Magical Christmas Markets In France
You Must See This Year
Paris, France (Photo courtesy of Pixabay) Click to enlarge
There’s no better place to find yourself during the holiday season than France. So, if you’re lucky to travel across this beautiful country, don’t miss a chance to visit at least one of its fairytale Christmas markets. Almost every city, town and village has its own little setup, but we handpicked the best of the best that will certainly make your winter in France magical and festive.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg will always take the winning spot! Why? Well, it’s a home to the oldest and largest Christmas market in Europe (it debuted in the 16th century), which makes Strasbourg the “capital of Christmas”! Every year, the historical city center gets transformed into a winter fairytale with over 300 wooden chalets that simply ooze holiday cheer. The market is full of crafts from all over Alsace, tasty gourmet treats, evergreen wooden toys and unique Christmas decoration. There’s always something going on besides shopping, such as Santa appearances, theatrical performances, caroling, live music and Christmas tree unveilings. All in all, Strasbourg Christmas market will melt the heart of even the biggest Grinch!
Strasbourg, France (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Paris
Since many travelers choose to start their France exploration from Paris, it takes the second place on this list. If you’re traveling with French Travel Connection during Christmas and are planning to visit the City of Light, you’ll have plenty of time for holiday shopping AND Paris exploration, so don’t skip the Christmas markets. You will even get a pro guide to show you the best shopping spots!
There are several locations that hold an annual holiday market, but this year we’re getting a new one. A brand new Christmas market will open on November 24th just near the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries. It certainly promises the holiday cheer and fun you would expect from the capital. It will feature 100 stands, various rides and games the kids will love and even a dreamy ice rink! It will stay open all the way to January 9th, 2019.
Galeries Lafayette, Paris, France (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Nice
If you’re traveling along the Riviera, visit the exclusive Nice and take a walk along its Christmas market. It’s one of the biggest of its kind in France and offers a great variety of shopping opportunities and other winter activities. This means you can shop for last-minute Christmas presents, try some of the best cheeses in the world, warm up with vin chaud (hot wine) or have fun on the ice rink. Finish the evening with a relaxing ride on a Ferris wheel with views reaching all the way to Nice Old Town and the Mediterranean Sea!
Nice, France (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Bordeaux
The Bordeaux Christmas Market is definitely one of the most interesting winter happenings in France. It holds more than 100 little holiday-themed stables in the middle of the town. Like any Christmas market, you can find everything from handmade toys and souvenirs to tasty delicacies of the region. Also, one thing Bordeaux is famous for is definitely wine, so don’t plan on driving to your hotel! Indulge in the best mulled wine that will delight all your senses and warm up your very heart!
Bordeaux, France (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
Amiens
If you’re a true foodie, you’ll love the Amiens Christmas Market. It’s famous for its local produce like colorful macaroons and Amiens almond biscuits. You can also find all sorts of glass products, handmade soaps and best-quality angora sweaters. Make sure to stay until the spectacular light and sound show that gets projected onto their gothic cathedral. It’s really something special!
Christmas market, France (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
Lille
Next, head north to the city of Lille for one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. Every year, it attracts more than 900,000 people who get to enjoy 100 stalls that sell super tasty treats from soft caramels to Maroilles cheese. Once you shop your heart out, go to the nearby Grand Place, a huge Ferris wheel that offers amazing views of Lille Flemish architecture sprinkled with Christmas fairy lights! This spectacle is open even after Christmas, until December 27th.
Lille, France (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
Riquewihr
If you’re into picturesque villages, you definitely must visit Riquewihr. It’s officially one of the most beautiful villages in France and a perfect place to celebrate Christmas. At the village market, you’ll find a whole world of tasty treats, music performances, exhibitions and even tasting sessions. Spend a festive evening wandering the medieval cobblestone streets and you’ll forget all the worries in the world!
Riquewihr, France (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)
France really has a Christmas market for every type of traveler and there’s no way you’ll come back from your trip without bags full of authentic French treats, wines and souvenirs. Have yourself a merry little Christmas in France!
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