Christmas Markets in France ('Marchés de Noël', or 'Christkindelsmarik'), are an exciting opportunity for a short winter weekend break. Without exception, they generate a fantastic atmosphere and offer great shopping opportunities but with a Gallic flavour.
And there are so many to choose from; most towns and cities host a French Christmas Market at some point between late November and the end of December. For several years I would annually take the train to Strasbourg to enjoy the market there, the oldest in France, an experience made all the more pleasurable by the fact that Strasbourg is just such a wonderful city anyway, and offers a contrast with other French markets because of its proximity to Germany.
These French Christmas markets include a few in Paris and one in Lille, both of which are particularly popular because of the fast Eurostar connection, which is scheduled to be even faster: late 2016, while the TGV link to Strasbourg and Avignon in particular leaves you with little excuse not to take a trip.
Please note the information, and dates of the markets, are subject to change.
Avignon (Provence/Alps) Marché de Noël
Christmas in Avignon, a nice Provence event
Christmas in Avignon, a nice Provence event
Open: 30 November 14 to 04 January 14
Arras Christmas Market. Grand Place
Arras Christmas Market, set against the arcades of the prestigious Grand’Place, has become over the years one of the most important Christmas markets North of Paris
Arras Christmas Market, set against the arcades of the prestigious Grand’Place, has become over the years one of the most important Christmas markets North of Paris
Open: 28 November 14 to 30 December 14
Lille Christmas Market
Lille Christmas Market is extremely popular with the British because of the Eurostar link. The Christmas Market in Lille takes place in the Place Rihour which is full of stall-holders. The Eurostar journey to Lille Xmas Market takes as little as 80 minutes !
Lille Christmas Market is extremely popular with the British because of the Eurostar link. The Christmas Market in Lille takes place in the Place Rihour which is full of stall-holders. The Eurostar journey to Lille Xmas Market takes as little as 80 minutes !
Open: 19 November 14 to 30 December 14
Paris Christmas Markets
There are many Christmas Markets located in Paris, and wherever you are staying you will find one close by.
There are many Christmas Markets located in Paris, and wherever you are staying you will find one close by.
Open: 15 November 14 to 06 Jan 15
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas, has been holding its famous Christmas market around its impressive cathedral since 1570
Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas, has been holding its famous Christmas market around its impressive cathedral since 1570
Open: 28 November 14 to 31 December 14
During those days, Béthune becomes a real Christmas town. In a magic setting, the square of the Sous-Préfecture and the hotel de Beaulaincourt welcomes the chalets where the arts’ workers and local producers will sell beautiful gifts. Most people drive past Béthune (south of Lille) on their way to somewhere else. That's a shame as it’s an interesting town with a cobbled town square full of architectural gems. There’s a living creche, complete with donkeys, and you can take the family in a ride in a carriage. All kinds of street theater awaits: magicians, make-up sessions, dancing, ice sculptures and people dressed up in period costumes.
Open: 27 November to 31 December
No comments:
Post a Comment