|
Christmas Markets in France
Christmas Markets in France, otherwise known as ‘Les Marchés de Noël’, provide a great opportunity for a winter weekend break or even a week’s holiday in France. They exude a fantastic atmosphere and offer great shopping opportunities but with a Gallic flavour - not to mention replenishing wine stocks for the Christmas season.
Embedded in the French way of life, France is renowned for its colourful and lively markets in general, but at Christmas time they transform into something magical. Twinkling lights illuminate market stalls brimming with seasonal gifts, handmade crafts, local specialities and gastronomic delights. The smell of traditional French gastronomy fills the air around the town squares where the French Christmas Markets are situated.
Imagine roasting chestnuts and sipping mulled wine, enjoying the delights at one of France’s many wonderful Christmas Markets. The magic of Christmas really takes hold and you just may not want to go home!
Most towns and cities host a French Christmas Market at some point between late November and the end of December. Many of the larger Christmas Market festivities are held in the North of France, such as the Lille, Paris and Strasbourg, making them ideal for a quick hop across the channel. Lille and Paris are particularly popular because of the fast Eurostar connection. Calais is also a favourite due to its close proximity to the UK.
Some of the best Christmas markets in France include:
(N.B. Market dates are subject to change so we would advise you to contact the local tourist office before travelling.)
Lille Christmas Market:
19 November – 30 December
Extremely popular with the British because of the Eurostar link. It takes place in the Place Rihour which is full of stall-holders. The Eurostar journey to Lille takes as little as 80 minutes!
Mulhouse Chistmas Market, Alsace:
Noisy le Grand Christmas Market is one of the biggest in the Paris area and has become a favourite Christmas shopping destination. Twinkling decorations, traditional glassware, hand crafted wooden toys and horse-drawn carriage rides create a festive atmosphere that appeals to children and adults alike.
Bordeaux Christmas Market
25 November – 30 December
Each year, Bordeaux's Allées de Tourny is transformed into a magical winter wonderland of little wooden huts and stalls. This is a traditional Christmas market and a great place for picking up some original gifts for your loved ones.
The market in this charming town is nestled in a natural harbour in Brittany. The market features chalets selling Christmas wares.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, Alsace
26 Nov - 31 Dec
This is one of the largest Christmas markets in France, and the setting in front of Strasbourg Cathedral is breathtaking. The Strasbourg Christmas market has been running since 1570 and is the oldest Christmas market in France. Be sure to visit La Petite France, a cosy neighborhood of timbered fairy-tale buildings with Christmas shops and a gingerbread bakery.
Dijon's Christmas market at Place de la Libération offers a host of over 60 stalls selling local products (spice bread, mustard, foie gras and honey), plus colourful arts and crafts, children's toys and mulled wine. Visitors can glide on ice at the skating rink at the Place de la République.
Chartres Christmas Market, Loire Valley
10 - 24 December
Every year a Christmas market is held outside the theatre. The Calais Christmas market extends around Le Forum Gambetta.
Bon Noël!
|
.jpg)
.jpg "Christmas Market in France")
.jpg "Christmas Market in France")
