Top 20 Destinations to Visit in France at Christmas © French Moments
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Last Updated: 18 November 2023

Here is a list of 20 destinations to visit in France at Christmas. This is an opportunity to discover places that you may not have known about and that will be revelations for future trips. I take you to discover the Christmas markets of Alsace, the illuminations of Paris and Lyon, a Winter Wonderland in the Alps of Savoy and a mild winter on the French Riviera. Joyeux Noël! 💫

 

 

Why you should visit France at Christmas?

Of all the countries in Europe, France is one of those where Christmas traditions have been anchored in the national culture for many centuries.

Because of its geography, situated between the northern countries and the Mediterranean coast, France follows Christmas customs that are different according to the regions: Provence, Brittany, Normandy…

 

The hotspots of France at Christmas

At the beginning of the 21st century, there are two major hotspots of Christmas in France:

  • Paris, the capital and
  • Alsace-Lorraine in northeastern France.

 

PARIS, the City of Light, deserves its nickname at Christmas time. From the illuminations of the Champs-Elysées to the glittering Eiffel Tower, the French capital approaches the holiday season with elegance.

France at Christmas: Paris © French Moments
France at Christmas: Rue Royale, Paris © French Moments

 

ALSACE-LORRAINE (including the Pays de Montbéliard in Franche-Comté) is the birthplace of Germanic-style Christmas traditions in France.

France at Christmas: Colmar © French Moments
France at Christmas: Colmar © French Moments

Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in France (the first one took place in 1570).

The tradition of a decorated Christmas tree comes from Sélestat (1521).

In addition, the first blown glass Christmas ornaments produced in France originated in Meisenthal in the Northern Vosges.

In Nancy, the Saint-Nicolas festivities celebrate the patron saint of Lorraine around December 6th. These celebrations are the subject of parades in other Lorraine cities such as Metz and Epinal.

 

Enjoy French Christmas Food!

French Christmas food is one of the most acclaimed in the world. It is also varied because it depends on regional culinary traditions. This culinary tradition validates the French gastronomic reputation.

The food products found in the stores contribute to making the great Christmas meal an essential family moment in France. Throughout the country, it is the Christmas Eve dinner that the French share as a family.

The dinner is an opportunity for everyone to taste unusual food: snails, frog legs, scallops and truffles.

French food at Christmas © French Moments
French Oyster for Christmas © French Moments

On Christmas Day, food remains a very important part of the day, particularly at lunchtime when it is common to eat a particularly special dish, such as rabbit, coq au vin, vol-au-vent (bouchées à la reine), etc.

 

French Christmas Food in Paris

There are several good reasons to come to Paris for Christmas. One of them is French gastronomy. It is not uncommon to see young and old alike marvelling at the windows of the pastry shops and delicatessens of the City of Light.

French Christmas food - pâtisseries © French Moments
French Christmas food – pâtisseries © French Moments

Parisians usually enjoy a great range of delicious food:

  • seafood and oysters with bran bread and butter,
  • caviar,
  • foie gras (goose liver pate) with currant jam
  • and the famous Christmas Yule log (a chocolate cake in the shape of a log, decorated with plastic or sugared Christmas objects).
New Year's Eve log © French Moments
Christmas Eve log © French Moments

 

Christmas Eve in Provincial France

In Alsace, there are countless small Christmas cookies called Bredeles or Bredalas. The Kugelhopf holds an important place, just like the stollen.

Bredeles, the Christmas cookies made in Alsace ! © French Moments
Bredeles, the Christmas cookies made in Alsace! © French Moments

In Provence, turkey is also on the table during Christmas’ Eve dinner. Although some more religious families would argue that meagre meats, such as fish, should be eaten instead. Foie gras is also consumed in Provence, as is the dessert Yule log. However, it is a tradition to eat 13 desserts in Provence. Thirteen is a number that refers to Jesus and his 12 apostles (orange, pear, apples, prunes, melon, white nougat, black nougat, pompe à l’huile [a flat cake filled with olive oil], sorb, dates, dry figs, almonds, nuts or hazelnuts, black raisins).

Calissons from Aix-en-Provence © French Moments
Calissons from Aix-en-Provence © French Moments

 

What are the Christmas traditions in France?

For the past few years, I have been working extensively on the theme of France at Christmas. The findings of my research are published on the blog.

Christmas at the Ecomusée d'Alsace © French Moments
Advent wreath at the Ecomusée d’Alsace © French Moments

Click on the links below to learn more about France at Christmas:

 

Christmas in Alsace – a Photographic Journey

My Christmas eBook: Christmas in Alsace – a Photographic Journey contains 340+ photos, 256 pages and covers 16 destinations.

Illuminations, decorations, fir trees and delicious treats: this is a compilation of things I loved and experienced while visiting Alsace in December. 

These are photos shot during freezing nights in December… but also in the warm atmosphere of an authentic Christmas market.

It is a book especially dedicated to the discovery of the Christmas traditions that make Alsace such a unique holiday destination.

I hope it will transport you somewhere special – to a magical land far from all the bad news in the media.

Order your copy now!

 

20 Destinations to visit in France at Christmas

France at Christmas: Eguisheim, Alsace © French Moments
France at Christmas: Eguisheim, Alsace © French Moments

Here is a list of 20 Christmas destinations in France that I hope will inspire you to visit the country this holiday season.

I have deliberately limited my list to destinations in the eastern half of France, that is, east of Paris, from Hauts-de-France to Provence, including Champagne, Lorraine, Alsace, Franche-Comté, Savoie and the Rhone Valley.

 

Paris at Christmas

Paris, Ville Lumière… is home to a great number of places to explore at Christmas time. 

 

The Eiffel Tower sparkling at Christmas

A not-to-miss Christmas landmark in Paris is the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.

Eiffel Tower at Christmas © French Moments
Eiffel Tower at Christmas © French Moments
Eiffel Tower Paris © French Moments
The Eiffel Tower at night © French Moments

 

The Champs-Elysées at Christmas

Then, another Christmas hotspot in Paris is Avenue des Champs-Elysées. From the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, hundreds of thousands of LEDs illuminate the prestigious street.

Paris Ferris Wheel Place de la Concorde
Christmas on the Champs-Élysées © French Moments

 

The Grands Magasins at Christmas

To experience Christmas shopping in Paris, you have to go to Boulevard Haussmann (9th arrondissement).

This is where you will find two of the largest department stores in Europe: Printemps Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette.

Every year, the two stores compete in creativity in the decoration of the animated windows (les vitrines de Noël).

Christmas Windows of Printemps Haussmann © French Moments
Christmas Windows of Printemps Haussmann © French Moments

Galeries Lafayette hosts an insane large tree under the beautiful Art Nouveau dome.

Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree Paris
Christmas Tree of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in 2016 © French Moments

 

The Nativity scenes in Parisian churches

Enter the churches of Paris to discover the Nativity Scenes. My favourite crib was that of Notre-Dame… and let’s hope we’ll be able to see it again when the restoration work will end – hopefully by 2024.

Nativity Scene Notre-Dame Paris
Nativity Scene of Notre-Dame in December 2016 © French Moments

 

The hill of Montmartre at Christmas

Another place worth visiting by night is the hill of Montmartre. Past 6 or 7 pm on a weekday in December, the charming square of Place du Tertre is rather empty and offers a beautiful sight of Sacré-Cœur all lit up.

Christmas Place du Tertre © French Moments
Place du Tertre at Christmas © French Moments

 

A Christmas stroll along the banks of the Seine

Paris may look grim on a grey winter day. But wait for the night to fall and the magic begins! I love strolling by the banks of the River Seine at night time for all the lights and monuments to see. My favourite itinerary starts from Pont de Sully and ends at the Place de la Concorde.

Quais de la Seine by night © French Moments
Quais de la Seine by night © French Moments

 

Find out more about Paris at Christmas

 

Strasbourg at Christmas

It is the Christmas market of Strasbourg in Alsace that has inspired today’s French Christmas markets.

Unsurprisingly, the proximity to Germany gave the Christmas markets in France a distinctly Germanic touch. You can easily notice it in the structure of the market stalls. The little wooden houses are similar to mountain chalets, sometimes covered in lights and decorations.

The Village of Sharing in Place Kléber, Strasbourg © French Moments
The Village of Sharing in Place Kléber, Strasbourg © French Moments

Most of all, Strasbourg have hosted a Christmas market since 1570, which makes it the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in Europe. In the 2020s, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is the largest in France (outside Paris). People from Strasbourg call it the Christkindelsmärik.

Strasbourg Christmas Market © French Moments
The Christkindelsmärik on place Broglie, Strasbourg © French Moments

Another Christmas landmark in Strasbourg is the giant Christmas tree on Place Kleber.

France at Christmas - Strasbourg Christmas Market © French Moments
France at Christmas – Strasbourg, the Christmas tree on Place Kléber © French Moments

The historic city (Grande Ile) provides an enchanting backdrop to the Christmas lights. One of the best districts in Strasbourg to experience this festive atmosphere is La Petite-France.

Strasbourg Christmas Market © French Moments
Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes in the Petite-France district of Strasbourg © French Moments

 

Find out more about Strasbourg at Christmas

Colmar at Christmas

Colmar lends itself wonderfully to the Christmas atmosphere with its old streets lined with magnificent Renaissance timber-framed houses. The historic centre hosts five Christmas markets, including the Petite-Venise.

France at Christmas: Colmar © French Moments
France at Christmas: Colmar © French Moments

The capital of Alsace wines is in the heart of a very touristic region, marked by beautiful wine villages that seem to come out of fairy tales.

Three villages are the pearls of Alsace at Christmas and host authentic Christmas markets: Eguisheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr.

Eguisheim Christmas 10 © French Moments
Christmas in Eguisheim © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
Christmas in Riquewihr, Alsace © French Moments
The Christmas shop in Riquewihr, Alsace © French Moments

 

Find out more about Colmar at Christmas

 

Mulhouse at Christmas

The Place de la Réunion hosts an enchanting Christmas market centred around the Gothic Protestant church of Saint-Etienne.

Mulhouse Christmas Market © French Moments
The former town-hall of Mulhouse © French Moments

Each year the city unveils the “étoffe de Noël” (fabric of Christmas), echoing Mulhouse’s textile industrial heritage.

Mulhouse Christmas Market © French Moments
The 2018 Christmas Fabric of Mulhouse © French Moments

Find out more about Mulhouse at Christmas

 

Sélestat at Christmas

Sélestat, home to a priceless Humanist Library, is one of the birthplaces of the Christmas tree. It is here that the oldest mention of a decorated Christmas tree can be found (1521).

Sélestat Christmas market © French Moments
Sélestat Christmas market © French Moments

The Christmas festivities in Sélestat are therefore naturally centred on the tradition of the tree.

Christmas in Sélestat © French Moments
The Humanist Library, Sélestat © French Moments

Find out more about Sélestat at Christmas

 

Obernai at Christmas

“Dream of Christmas in Obernai”: the advertising campaign of the historic city at Christmas time reflects exactly what one feels when visiting during the Advent season.

France at Christmas: Obernai © French Moments
France at Christmas: Obernai © French Moments

Obernai offers an enchanting setting with its half-timbered houses, its belfry and its gothic church.

Obernai Christmas Market © French Moments
The Christmas market on Place Neher in Obernai © French Moments

 

Find out more about Obernai at Christmas

 

Haguenau at Christmas

Haguenau is located at the edge of the largest forest in Alsace. During the Advent period, the town centre is transformed into an enchanting Christmas village.

France at Christmas - Haguenau © French Moments
Haguenau Christmas Market on Place de la République © French Moments

More precisely, the Christmas market is actually composed of several Christmas villages whose chalets are located at various places in the centre.

Haguenau Christmas Market © French Moments
The Haguenau Christmas Market on Place d’Armes © French Moments

At nightfall, bright and colourful lights highlight the monuments, facades and squares of Haguenau.

Haguenau Christmas Market © French Moments
The Haguenau Christmas Market © French Moments

 

Wissembourg at Christmas

I particularly like to visit these markets at nightfall. When the place is wrapped in a soft and magical atmosphere.

France at Christmas - Wissembourg © French Moments
France at Christmas – Wissembourg © French Moments

Wissembourg, in the north of Alsace, is a real favourite.

The wooden chalets of the Wissembourg Christmas market are set up in the area around the abbey church.

Seasons of the year in France - Christmas in Wissembourg © French Moments
Christmas in Wissembourg © French Moments

This is where you will find gift ideas and taste local products and smell the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon. Here, no “made in China” products, the products offered for sale are handmade.

France at Christmas - Wissembourg © French Moments
One of the stalls of the Wissembourg Christmas Market © French Moments

 

The Ecomusée d’Alsace at Christmas

Faced with the frenzy of Christmas shopping, we can take ourselves to dream of “another Christmas”. Simpler. Less expensive. More authentic. Fortunately, there is a place where you can relive the Christmas atmosphere of yesteryear: at the Ecomusée d’Alsace.

Ecomusée d'Alsace © French Moments
At the Ecomusée d’Alsace © French Moments

It’s a small reconstructed village between Mulhouse and Colmar. A unique place in France that perpetuates the arts and popular traditions of rural Alsace at the end of the 19th century.

Christmas at the Ecomusée d'Alsace © French Moments
Christmas at the Ecomusée d’Alsace © French Moments

Walking through the alleys of the living village museum, one is plunged into an almost unreal atmosphere, out of the present time.

Christmas at the Ecomusée d'Alsace © French Moments
Christmas at the Ecomusée d’Alsace © French Moments

The whole village is adorned with Christmas colours. You stroll under carefully made plant garlands, on the lookout for the smallest vintage tree, while discovering creative workshops for young and old.

Christmas at the Ecomusée d'Alsace © French Moments
Wool workshop at the Ecomusée d’Alsace © French Moments

 

Find out more about the Ecomusée at Christmas

 

Montbéliard at Christmas

With its rich display of Christmas lights, the is certainly one of the most beautiful Christmas markets I’ve ever visited!

Montbéliard © French Moments - Christmas 64
Christmas market of Montbéliard © French Moments

The Montbéliard Christmas market is part of the “Lumières de Noël” event. During the Advent period, the streets of the historic centre are beautifully illuminated. On the Place Saint-Martin, the Christmas market chalets surround the oldest Protestant church in France.

Montbéliard at Christmas time © French Moments
Montbéliard at Christmas time © French Moments

 

Find out more about Montbéliard at Christmas

 

Nancy at Christmas

The festive market puts emphasis on the character of Saint-Nicolas.

Saint-Nicolas, Place Stanislas © French Moments
Saint-Nicolas on Place Stanislas © French Moments

The Unesco-listed Place Stanislas welcomes a superb Christmas tree while the Ferries wheel of the Place de la Carrière offers a breathtaking view of the town.

Nancy at Christmas time © French Moments
Nancy at Christmas time © French Moments

In the shopping district, the Place Charles III hosts a large Christmas market where you’ll be able to spot Saint-Nicolas himself!

The Saint-Nicolas market, Nancy © French Moments
The Saint-Nicolas market, Nancy © French Moments

 

Find out more about Nancy at Christmas

 

Metz at Christmas

The historic town of Metz in Lorraine hosts one of France’s largest Christmas markets after Strasbourg and Paris.

In fact, there are five several Christmas villages spread across the city centre.

A tall Ferris Wheel stands at the centre of the cathedral square (place d’Armes).

Christmas in Metz © French Moments
The Christmas Ferris Wheel in Place d’Armes, Metz © French Moments

As for the medieval square of Place Saint-Louis, it hosts the oldest Christmas market in town.

Metz Christmas Market © French Moments
The Metz Christmas Market on place Saint-Louis © French Moments

In the Place de la République, the Christmas Pyramid guides its visitors towards another market doubled with an ice-skating rink.

Metz Christmas Market © French Moments
The top of the Christmas pyramid, place Saint-Louis © French Moments

Finally, the Sentier des Lanternes (Lanterns Trail) is arguably the attraction that kids will love the most!

The Trail of Lanterns in Metz © French Moments
An enchanting view of the Trail of Lanterns in Metz © French Moments

 

Find out more about Metz at Christmas

 

Lille at Christmas

The Christmas Market of Lille is wonderfully set in the shopping district of the city and is a popular destination for French, British and Belgian visitors.

The focal point of Lille is the large square of Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as the Grand’Place. This is where the locals gather for big celebrations. The Christmas market takes place in the neighbouring square of Place Rihour.

Grand-Place of Lille at Christmas © Velvet - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Grand-Place of Lille at Christmas © Velvet – licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Each year, the streets of Lille shine with bright and festive lights making the city centre a warm and exciting place to be. The colourful façades and shop windows are decorated with ornaments, lights, tinsel and garlands.

Grand-Place of Lille at Christmas © Ibex73 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Grand-Place of Lille at Christmas © Ibex73 – licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Find out more about Lille at Christmas

 

Arras at Christmas

The Arras Christmas Market has become one of the most important festive events organised in the North of France.

Arras Christmas market © Arras OT
Arras Christmas market © Arras OT

Occupying the remarkable Grand’Place, the popular Christmas market is enhanced with street lights and illuminations, animations for children, and concerts. This is a good opportunity to come to Arras and visit the main sights of the Hauts-de-France region.

Arras Christmas market © Arras OT
Arras Christmas market © Arras OT
Place des Héros Arras © Nezdek - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Place des Héros, Arras © Nezdek – licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Find out more about Arras at Christmas

 

Béthune at Christmas

The Christmas market of Béthune takes central stage in the Grand-Place which has been beautifully enhanced with Christmas lights.

Bethune Christmas Market © Guillaume Baviere - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Bethune Christmas Market © Guillaume Baviere – licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The Grand-Place is the historic square of Béthune and is bordered by the belfry (built in 1346), the Town-Hall, and houses of Flemish-style façades.

Bethune Christmas Market © Guillaume Baviere - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons
The Grand-Place of Bethune © Guillaume Baviere – licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Bethune Christmas Market © Guillaume Baviere - licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Bethune Christmas Market © Guillaume Baviere – licence [CC BY-SA 2.0] from Wikimedia Commons
 

Find out more about Béthune at Christmas

 

Reims at Christmas

The forecourt of the lofty cathedral of Reims and the adjacent streets make an ideal location for the Reims Christmas market.

Frédéric Leroux Reims Christmas market
The Christmas market on the forecourt of Reims cathedral © Frédéric Leroux

Founded in 1996, the event has become one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. The 140 chalets of the Christmas markets offer all sorts of goods and ideas for presents.

Reims Village de Noël © Carmen Moya 2012
Reims Christmas Market © Carmen Moya

The Rêve de Couleurs light show is a breathtaking light show is taking place on the façade of the Gothic cathedral of Reims. The show gives back the colours to the rich statuary of the cathedral.

The show by Skertzò displayed on the façade of Reims cathedral © Frédéric Leroux
The show by Skertzò displayed on the façade of Reims cathedral © Frédéric Leroux

 

Find out more about Reims at Christmas

 

Provins at Christmas

Situated one hour from Paris, the medieval town of Provins is worth a visit… even in the cold month of December!

Provins in the snow © French Moments
Provins in the snow © French Moments

One hour from Paris, Provins is the former capital of the Counts of Champagne. In the Middle Ages, the town once held prestigious trading fairs, the “Foires de Champagne”.

 

Provins Christmas Market

On one weekend in December, the Provins Christmas Market gathers around 40 craftsmen. People love coming to the Provins market for its playful and authentic atmosphere. It gives an idea of how the people of Provins used to live in the Middle Ages. You will encounter real minstrels, jugglers and fire-eaters.

Provins Medieval Christmas Market © Damien Gilbon
The Provins Medieval Christmas Market © Damien Gilbon

On the Christmas market weekend, the medieval town organises a wide range of exciting events themed on the Middle Ages: a Medieval items auction, a Medieval ball, breathtaking fire juggling shows, guided tours in the historic town, an exhibition of Nativity scenes.

Provins Medieval Christmas Market © Damien Gilbon
At the Provins Medieval Market © Damien Gilbon

 

Vaux-le-Vicomte at Christmas

There is another Christmas attraction in the département 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 tree at Vaux-le-Vicomte. Photo @Chocogaia via Twenty20
Christmas tree at Vaux-le-Vicomte. Photo @Chocogaia via Twenty20

 

Find out more about Provins and Vaux-le-Vicomte at Christmas

 

Lyon at Christmas

The Lyon Christmas market occupies the large and vast Place Carnot and has 90 chalets. But the month of December is particularly busy with the organisation of the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights).

Lyon, Festival of Lights. Photo @Chawki via Twenty20
Lyon, Festival of Lights. Photo @Chawki via Twenty20

For 4 days around December 10th, the event commemorates the memory of the Holy Virgin.

For the occasion, the people of Lyon spontaneously aligned thousands of little lights (“lumignons”) on their windowsills and balconies before taking to the streets.

Lumignons in Lyon © Myrabella - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Lumignons in Lyon © Myrabella – licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

For locals and tourists alike, this celebration of light unveils the architectural treasures of the city in an unexpected way, through the illuminating of monuments, streets, hills and river banks.

Lyon Festival of Lights. Photo @Laboo via Twenty20
Lyon, Festival of Lights. Photo @Laboo via Twenty20

 

Find out more about Lyon at Christmas

 

Annecy at Christmas

In the French Alps, Annecy and its lake with turquoise water occupy a stunning site at the foot of snow-capped mountains.

Lake Annecy Winter Sunset © French Moments
Sunset over Lake Annecy © French Moments

During the Christmas Holidays, the historic town hosts a little Christmas market by the enchanting canals of the Little Venice district. Simply amazing!

Annecy Christmas Market © French Moments
Nighttime at the Christmas Market © French Moments
Annecy in December © French Moments
Pont Perrière and Palais de l’Ile in December © French Moments
Annecy at Christmas © French Moments
The old town of Annecy © French Moments

 

Find out more about Annecy at Christmas

 

Nice at Christmas

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Nice enjoys a very pleasant climate all year round. If you want to spend a Christmas by the sea, this is the perfect setting for a December getaway!

Nice by night. Photo bbsferrari @ Envato Elements
Nice by night. Photo bbsferrari @ Envato Elements

Nice, the south, the sun… does it make you want to go on holiday? The capital of the French Riviera is not only a very popular seaside resort in summer. During the festive season, Nice is transformed into an enchanting place!

Place Masséna, Nice at Christmas © Jesmar - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Place Masséna, Nice at Christmas © Jesmar – licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

The streets of the old town are decked out in thousands of lights to fill you with wonder.

A Christmas village is set up on Place Masséna and in the Jardin Albert 1er garden.

In the latter, a Ferris wheel and an ice rink will also delight everyone.

The Ferris wheel in Nice © Cayambe - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons
The Ferris wheel in Nice © Cayambe – licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons

 

Monaco

In the mild Mediterranean winter, luxury and glamour warm hearts in Monaco.

Monaco’s Christmas village is set up each year at Port Hercule from early December to early January the following year.

At Christmas, Monaco’s illuminations give the Riviera a special glow. It is with amazed eyes that you will discover the thousand golden reflections of the gigantic fir tree installed on the Casino square.

Splendid hotels offer visitors the ultimate comfort before enjoying the many end-of-year events.

Monaco: the Casino at Christmas. Photo @natakorenikha16 via Twenty20
Monaco: the Casino at Christmas. Photo @natakorenikha16 via Twenty20

 

Find out more about Nice and Monaco at Christmas

 

BONUS! Disneyland Paris at Christmas

We couldn’t talk about France at Christmas without mentioning Disneyland Paris, one of the favourite places for children!

From November onwards, the parks of Disneyland Paris are getting ready to celebrate Christmas in a delightful winter atmosphere with some great surprises!

Disneyland Paris. Photo @jakegardeneruk via Twenty20
Fireworks at Disneyland Paris. Photo @jakegardeneruk via Twenty20

In front of the majestic illuminated Christmas tree in Town Square, meet Father Christmas, Mickey and Minnie.

The Christmas parade is one of the most anticipated Disney events. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and friends parade down Main Street amidst dancing candy canes, gingerbread men and other Christmas treats.

Also on the programme: the Sparkling Princess Waltz in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is the largest gathering of Disney’s royal couples in a Christmas setting. Children will be reunited with Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White and other princesses for a majestic and unforgettable waltz.

Outside the parks, Disney Village hosts a Christmas market.

As for the Disney hotels, the rooms will be resplendent with Christmas decorations, glittering trees and Disney gifts.

Disneyland Paris. Photo @NataliaSolo via Twenty20
Disneyland Paris. Photo @NataliaSolo via Twenty20

 

Find out more about Disneyland Paris at Christmas
 

 

Want to know more about Alsace, France at Christmas?

Get your copy of my Christmas eBook: Christmas in Alsace – a Photographic Journey.

It includes 340+ photos, 256 pages and covers 16 destinations in Alsace.

Order your copy now!

 

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The Top French Christmas Traditions © French Moments

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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