specialties, and seasonal products. Just steps from Le Grand Mazarin, you can explore the fascinating collections of the Musée Carnavalet, fully dedicated to the history of Paris, a place beloved by culture enthusiasts as well as visitors seeking a unique experience. Wandering through its rooms is an inspiring way to reconnect with the spirit of Le Marais and better understand the soul of the neighborhood.
The streets of Le Marais naturally invite you to wander. On November 27, their cobblestones turn ochre, creative boutiques come to life, and cafés fill with a cozy warmth, perfect for savoring a hot chocolate, a coffee, or a freshly baked pastry. Between art galleries, historic mansions, and heated terraces, you will discover an authentic, lively, gourmet Paris, the ideal setting to feel the spirit of Thanksgiving, even far from American traditions.
Parisian restaurants offer an exciting range of addresses. Some create themed menus, while others simply celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing good food. At Le Grand Mazarin, the restaurant Boubalé does not prepare a specific Thanksgiving meal, but it perfectly captures the essence of togetherness with a flavorful, generous, and creative menu. In this vibrant space, gastronomy becomes an experience shaped by emotion, conviviality, and elegance, a reflection of the Marais’ soul, especially thanks to its abundant dishes and open kitchen counter offering a charming glimpse into the chefs’ craft.
To extend the experience, you can wander through the neighborhood’s bars, cafés, and gourmet shops where the warm ambiance encourages discovery. You will find Levantine, Mediterranean, and inventive specialties, along with pastries reimagined by passionate chefs. It is the perfect occasion to explore the richness of Parisian cuisine, share a unique moment as a couple, with family, or with friends, and enjoy the variety this emblematic neighborhood has to offer.
Thanksgiving in Paris is also about visiting iconic landmarks, strolling along the Seine, stopping by an intimate bar, or enjoying a sweet break in a tea salon. Between reinvented traditions and new discoveries, the city offers a special way to celebrate through elegance, gastronomy, and the French art of living, in a place where even seasonal spots become memorable experiences.
Where to Stay in Paris for Thanksgiving
In the heart of this festive atmosphere, Le Grand Mazarin stands out as an iconic address for an unforgettable stay. Located in one of Paris’s most emblematic neighborhoods, just steps from the Seine, the hotel embodies a lifestyle where elegance and creativity blend seamlessly. It reflects the essence of Maisons Pariente, a collection of iconic properties shaped by a family spirit, sincere hospitality, and warm attention, offering unforgettable stays in one of the capital’s finest establishments.
Imagined by Martin Brudnizki, the design of Le Grand Mazarin feels like an artistic journey. The rooms and suites are filled with natural light and combine colorful fabrics, vintage furnishings, and bold touches. Each space becomes a stage of its own, reminiscent of a modern literary salon where you will love to unwind between explorations of the neighborhood.
Gastronomy is central to the hotel. Boubalé, its restaurant and bar, offers a vibrant and iconic culinary universe blending Mediterranean notes, Levantine inspirations, and a deeply warm approach to sharing. The menu is filled with flavorful dishes, aromatic recipes, and generous creations that perfectly echo the spirit of Thanksgiving. The dining room, rich in artistic details, sets the tone for a festive and memorable dinner.
To complete the experience, Le Grand Mazarin features a rare indoor pool for the area, a soothing hammam, an elegant fitness room, and a butler service that ensures each guest enjoys a fully personalized stay. The hotel becomes an intimate retreat after a day of exploring, a place to recharge softly in a setting that truly captures the magic of Paris.
Staying at Le Grand Mazarin during Thanksgiving means discovering Paris differently, through its iconic landmarks, refined gastronomy, galleries, pastry shops, cultural scenes, and gourmet moments. It also means enjoying an address where luxury feels warm, creative, and deeply welcoming, a true living space that charms you from the very first moment.
