There's no doubt about it, the festive season in Paris is an event not to be missed, thanks to its superb entertainment. But if you live there and attend every year, some of you may be starting to get a little tired of it, and would like to get away from it all to discover the decorations and Christmas markets of other French cities! It couldn't be easier, since Parisians are lucky enough to have numerous train stations at their disposal, and therefore a plethora of destinations to choose from to get away from it all for a few days!
However, we'd advise you to go before the holidays, ideally in the week around the 15th, to take advantage of them without the crowds and take the time to feel the magical atmosphere of the season. And buy your tickets early, because prices go up on December 1! Here are five destinations, less than four hours by train from the capital, whose Christmas atmosphere is well worth the detour!
This destination comes as no surprise, since it's one of the most popular Christmas destinations! And for good reason - you can take our word for it! In front of the superb Gothic cathedral, enjoy a Christmas craft market, mulled wine, bredele or pretzel, and stroll through the old town to discover the oldest market, the "Christkindelsmärik", on Place Broglie. This Christmas capital is absolutely sublime as soon as night falls, with its varied illuminations and sights to discover.
1h46 from Gare de l'Est
The closer the date gets, the more crowded the city becomes, so why not opt for Colmar, just a few kilometers away? Just as famous for its Christmas markets, the town of Colmar also plunges you into a fairytale setting, on the banks of its typical canals where the beautiful illuminations are reflected with magic. Stroll through the pedestrianized old town and enjoy the delicious scent of cinnamon- but don't forget your hat and gloves, because it's really cold at this time of year!
We're off to the mountains, with an original and most certainly snow-covered Christmas market on the shores of the town's lake, for a magical moment and the discovery of regional crafts, in the chalets of the Alps. A little further on, on the other side of the water, admire Santa's Castle and its story-telling tours, in an enchanted, medieval atmosphere that's out of the ordinary. Annecy offers a winter sports resort atmosphere, with fondue and raclette on the menu, of course!
3h42 from Gare de Lyon
The Reims Christmas market is reputed to beone of the biggest in France, set up in front of the sumptuous cathedral, which comes alive with projections at nightfall. Champagne and pink cookies are served on the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, amid colorful stalls, carols and tempting smells. Don't miss the superb fir tree on Place Drouet d'Erlon and the Christmas and Kings Fair, with its many attractions, just a few dozen minutes from Paris!
46mn from Gare de l'Est
Head further south, to admire Lyon's famous Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in early December. For several days, luminous lights are placed in the windows, and the city is decked out in a thousand colors at nightfall, embellished by sound and light projections on the facades of the most beautiful buildings. Of course, a Christmas market awaits you with its famous marrons glacés and pralines roses, as does an open-air skating rink on Place Carnot and a Ferris wheel with a sensational panorama on Place Bellecour.
1h56 from Gare de Lyon
Head north to discover a metamorphosed Lille, where Christmas warmth replaces the usual cold. Don't miss the chance to climb to the highest vantage point, on the Ferris wheel on the Grand Place. To glide on the ice, head for the Chamber of Commerce, transformed for the occasion into a veritable skating rink, under the magnificent dome of this historic building. A hundred or so chalets await you on Place Rihour for a little Christmas village, where you can do your shopping, eat a hot waffle or a Flemish carbonade to warm up!
1h15 from Gare du Nord
But if you prefer to stay in Paris, there's plenty to do, with a whole host of markets, illuminations and exceptional window displays to discover!
Top Christmas Markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region 2023
Paris and its Christmas markets - the festive season is just around the corner! At the end of each year, wooden chalets and illuminations bring the streets to life, offering an enchanting journey to Santa's land. This Christmas 2023 in Paris marks the return of the unmissable Christmas markets, with tastings, gift ideas and many other magical and enchanting discoveries on the program. [Read more]
The Christmas illuminations in Paris are a magical part of the festive season. From the Champs-Élysées to Bercy Village, via the chic Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris is decked out in a thousand lights every year. It's a glittering journey that's sure to blow your mind! [Read more]
The 2023 Christmas window displays in Parisian department stores are unveiled in the run-up to the festive season, to the delight of young and old alike! Whether at Bon Marché, BHV, Samaritaine or Galeries Lafayette, every year we're treated to beautiful window displays that come alive to our delight. Whether you're with the family, the kids, your loved ones or simply your loved ones, this is a must-see Parisian Christmas stroll. [Read more]
Top Christmas Markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region 2023
Christmas illuminations at Paris 2023, the program
Les Vitrines de Noël à Paris 2023, the magical program for department stores
