This is a special moment of great joy for our family. I like to share some of our favorite spots for Christmas markets or festivities in my belle France. Of course, this is not an all for all, but rather my favorite choices over the years. This year we will be spending it in my beautiful Morbihan and have plenty of it in my blog already. Keep an eye for more soon.
Therefore, these are my best Christmas towns in France chosen by yours truly. Hope you enjoy the post as I. And Merry Christmas and best wishes to all!!
Paris, the magnificent, In December, the most beautiful alley in the world shines with a thousand lights. Department stores are raising the curtain on their bustling shop windows. Christmas markets flourish in all districts, with at the top of the list, that of the Jardin des Tuileries with its ice rink. Museums, theaters and restaurants are also decked out in Christmas colours. Paris tourist office on Christmas : https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/christmas-in-paris/christmas-lights/christmas-lights-in-paris
The castles of the Loire in majesty, What could be more magical than visiting the castles of the Loire in a costume of light? The monuments come out on top during the “Christmas in the land of castles” operation from December 4, 2021 to January 2, 2022, the castles of Villandry, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Langeais, Villandry, the Fortress Royal City of Chinon and the Royal City of Loches invite you to a lively and shimmering tour to celebrate the Christmas spirit. The magic of the castles of the Loire at Christmas : https://www.grandesetapes.com/chateau-hotel-choiseul-amboise/en/offer/magic-christmas-france/
When the holiday season approaches, we tend to forget the West of France a little ,and yet, some Breton villages do not have to be ashamed of their Christmas decorations, like Saint-Malo for example. Every year, the old town is completely decorated with numerous illuminations. On the square of Intra-Muros, a Christmas market is installed and allows you to do your last Christmas shopping. In the fifteen or so chalets there are traditional cheese and sausage stalls, but the city also honors Saint-Malo craftsmen and restaurateurs. It’s very nice to stroll through the streets of this little Christmas market while enjoying a sausage galette! Christmas at Saint Malo : https://mon-marche-de-noel.com/accueil/villes/saintmalo/
The historic city of Metz, in Lorraine, hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in France after Strasbourg and Paris. In fact, there are five Christmas villages spread across the city center. A Ferris wheel stands in the center of the cathedral square (place d’Armes) As for the medieval Saint-Louis square, it hosts the oldest Christmas market in the city, On the Republic square, the pyramid of Noel guides its visitors to another market including an ice rink. Finally, the Lantern Trail is undoubtedly the attraction that will appeal to children the most! Christmas at Metz : https://tout-metz.com/marches-noel-metz-dates-horaires-2022-589236.php
Strasbourg, for the magic of Christmas Self-proclaimed “capital of Christmas”, the city of Strasbourg offers several Christmas markets with chalets, decorations, concerts and tastings of mulled wine and bredele to go with it. Extend your visit, if you can, to other more authentic towns or villages in Alsace such as Ribeauvillé. Christmas at Strasbourg : https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/accueil
The city of Colmar is an ideal destination for the end of year celebrations. Normally, we go there to visit one of the 6 Christmas markets where we meet more than 200 exhibitors. It smells good of mulled wine and gingerbread, you can buy figurines, decorations for the Christmas tree and above all… nougat from Alsace! And finally, Colmar is nicknamed the “little Venice” because of its many canals crossing the city center, where it is pleasant to walk even in winter. With a bit of luck you will even see otters swimming in the Lauch, the Colmar river. Christmas at Colmar : https://www.noel-colmar.com/en/
The Village of Riquewirh with its colorful half-timbered houses is part of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and is for me one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. As often in Alsace, the houses of this village are decorated all year round. Decorations vary with the seasons. It takes a good hour to visit this village which is organized along a large main street. The particularity of Riquewirh compared to the other beautiful Alsatian villages, is that one can find the magic of Christmas there in any season and even this year in the absence of the famous markets which make the reputation of Alsace. Christmas in Alsace on Riquewirth : https://www.christmas.alsace/riquewihr-christmas-market/
Meet on Saturday, December 4 from 6 p.m. in Nancy for the Saint Nicolas parade, the high point of the festival: floats, troupes and orchestras criss-cross the city for the pleasure of young and old. It is the flagship event, where magic rhymes with enchantment, but throughout the month, many festivities, concerts, shows, animations enliven the city placed under the benevolent gaze of the patron saint of Lorraine: Saint Nicolas. Nancy tourist office on Christmas : https://www.nancy-tourisme.fr/en/to-see-to-do/agenda-and-major-events/the-saint-nicholas-festivities-in-nancy/
The Lille Christmas Market is wonderfully located in the city’s shopping district. The focal point of Lille is the large Place du General de Gaulle, also known as the Grand’Place. This is where the locals gather for the big parties. The Christmas market takes place in the nearby square of Place Rihour. Every year, the streets of Lille shine with bright and festive lights, making the city center a vibrant and warm place. The colorful facades and shop windows are decorated with ornaments, lights, garlands and tinsel. Christmas at Lille : https://noel-a-lille.com/
The Arras Christmas market has become one of the most important Christmas events organized in the North of France. Occupying the remarkable Grand’Place, the Arras Christmas market is embellished with decorations and illuminations, as well as entertainment for children and concerts. The Advent period is the perfect opportunity to come to Arras and visit the main tourist sites of the Hauts-de-France region. Christmas at Arras : https://www.noelarras.com/fr/programme-3
The forecourt of the high cathedral of Reims and the adjacent streets are an ideal place for the Reims Christmas market. Founded in 1996, the event has become one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. The 140 Christmas market stalls offer all kinds of merchandise and gift ideas. The Rêve de Couleurs sound and light show is a breathtaking spectacle that takes place on the facade of the Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims. The show gives color to the rich statuary of the cathedral. Christmas at Reims : https://en.reims-tourisme.com/marche-de-noel-de-reims/reims/fmacha051v507ogw
Located one hour from Paris, the medieval town of Provins is worth a visit… even if it means braving the December cold! In the Middle Ages, the city once organized prestigious trade fairs, the “Foires de Champagne”. For a weekend in December, the Provins Christmas market brings together around forty artisans. Visitors like to come to Provins for its playful and authentic atmosphere. It gives an idea of how the inhabitants of Provins lived in the Middle Ages. You will meet real minstrels, jugglers and fire-eaters. On the weekend of the Christmas market, the medieval town organizes a wide range of exciting events on the theme of the Middle Ages: an auction of medieval objects, a medieval ball, breathtaking fire juggling shows , guided tours in the historic town and an exhibition of nativity scenes. Christmas at Provins : https://provins.net/en/christmas-in-provins-2/
There is another Christmas attraction in the department of Seine-et-Marne: the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte. In December, the estate is transformed into an enchanted world… Vaux-le-Vicomte is rediscovered through magical illuminations in the gardens and the castle. Fireworks, gifts and horse-drawn carriage rides complete this timeless visit! Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte : https://vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/news/vaux-le-vicomtes-in-celebration/
We couldn’t talk about Christmas destinations in France without mentioning Disneyland Paris, one of the favorite places for children! From November, the Disneyland Paris parks are preparing to celebrate Christmas in a delicious winter atmosphere and with beautiful surprises! In front of the majestic illuminated Christmas tree in Town Square, find Santa Claus, Mickey and Minnie. The Christmas Parade is one of Disney’s most anticipated events. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and their friends parade down Main Street amid dancing candy canes, gingerbread men and other Christmas treats. Outside of the parks, Disney Village hosts a Christmas Market. Disneyland Paris at Christmas : https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-int/seasons/christmas-at-disneyland-paris/
December 8 is a key date in the calendar of the city of Lyon. For 4 days around the date of Saint Lucia, the city lights up on the occasion of the Festival of Lights and offers innovative light creations and projections on dazzling facades. An opportunity to discover or rediscover the traboules and the traffic jams of Lyon. Lyon at Christmas : https://www.lyon-france.com/l-agenda/fetes/marche-de-noel-de-lyon
There you go folks, enjoy the season to be merrier and remember those dear not with us anymore; they would make it a wholesome Christmas after all. Again, Merry Christmas and best wishes to all!! Hope you enjoy the post and make your season a merrier one.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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