Top 10 best Christmas Markets in France

Top 10 best Christmas Markets in France

Christmas is a magical time in Europe, but France in particular really knows how to put on a show.

All across the country, between November and January, the French Christmas markets begin to pop up as days to the festive season draw nearer. It is not clear how many markets there are in total, but every major village, town or city has at least one where the local people can enjoy the Christmas spirit.

Here are ten of the best!

1. Christmas Market of Amiens in France

Picardy, Amiens

Amiens is the capital of Picardy in France. This district is known for having one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals that travelers come to visit year round. When the season turns festive, their Christmas market is known as one of the best in the north.

Christmas Market of Amiens – by Markus3 – Wikimedia Commons

There are over two kilometers of stalls at this market, making it the largest in the north. The market starts in the last week of November through until the very end of December, just before new years.

There are Christmas themed fun rides for children to enjoy while the adults do their shopping.

2. Christmas Market of Strasbourg in France

The Oldest Christmas Market in France

Not the largest, but the oldest. The Strasbourg Christmas market dates back to 1577, and has become a massive tourist attraction that attracts over two million visitors per year. The city itself is a Christmas attraction, boasting many miles of lights, skating rinks and themed events.

The market also features a 100 foot tall Christmas tree.

Christmas Market of Strasbourg – by Tangopaso – Wikimedia Commons

3. Christmas Market of Colmar in France

Place des Dominicains, Colmar

If you’re moving over to Germany from France, consider stopping just before the German boarder in the town of Colmar where they have another fantastic Christmas market.

Here the two countries seem to come together in a diverse celebration of the holiday. You’ll drink delicious hot wine, eat French delicacies, shop for handmade toys and marvel at the overhead decorations.

Christmas Market of Colmar – by Gzen92 – Wikimedia Commons

4. Christmas Market of Nice in France

French Riviera

The Nice Christmas market is a great attraction for families, especially those who are partial to avoiding the freezing winter temperatures of the north.

The winters on the riviera are much milder. At the Christmas market you’ll shop at around 60 stalls, and kids can enjoy the ferris wheel, skating rink and interactive ice carving.

This is the only Christmas market in France where you can enjoy Champagne and sea food without freezing to death.

5. The Champs Elysées Christmas Market in France

Paris

There are many a Christmas market in the French capital, Paris. This is one of Europes most attractive cities during the festive season, and so many markets are set up across town to cater to the hoards of travelers.

The Champs Elysées is without a doubt the most impressive. Walk your way all the way through until you reach the grand ferris wheel at the end, for a breathtaking view over the city of lights.

Not far away, you’ll also find a wonderful market on the Champ de Mars that leads up to the Eiffel Tower.

The Champs Elysées Christmas Market – by ErasmusOfParis – Wikimedia Commons

6. Marché de Noël de Bordeaux in France

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is one of France’s most famous wine regions, so expect this to be one of the country’s booziest Christmas markets.

The village itself gets transformed into a complete winter wonderland. This too is a major tourist attraction for the country, and thousands of people flock here to be part of the fun. It’s best to book your Bordeaux accommodation as early as possible to avoid the inevitable filling up of hotels and Airbnbs.

7. Christmas Market of Rouen in France

Normandy

The Rouen Christmas market can actually be done as a day trip from Paris, but spending a few nights in the Normandy capital is highly recommended.

This town takes Christmas very seriously, and their market is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to festive attractions. There are ice rinks, concerts, music events, street entertainment and even a visit from Santa Clause.

The Christmas market of Rouen runs from the last week in November to the end of the first week in January.

Rouen – by Jean-noël Lafargue – Wikimedia Commons

8. Perpignan Christmas Market in France

Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France

Perpignan is a city in the south of France. It shares a boarder with Spain, making this one of the most diverse places to spend Christmas while in Europe.

The Spanish influence in this city is evident, and the Christmas market becomes one where cultures collide. This isn’t the most well known place to spend the festive season while in France, but if you’re looking for something intimate and unique, the Perpignan it is!

The plus side is it’s never as cold down here as it is up north!

9. Christmas Market of Lille in France

Northern France 

Lille is in the French north, and it puts on a very expressive Christmas display for the duration of a month come the end of the year.

This town became a popular tourist destination seemingly overnight, since it was added as a link on the Eurostar.

The Christmas market is half in the town center, in the Place Rihour, between all of the best restaurants and cafes that the town has to offer.

Lille Christmas Market – by Supporterhéninois – Wikimedia Commons

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10. Reims Christmas Market in France

Perfect for a Parisian day trip

Remis is in the northeast of France, and is the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine country.

Somehow the city’s Christmas market has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, attracting one and a half million visitors every season.

Since Remis is only an hour and a half (by car) from Paris, this market can actually be done as a day trip from the city. There is a train from Gare de l’Est that can get you there in just 45 minutes.

Reims Christmas Market – by Tangopaso – Wikimedia Commons

If you will be in Paris over the festive season, the free guided walking tours through the city center are another great way to see the many markets that scour the streets. Book yours before they fill up in the season rush!