When the moment there is a hint of winter coming, France turns into a fairytale and a region turns into a luminous world, where you will witness different wonders, like beautiful markets with stunning decoration. Even if you have a question like Is France worth visiting at Christmas? Then the answer is absolutely yes! From Strasbourg’s old-time Christmas market, which is also known as the “Capital of Christmas”, to the tranquil canals of Colmar and the glowing ambience of Lyon, it’s like a festival of magic.
There are many fairytale medieval streets and iconic destinations, which would be a sin if you miss them. Since there are countless experiences, and this blog is all about that, go through this detail and plan out your trip to France during Christmas, ideally, to make the most of it.
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Yes, France is worth visiting during Christmas, offering a festive and magical experience with smaller crowds than peak summer, thanks to the enchanting Christmas market, which is perfect for having the ideal joyous vibe.
Here are the reasons why France is worth visiting at Christmas.
There is something undeniable about the fact that France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which you should not miss, especially if you are planning to visit this incredible country during Christmas. It feels like another world.
Is France worth visiting at Christmas? You will forget about this question the moment you see the Christmas market in France. The cosy and vibrant environment is perfect for your vacation. Here are stunning markets to explore and mark them in your heart:
This market is known as the oldest Christmas market in the country and the most popular in the region. This market occurs in Strasbourg’s central location, like Place Kleber, and surrounds the Gothic cathedral. If you plan to visit this sunny Christmas market, you can expect more than 3000 stalls, with breathtaking lighting and gorgeous scents perfect for enjoying a glass of wine.
It is a perfect fairytale setting, ideal for wandering by the kids, and very big to explore. This is filled with medieval architecture and charming canals. Colmar hosts six unique markets that include the stunning culinary pieces from the old times of the region on the food stalls.
You can also find the corner, which is perfect for the children and the indoor craft market at the historic Koifhus. The atmosphere feels like starlight out of a Christmas card.
This is known for the champagne and is a heaven for people who love to try different flavours and types of drinks. Just 45 minutes from Paris, Reims has 135 wooden chalets around the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Tau.
This place hosts a stunning gathering, ideal for couples looking for a great escape to celebrate their love. It hosts immersive attractions like a Ferris wheel, a children’s play area, and Son et Lumière shows, all adding to its festive sparkle.
Also check, Is Spain worth visiting at Christmas? Local Tips Inside
A winter wonderland in the northern area of the region, Lilies Place Rihours features over 80 chalets that are international artisan crafts from all over the world, a ferry wheel, and delightful seasonal treats like French chocolate and waffles.
This is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets, perfect for people looking for soothing, beautiful decorations with a native display. You may also witness the artist playing music and a single festive, joyous song to entertain the visitor. Due to this stunning hosting, many visitors come from all over the world to see this.
Positioned along the Atlantic, Bordeaux’s market centres around the alleys de Tourny with about 150 stalls, with diverse choices that include workshops, cultural activities, concerts, and a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity in the festival.
The question is, “Is France worth visiting at Christmas? It has been removed with these beautiful Christmas market scenes, with key highlights of tradition, culture, and scenic beauty, which are also ideal to flex on your social media handle.
France offers one of the most beautiful light decorations in the whole place. You can explore the destination, like Galeries Lafayette, which is a Parisian icon, especially during the festive season. This grand department store is located on Boulevard Haussmann. Christmas in Disneyland will be a perfect choice to make a trip to France during the festive season.
There are many options that you can choose from, depending on your lifestyle. Places like L’Écrin at the Hôtel de Crillon for luxury, or Le Train Bleu for its Belle Époque ambience and classic French cuisine, while Le Ciel de Paris offers dinner with views from a high altitude.
Make sure that you make your reservation on the prior basis so that you don’t miss any places.
Many local events take place during the Christmas season, including those in Saint-Rapheal on the Côte d’Azur on December 23. The important part of Christmas in France is dinner with family on Christmas Eve. After that, you can go to the city square and experience one of the most beautiful fireworks, which is perfect to witness.
Absolutely yes, festivals are all about togetherness and the stunning, joyous experience that you and your loved one can have together. And France is one of the most mesmerising countries during the festive season. Countless experiences are perfect for every age group.
Here are key highlights for having a family-friendly trip to France this Christmas.
With no Doubts, yes! Just imagine that you are celebrating your love with your partner in this beautiful festival season, at a place that belongs to lovers in every world. Make sure you get lost in the Science cruise under the starry sky or wander through the illuminating alleyways in Lyon. From Paris’s cosy and romantic vibe to Alsace’s storybook fairytale village. Here are the ultimate things you must experience with your partner this Christmas.
Paris transforms into a fairytale during the holidays. It’s an idyllic backdrop for romance with twinkling streets, festive markets, and enchanting attractions.
Enjoy candlelit Seine cruises with champagne, stroll through the Tuileries or Champs-Élysées markets, or ice-skate at Hôtel de Ville with the Eiffel Tower in view. It is a unique experience to attend an evening concert at Versailles, with chandeliers, classical music, and regal surroundings.
Make sure that you visit the Christmas markets of Paris near the Eiffel Tower, where there are many memorial services you can attend in this festival season in France.
Strasbourg: It feels like a complete fairytale since it is known as the oldest French Christmas market, dating back to 1570, and this grabs the attention of millions from all over the world, due to its spectacular trees and festive charm, which make it the heart of France. Being a couple, you must explore this beautiful festival together, mark your love celebration destiny over here.
There are many unique winter experiences which you should not miss as a couple,e therefore you can take stay at an igloo, have a candle night dine, and enjoy the coyote nightlife, try the festive cruises, and witness the lucid light show, and bring something for each from the cozy Christmas market, because such interesting thing will bring the love bird closer and make the feel how beautiful this region is just like a fairy tale.
It will be a sin if you do not try the culinary feast of the French festive season, with an elegant table with foie gras and festive Yule logs, seasonal cookies, and sparkling champagne. There is nothing that you should not miss. Here are the things that you can’t miss if you are in France this festival season:
Le Réveillon de Noël, the Grand Christmas Eve Feast known that the post-midnight meal is the centrepiece of the French Christmas, which perfectly blends with the tradition. You expect the multiple choices of the main meal courses and cherishing with the fine wine and mouth-watering dishes, which vary region to region according to their cultures and flavours.
A must-try! Usually served between the main and dessert courses, featuring regional favourites like Vacherin Mont d’Or, Roquefort, Brie, Comté, and more.
Desserts and sweet traditions, dishes like Bûche de Noël, Thirteen Desserts, and chocolate truffle moron glaces are added to the meal after dinner, which you can miss. Perfect to end your evening with traditional drinks like wine or Champagne.
You can also add the different wines and drinks of your choice to embrace your evening and celebrate the moment with your friends and family to make it memorable.
The weather in France in December varies by region, particularly in the north and central areas. Marseille and Central France, including Paris, typically experience the cold, often cloudy and rainy winter conditions with daytime highs in the mid-40°F range, which is around 7°C, and lows near or below freezing.
At the same time, the southern French Riviera is milder with temperatures in the 50s°F and more sunny days. Thus, when roaming in France during Christmas, make sure you wear the appropriate clothes.
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We hope there are questions like Is France worth visiting at Christmas?, Is France perfect to explore during winter? Is France visited during Christmas? Is Paris perfect for a couple? And the answer to all the questions is absolutely yes, there is no doubt that France is less than any other location during Christmas. France offers an amazing experience that you should not miss this year. From adventure to soothing cozy vibe, you will get everything at this beautiful destination.
We hope this blog has answered all your questions about whether this destination is worth visiting or not. Wait, wait, have you got your French visa to explore this beautiful country? Not yet, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! All you have to do is go through our website and complete the application.
France offers a magical seasonal blend of historical tradition, festive illumination, and regional variety, from the world-renowned Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg. France is a sparkling country with holiday charm.
During December, the weather in France is superb, and the average temperature is 2-8 °C. Southern France is milder (6-14°C), and Alpine regions are cold with snow, perfect for winter sports.
1. Strasbourg: This city is known for having the oldest Christmas market, from 1570. During the festival season, the atmosphere is filled with 300 wooden chalets, the grand Christmas tree, and a magical glow on the vintage street of the city.
2. Colmar & Alsace Villages: This is considered the most beautiful Christmas market with magical lighting, with a picturesque street that you should not miss.
3. Paris: If you are planning to go to France during Christmas, it would be a sin if you missed the beautiful market in Paris. This city offers several markets over more than 350 chalets
No, local shops and restaurants will be closed on Christmas, with the exception of many shops, which can be open and welcome visitors to have drinks and festive food.
