Ho ho ho 🎅 ! The 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in France

One of the pleasures of December? A stroll through the Christmas markets. Imagine the picture: Lights, decorations, cheeks flushed from the cold and a hot drink in your hand… The perfect combination for a stroll between the stalls, don’t you think? Here’s a list of the 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in France to get you in the mood for the 2019 festive season! ❄️☃️

Strasbourg Christmas Market

📷 annickbusch & juliazaramargot

It’s impossible not to start with this film! And for good reason: the Strasbourg Christmas market was the first in France to open its doors. Today it is a real institution and is known all over the world. Every year, 300 wooden huts in twelve locations transform the Alsatian city into a veritable fairytale village that welcomes over 2 million visitors. A real tourist attraction!

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Christmas markets in Colmar

📷 zervoulias

After Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin! Colmar, another well-known city in Alsace, is giving its sister city Strasbourg a run for its money. And for good reason: there is not just one, but five Christmas markets here. Alsatian gastronomy on Place Jeanne d’Arc, carousels and cuddly toys for children in Little Venice… There’s something for every taste and every age, and it all starts at the end of November.

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Montbéliard Christmas market

📷 camille_ljc

Have you always dreamed of living in the heart of a magical landscape? Then Montbéliard is the place for you. At Christmas time, the town is literally ablaze with lights. The world-famous “Christmas lights” make the Christmas market a magical place. On the programme: a gourmet avenue and an avenue of sweet delights to feast on regional products as well as numerous stalls to buy souvenirs and gifts.

The Reims Christmas market

📷 aurore.lhm & damon1966

The City of Kings is completely transformed at Christmas time. In 2017, the Reims Christmas Market celebrates its 20th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the town is transformed into a true town of Santas thanks to the installation of 140 huts and numerous decorations. The youngest visitors are at the centre of the action, as the children’s kingdom is set up in the courtyard of the Palais du Tau. Rumour has it that Father Christmas himself will be there to collect the gift lists!

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Christmas market in Avignon

📷 millie_munro

The South is known for its heat, but is that a reason not to celebrate Christmas? Not at all! Every year, Christmas is celebrated in Avignon, and this year too, the city dons its festive garb to showcase Provençal traditions. A real ray of sunshine in the heart of winter!

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The Paris Christmas market

📷 leanne728 & zeynepbalyali

There are two Christmas markets in the heart of the capital. The first is in La Défense, on the forecourt at the foot of the Grande Arche. The larger market, however, is located on the Champs Élysées. So far, passers-by have been able to find dozens of stalls on the most beautiful avenue in the world, but this is set to change in 2017. So it remains to be seen what Paris has in store for us.

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Christmas market in Arras

📷 pipelette_

Every year, more than 500,000 people flock to the streets of Arras to discover the little gem that is the city’s Christmas market. In addition to the hundred or so small shops and huts, it is above all the entertainment programme that makes this market an unmissable event: Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, toboggan run, etc. And all accompanied by dances, concerts and other parades!

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The Lyon Christmas market

📷 oh_its_heidi & kieulevi

Visit Place Carnot to discover the first part of Lyon’s Christmas market with around 150 exhibitors. Then head up to the Croix Rousse in the Canuts neighbourhood to discover artisanal creations, gourmet products and a lively farm. A little tip from a Lyonnais: go during the Fête des Lumières to discover the illuminated creations throughout the city. You won’t regret it.

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Christmas market in Lille

📷 tom_hnt25

Lille is famous for its Grande Braderie and its carnival, but its Christmas market is also one of the events not to be missed. On Place Rihour, you will find 80 little huts where you can buy nativity figures, mulled wine, creations from all over the world… And of course delicious chips!

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Christmas market in Nantes

📷 plr_gv

Watch out if you’ve been naughty! Just like Father Christmas, the Nantes Christmas market will also be visited by Father Christmas this year. The city is celebrating the end of the year in a spirit of sharing and discovery. The Nantes Christmas market may not be the biggest or the most impressive, but it is a cosy and beautiful place to sample specialities from the Loire, Aquitaine and the Orient. There’s something for everyone here!

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Would you like to discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe at the weekend? Then don’t hesitate to consult our guides to the Christmas markets in Berlin, Prague and Vienna: a selection approved by Father Christmas himself (yes, yes)! 🎅

Have we forgotten your favourite Christmas market? Let us know in the comments 👇 or on Facebook and Twitter!