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Now that Halloween is behind us, holiday season will be here before you know it. And that can only mean one thing: It’s time to pamper yourself and/or friends and family with boutique advent calendars. French brands, in particular, love this German Christmas tradition that originated in the early 20th century. And who wouldn’t? A gift for everyday leading up to Christmas, it’s like Christmas times 24 (or sometimes 25)!
Brands across board from pâtisserie houses like Ladurée to tea brands, fashion, cosmetics, parfumerie, and more roll out a creative option every year. It is a chance to bring all their creative forces and brand ethos, and also sell mini (travel) size options of their products. For customers, it doubles as a great gift option and a chance to sample a variety of products and indulge in some gift opening before the official season.
Here at Frenchly, we’ve gathered a compilation of 2021’s best French advent calendars:
Diptyque
The French perfume and candle brand unveiled their “curiosities” advent calendar this year. The swanky calendar features 25 scented treasures –like candles and eau de toilette and body lotion– including some new limited edition surprises in a variety of sizes for luxury buyer.
$425, available at Diptyque stores and diptyqueparis.com
Bonne Maman
Who doesn’t want 24 of the iconic Bonne Maman jams to try out on Christmas day? This year’s calendar features 24 unique flavors including exclusive new holiday ones, such as Cherry with Hibiscus Flower, Sweet Orange and Passion Fruit, Peach with Jasmine, Wild Blueberry with Lemon Balm, Raspberry with Rose and more!
$34.99, available at bonnemaman.us
L’Occitane
Provence’s own L’Occitane features two advent calendars this season with a classic and premium option distinguished by price and size. Indulge is France’s Southern body goodies, including exceptional hand creams and oils.
Available at loccitane.com
Maison du Chocolat
Maison du Chocolat delivers every holiday season with a whimsical advent calendar creation. This year, the famous chocolatier is treating us with an ornament shape calendar. Dig into the handmade mini-bars, fruity confections, dark chocolate pralinés, and more to sample each day!
$75, available at food52.com
Ladurée
You don’t have to go to Ladurée’s brick and mortar treats shop anymore because you can have a mini version of it in advent calendar form. Enjoy the sweet confections of caramel candies, nougats, flavored chocolates, and calissons from the Parisian sweets maker.
$65, preorder at food52.com
Palais des Thés
The temperatures are going down and it is officially cozy tea season. The famous French tea house, Palais des Thés, offers 24 days of tea in 24 unique blends to enjoy with some gingerbread cookies (not included–those you have to make yourself!)
$32, available at food52.com
Chanel
The most luxurious option for an advent calendar this holiday season is Chanel’s 100th year celebration of the Chanel No. 5 perfume. This flacon-shaped advent calendar is numbered from December 5 to 31. The holiday-inclusive option is a limited-edition gift set that boasts the brand’s most prized beauty and perfume pieces.
$825, preorder at chanel.com
Mariage Frères
How about a hopeful green box with a satin bow on top from one of Paris’ top luxe tea-makers? This exquisite box houses 25 unique teas to discover and taste every day.
45€, available at mariagefreres.com
Pierre Hermé Paris
The pastry kaiser goes above and beyond with his yearly creations and this one is no exception. Hermé has collaborated with illustrator Safia Ouares to create two limited edition options accompanied by a pink or lavender blue glass ball ornament handcrafted by Meisenthal glassworks. Both calendars are filled with the house’s most iconic sweets that will accompany you throughout the holiday season and the ball will stay on your tree for even longer.
Available at pierreherme.com
Vinebox
While this one is not exactly a French brand, the intention is. 12 Nights Of Wine box was the world’s first curated wine advent calendar and it sells out every single year. Try 12 of the world’s finest wines as a treat for the holiday season–wines are doled out in medicine tubes for a unique experience.
Preorder at getvinebox.com
Atelier Cologne
Atelier Cologne’s most luxurious advent calendar is this year’s swanky collection of the brand’s best, in full and mini sizes. Each piece is packaged in its own gift box of varying shape.
$375, available at ateliercologne.com
Angelina
Indulge in Angelina’s chocolate confectionary through a tasting menu of 24 delicacies. The sweet world of the Parisian brand is hidden inside the brand’s Paris facade box. Make yourself a legendary Angelina hot chocolate while you’re at it as well!
$40, available at angelinaparisusa.com
Balmain Paris
Paris’ couture brand has launched a haircare advent calendar this year dubbed La Ville Lumière. The special edition is filled with 10 Balmain Hair Couture treats so your hair can enjoy the season of giving as well.
£180.00, available at all-advent-calendars.com
