Where to Spend Christmas in France
Snuggled up under the blankets in front of the Christmas tree at home is a great way to spend Christmas. But an even better way to experience the holiday season is discovering yuletide magic in France. Each region has its own special traditions and events, and no matter your interests, Christmas in France is a fantasy. From sipping hot chocolate at the Christmas markets or admiring the lights adorning historic castles, France transforms into an even more magical destination during the winter season. Both Paris and the French Alps are popular choices for the Christmas season, but these destinations are only the beginning. From the Loire Valley to Alsace, here are our favorite places to spend Christmas in France as well as festive activities to liven your stay.
Where to Spend Christmas in France
Loire Valley
Abounding with sophisticated castles and wine, the Loire Valley becomes even more festive during the holiday season. At Christmastime, Château de Chenonceau gets all decked out with lights and offers special tours at nighttime to enjoy the castle and its cozy lights. At the Château de Chambord, you can stroll its own mini Christmas markets, and the little ones will enjoy a spin on its carousel. Along with Renaissance demonstrations and dances, they even offer a guided tour on Christmas over the years. At Château Villandry, families will enjoy not only the festive decor but also its workshop on the history of Christmas along with a craft to bring home. And at the Château du Clos Lucé, they even offer Christmas wreath making and calligraphy workshops.
In addition to admiring the castles’ exquisite decoration, the Loire Valley makes an ideal Christmas destination for its gastronomy and vineyards. After a day of exploring castles and admiring Christmas lights, cozy up with a spa visit. Perhaps a Caudalie facial at Les Sources de Cheverny, only a short drive from the Château de Chambord. Or a half-day at Les Hauts de Loire spa, where you can indulge in a spa treatment, sauna access and a gastronomic lunch.
Full-Day Wine Tour of the Loire Valley
Soaking up the Christmas lights of the Loire Valley is a must. But during your Christmastime trip to this region of France, you’ll want to carve some time to discover the wine culture. On this private tour, your guide will bring you to a domain that ferments its wines in troglodyte cellars, or underground caves. Chat with local winemakers and taste classics like Vouvray, for yourself!
Alsace
Nothing says Christmas in France like the region of Alsace. This region borders Germany and boasts world renown for its Christmas traditions. Whether you head to Strasbourg or Colmar, Kayserberg or Obernai, you’re sure to be enchanted by their traditional Christmas markets. Whether you’re on the hunt for local delicacies or artisanal gifts to put under the tree, you’re at risk of spending hours getting lost in the markets. Sorry, not sorry! When you’re not sipping glühwein (spiced wine), admire the extensive lights spread throughout the villages. Foodies will not be disappointed with Alsace’s hearty cuisine. Nosh on a bowl of spätzle, a regional pasta speciality, or munstiflette, a dish with potatoes, ham and muenster cheese. And for dessert, nibble on regional specialities included a type of cake called kouglof or cookies called bredele. As with many regions in France, Alsace has its own wine. We highly recommend a glass of crémant, a regional sparkling wine.
Haut Koenigsbourg Castle and Villages Tour
During your trip to Alsace at Christmastime, don’t reserve 100% of your time for the markets. This region is sprinkled with medieval castles, the celebrated Alsace Wine Route and local traditions. On this private tour, discover the enchanted Haut Koenigsbourg Castle, which is nearly a millennium old. Your guide will take you on a picturesque drive through the countryside. Taste local cuisine on your lunch break in the charming village of Riquewihr. In the afternoon, your guide will introduce to two other gems in the region: the villages of Kaysersberg and Eguisheim.
Provence
This region in southern France is celebrated for its bustling summers, warm sunshine and sea views. But Provence glows in the wintertime, too. In other countries, they deck the halls; in France, they deck the streets! Cities and villages transform in a winter wonderland with holly branches, colorful lights and Christmas markets housed in wooden chalets. You’re sure to find vendors selling chichis, a Provençal take on beignets, and chouchous, warm caramelized nuts. The weather isn’t hot but certainly milder than its northern French neighbors. For a truly special experience, visit the town of Sanary-sur-Mer along the Mediterranean to admire its boats adorned with festive lights. And there’s a good chance that it won’t be as crowded as in Alsace. Once you’ve wandered the Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, cozy up at the spa. Warm up in the Finnish sauna at Aquabella in Aix-en-Provence. Or treat yourself to a rejuvenating hydrafacial at la Folie Verte, le Pigonnet’s spa, also in Aix.
Private Truffle Hunting and Tasting Tour in Provence
Discover the culinary riches of Provence with a private truffle hunting tour. The wintertime is the perfect moment to head out onto a Provençal truffle plantation as it’s peak season. Learn about the different techniques and then enjoy three different hors d’oeuvres from truffle honey to truffle oil.
Where to Stay in France
Les Sources de Cheverny in the Loire Valley
Make one of the highlights of your winter stay in the Loire Valley your choice of hotel. This cozy chic five-star hotel and spa boasts 49 rooms and suites. Nestled between Chambord and Chenonceau châteaux, les Sources de Cheverny is the perfect springboard for discovering the best of the region.
Le Pigonnet in Aix-en-Provence
This five-star hotel is an oasis for your Provençal escape. Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content in nearby villages, unwind in one of this hotel’s 55 rooms. The property dates back to the 1700s and even boasts a spa of nearly 4000 square feet.
True, there’s something cozy about spending the holidays at home. But an even more magical way is to spend the Christmas season in France. Whether it’s walking in a château winter wonderland in the Loire Valley or exploring Christmas markets in Alsace, you’re sure to be enchanted. Want to spend Christmas in France? Let us take care of all of the logistics. Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning a seamless holiday trip. You might also like: Experience the Enchanting Charms of Strasbourg! or Culture and Gastronomy in Provence.