Christmas markets have become a popular tourist attraction for visitors in France. These markets represent the time-honoured tradition in Europe dating back hundreds of years ago. When you come to France during the holiday season, visiting these Christmas markets should be on top of your list. Below, check out the best Christmas markets in France.
- Colmar
Colmar is one of those picturesque towns in France known for putting up a vibrant Christmas market. What makes the Christmas market of Colmar even more special is that it’s set in the historic Old Town, which has beautiful cobblestone streets and is lined with half-timbered buildings.
The Christmas market will usually start around the last week of November and run until December. It’s made up of little stalls selling everything you can think of, from local produce to handcrafted items, souvenirs, and decorations. There are also festive treats like mulled wine, Christmas biscuits, and gingerbread.
After spending some time at the market, wander around the Colmar town centre. Its pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with several architectural treasures, such as museums, churches, and ancient buildings. Some sites worth checking out are the Saint Martin’s Collegiate church, Little Venice, and Maison Pfister.
- Paris
Paris is beautiful all year round, but it looks even more magical during the holiday season. And when it comes to Christmas Markets, the French capital city has plenty of these. Surrounded by popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame – the markets are spread all over the city, selling all sorts of stuff, from trinkets to tasty snacks.
The La Magie de Noël in Tuileries Garden is a popular Christmas market to visit in Paris. Spread across the vast area of the Tuileries Garden, the market has about a hundred different stalls selling every Christmas knick-knack you can think of. There are also delicious treats, like mulled wine and chestnuts. You’ll find a towering Christmas tree within the market and a fairground with fun rides like carousels.
The Christmas village at the Trocadéro is another popular place that receives thousands of visitors during the holiday season. It’s dominated by the superb views of the Eiffel Tower, which looks even magical at night when the tower is illuminated. After browsing through the long stretch of stalls, marvel at the spectacular light show of the Eiffel happening every hour. Paris is the perfect festive destination to start a France riverboat cruising holiday from.
- Metz
Metz is a charming French city famous for its stunning gothic cathedral with numerous stained-glass windows. But another thing that Metz is renowned for is its Christmas market, which is one of the largest Christmas markets in the country, receiving about two million visitors each year!
The Christmas market of Metz is spread over five historical sites, the Place Saint Louis, Place Saint-Jacques, Place d’Armes, Place de la Comédie, and Place de la République. You’ll be spoilt for choice as you wander in this famous market – there’s a street dedicated solely to food, an ideal place to shop for snacks, aperitifs, and delicious holiday treats. There are also stalls selling specialist artisan products, souvenirs, and arts and crafts.