French villages that capture the magic of Christmas
Garlands, mulled wine, and a touch of snow: welcome to the festive side of France, where the scent of gingerbread and a hint of nostalgia fill the air. Forget the mountains; this journey leads from Alsace to Normandy, all the way to Provence. Follow our guide through some of France’s most enchanting corners, where the year’s end is all about joy, light, and simple delights.
French villages that capture the magic of Christmas
Alsace & Lorraine:
the official home of the Christmas tree and bredele
The Christmas market in Colmar. © Filiz Elaerts
Colmar, the little venice of santa claus
With its canals, half-timbered houses glowing like pastry shop windows, and enchanting Christmas markets, Colmar feels like a postcard come to life. Between sips of mulled wine, you might just find yourself wondering why you don’t already live there.
Riquewihr, christmas, grand cru vintage
This medieval wine village perfectly blends tradition and indulgence. You wander its cobbled streets with a glass of Riesling in hand, passing artisan shops as the scent of mulled wine mingles with the glow of festive decorations.
Eguisheim, the perfectly round village
This circular gem feels made for a Christmas movie. Pastel houses curve around the main square, lights sparkle in every corner, and the craft market tempts you to take everything home.
Rent a house in Colmar
obernai, unpretentious tradition
In Obernai, Christmas has kept its childlike soul, with an authentic market, medieval streets, and a storybook atmosphere untouched by excess.
Strasbourg, the european capital of the christmas tree
Here, everything feels bigger, brighter, more dazzling. Each year, the Christkindelsmärik attracts thousands of visitors who wander through the glowing stalls, nibbling on bredele as they go.
When the streets of Strasbourg light up. © Jeana Bala
North & Normandy
Christmas comes to town
We admire Paimpol Bay from Villa Mona. © Patrick Miara
Paimpol, the ramparts of enchantment
Paimpol is known for its white beans, but the medieval town is mainly home to the oldest Christmas market in the department.
Honfleur, Christmas by the harbor
The reflections of the garlands shimmer on the water, making the colors dance across the wooden houses. In Honfleur, you sip warm cider as you browse the gourmet market, while the sea breeze adds a gentle hint of salt to the magic.
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, frosty romance
A small harbor, simple yet charming decorations, and a salty wind that reddens your cheeks: Saint-Valery is Christmas by the sea, cozy, slightly nostalgic, and completely enchanting.
The Saint-Valery-sur-Somme canal. © Tristan Maillard-Caï
Rent a house in the Baie de Somme
Centre & Champagne
Bubbles and golden lights
Troyes, medieval christmas spirit
The medieval heart of Troyes glows with light, its half-timbered houses lining the streets and Christmas markets filled with the scent of warm brioche.
Provins, christmas in period costume
Here, the ramparts glow, troubadours take up their capes once more, and the artisan market comes to life with historical performances.
Chablis & Auxerre, christmas in a glass
Between wine tastings and festive streets, these wine villages offer a gentle and comforting Christmas. Days unfold slowly, with walks through the vineyards and chestnut hunts in the forest.
South-West
Sunshine at Christmas eve
Sarlat-la-Canéda, christmas in gold and foie gras
Beneath golden lights, the streets of Sarlat carry the scent of truffles. The Christmas market is as indulgent as the shop windows are enchanting.
Saint-Émilion, mulled wine, grand cru style
The cobblestones shine, the wine cellars come alive, and the mulled wine carries a hint of Merlot. The Christmas market is small but exquisite, just like everything else in this festive wine village.
Arcangues, basque Christmas
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, Biarritz, and Anglet, Arcangues is a charming Basque village that’s a pleasure to visit in every season, from summer to winter.
Les Écuries, the perfect place to stay during the holidays.
Provence & French Riviera
Santons and the thirteen desserts
From the terrace of Les Hauts de Gordes, one can admire the Alpilles mountains.
Gordes, the sparkling stones
Perched on its Luberon rock, Gordes is adorned with magical lights that dance across its golden façades. Santons decorate shop windows, and Provençal specialties find their way into every basket.
Sanary-sur-Mer, the riviera under garlands
Because life isn’t only about snow, Sanary sparkles along the Mediterranean. The harbor glows, boats are wrapped in garlands, and the warmth of the lights rivals that of the winter sun.
The French Riviera in winter. © Alla Hetman
