Festive vibes are in the air as once again Christmas is here!
Merrymake, decorate, bake and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. And if you are celebrating Christmas in France, it’s going to be even more magical! With glittering Christmas markets, French cities and towns have a perfect setup to get you into the spirit of this festival. Lit up by fairy lights and decorations, these markets have a unique charm thanks to their cute wooden stalls (also known as Chalets). These chalets sell everything for Christmas shopping, right from mouth-watering Christmas cakes and goodies to mulled wine and local, hand-made festive decorations to unique toys and clothes. Go shop till you drop, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy regional culinary delicacies with your loved ones.
We have compiled a list of France’s most popular Christmas markets for you. Take a look –
Strasbourg
Strasbourg has the best Christmas market scene in the world. It’s set up around the marvelous Strasbourg Cathedral and the city’s squares and is filled with over 300 chalets. Known as the ‘Christmas Capital of the World’, the legendary market welcomes scores of people every year. A 30m-high ‘Great Christmas Tree’ is erected at Place Kelber and is adorned and illuminated with lights, baubles, and other beautiful ornaments. Stroll down the market to feel the nostalgia, take in the sweet aroma of cinnamon, and get carried away by the enchanting ambiance. The market has myriad food options to satiate your appetite. So, make sure to sample the local treats like bretzels, knacks, and pain d’epices. In a nutshell, if you are planning to visit the best French Christmas markets, this one has to be the first on your list.
Paris
December in Paris has got a completely different vibe. Bathed in bright lights, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dam ( a popular medieval Catholic cathedral ) look ravishing and magnetize millions of visitors. When Christmas is around the corner, the city’s Christmas markets glitter with thousands of lights and beautiful garlands. Every nook and corner is filled with fairy lights, multi-colored baubles, and Christmas trees. Twinkling lights, cozy chalets, the aroma of spiced treats, and mulled wine surely remind you of your childhood days. With a variety of Christmas markets, Paris has no dearth of shopping opportunities for the festival.
Reims
It’s said that the first Christmas celebrations in France took place in Reims in 496 BC. The Christmas market in this city is also full of sparkling lights, the smell of local treats, and beverages like vin chaud. Set up near Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims with almost 150 stalls, the Reims Christmas Market has become one of the most significant Christmas markets in France. Here you will find anything and everything for Christmas shopping.
So, visit this stunning market to buy goodies for Christmas celebrations, feel the good vibes and happiness around and treat yourself to delicious Christmas cakes, cookies, and other delicacies. Cozy little huts in the market also sell Christmas gifts including decorative pieces and local products. Although there’s a lot to explore here, the “Rêve de Couleurs” light and sound show on the facade of the gothic Reims Cathedral is particularly impressive. If you are in Paris, you can easily plan a weekend getaway from Paris to Reims in a car rental and experience the magic of this Christmas market.
Colmar
The Colmar Christmas market, located in the Alsace region of France, is among the most photographed Christmas markets in the country. Just like other major French Christmas markets, this one is also flooded with lights and donned with colorful ornaments. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere at the market mesmerizes visitors with different types of decorative products, cuisines, and gifts. There are also different types of fun rides for kids to keep them entertained.
Each of the Christmas markets in Colmar has its own theme, so expect to experience something unique in every area of the market. Take a stroll around the tastefully decorated cute wooden stalls that are truly a feast for the eyes. All things considered, the Colmar Christmas market is pure magic!
Metz
The Christmas market in Metz is one of the most visited French Christmas markets with almost 2 million visitors annually. With quaint chalets and great gastronomy options, it has an amazing atmosphere that quickly adds to the enthusiasm. Set up in the city’s main squares, these markets dazzle with Christmas lights and festive decorations. Metz Christmas markets are influenced by both French and German cultures. The markets feature a 60-m high Ferris wheel, a gourmet market, a Christmas Pyramid, and an ice skating rink. Jardin Boufflers with the stunning Lanterns Trail or Sentier des Lanternes is also a must-see when you are in Metz for Christmas celebrations.
Since each of these markets offer a unique experience, it’s best to explore as many Christmas markets as you can. And the best way to do so is to book a car rental in France with CarsRentalFrance. To rent a car for exploring these markets, simply select a location in France as your pick-up point. Try to reserve a rental car with unlimited mileage so that you can travel without any limit on the number of kilometers.
So, make a reservation with us now and explore these French Christmas markets to the fullest.
