Every year, the festive season is highly anticipated!
People are always looking for ways to get into the magical atmosphere of Christmas. Whether it’s in the Christmas markets, through the shop windows or with the many illuminations. And during this period, many cities in France offer magnificent decorations and animations.
Read on to find out where to go for Christmas!
Strasbourg, capital of Christmas
After a cancellation in 2020, the mythical Christmas market of Strasbourg is back in 2021. This market, which was born in 1570, will take place on the Place Broglie, where you will find various small chalets, illuminated facades and a gigantic fir tree on the Place Kleber. The city offers a range of events; the bredeles market, the Alsatian flavours market or the kingdom of the Vignerons de la Couronne d’Or.
The city immerses us in a real Christmas atmosphere, with the smell of cinnamon or typical Christmas songs that remind us of our childhood memories.
Lyon, capital of gastronomy
Apart from the Festival of Lights, which takes place every year on 8 December, Lyon also offers a beautiful setting.
The centre of Lyon, including Place Bellecour, has a Ferris wheel that offers a breathtaking view of the entire city in lights.
A little further on, in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, Place Carnot, there is a large Christmas market which lasts for about a month. There are more than 90 exhibitors with various products and crafts; beauty, well-being, jewellery, fashion. A range of goods for all tastes to spoil your loved ones!
To continue to treat yourself, take advantage of the gastronomy offered by the city to take a short break and enjoy a good meal in a Lyon “bouchon”. There’s nothing better than comforting specialities in this winter period!
Picture : V. Benais / FTV
Marseille, Christmas in the sun
It is less famous than the cities in the North, but Marseille also offers a beautiful decor and is worth a visit. Many illuminations and Provençal cots are installed in several districts of Marseille.
Apart from the light decorations, Marseille organises activities for children during the whole month of December. There are shows, workshops for the whole family and a nice little Christmas market.
It’s a different setting, a change from the Alsatian specialities, but the climate will be more pleasant 🙂 !
Carcassonne, in the South West
For this 2021 edition, Carcassonne has once again struck hard by proposing a beautiful decor and various activities for young and old alike.
For one month, the various monuments will be dressed in their best light. A large ice rink is installed on the Place Carnot. Next to it, there is a Christmas market, with numerous activities and make-up workshops for the little ones.
The city has also set up a large calendar with prizes to be won! A little further on, there is also a go-karting animation for adults and a quad bike on ice for children. And to finish, go to the rooftop to eat with a panoramic view of the Cité de Carcassonne.
Picture : Carcassonne tourist office