5 Festive Destinations For Christmas In France
When it comes to Christmas, France offers a myriad of choices, with beautiful destinations to spend the holidays. Please note that fully vaccinated American visitors are welcome in the country, but under new regulations, will need to convert their vaccination certificates into French health passes to enter restaurants, cafés, museums, Christmas markets and other public places. Let’s have a look at five wonderful choices for spending the Christmas holidays in France.
- Strasbourg, Grand Est
The capital of the Grand Est region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is also known as the capital of Christmas. And this is for good reason, as its Christmas market, known locally as Christkindelsmark, is the oldest in Europe.
The market starts at the end of November and runs through December and is full of beautiful lights, arts and crafts, gifts, food and Christmas decorations. But that isn’t all, as there are a total of 11 Christmas markets in the city and visitors can enjoy a boat ride, taking them from one to the next.
- Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is a medieval city in lovely Dordogne and hosts three weeks of warmth and color at its Christmas village. Starting from early December, the market consists of 70 charming chalets, set around an ice skating rink. Meanwhile, the Christmas market showcases the work of craftsmen from all over France and a huge variety of goods are on offer for the perfect gift.
The village also offers many gourmet products to be enjoyed on-site, or taken away. Among the favorites of the locals are foie gras, truffles and walnuts. There is also a tavern in the village where visitors can warm themselves up with traditional mulled wine or Christmas beer.
- Dijon, Burgundy
Place de la République in Dijon is a wonderful place to stroll at any time of the year. However, it is even more vibrant at Christmas, when it is lined with small wooden chalets, offering arts, crafts, gifts, clothing, jewelry decorations and delicious food. In fact, Dijon is known as a foodie paradise (and not just for the famous mustard!).
Meanwhile, in the Place de la Liberation, an ice rink is available for trying your hand (or should we say feet) at the sport of ice skating. Also, the children will love the small train set up for rides at Place Darcy.
- Reims, Grand Est
Reims is another wonderful Christmas destination in northeastern France’s Grand Est region. In fact, its Christmas market is the largest in the region and in France as a whole. The market offers 135 chalets selling arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, creative gift suggestions, Christmas decorations and a selection of gourmet products.
The market is held in the tree-lined pedestrian streets around Place d’Erlon and the city center and each street is beautifully decorated and illuminated. Visitors can also enjoy an international craft market, Santa’s Grotto and an ice-skating rink in Place du Forum. The kids will love the traditional funfair with its Ferris wheel, offering spectacular views over the city. Meanwhile, the Cathedral hosts a sound and light show, while the city also offers many concerts to enjoy.
- Montpellier, Occitania
Montpellier is a city in the Occitania region of southern France on the Mediterranean Sea. A wonderful destination in summer, Montpellier lights up at Christmas with beautiful festive decorations.
The city offers a traditional Christmas market, selling local arts and crafts, jewelry, decorations, unique gifts and food, and hosts colorful parades over the holidays. Throughout the season, there is a truly festive atmosphere in the Place de la Comédie, right in the center of town.
Discover these charming Christmas destinations in France this year for a true feeling of the festive season.
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