Lille hosts one of the best Christmas markets in FranceChristmas markets mean the festive season is unquestionably creeping up on us. There are many to choose from and are increasingly popular December day trips, so we’ve sliced and diced your options to bring you the best Christmas markets in France.

Christmas markets are a firm favourite for many. And as far as we’re concerned there is a festive market for everyone. Whether you plan on visiting one locally or perhaps look to venture further afield, there are so many lovely ones that are well worth a visit, especially in France.

Why visit a Christmas market in France?

Christmas markets in France create a great excuse for a weekend break with a loved one or a group of friends. With amusements for children they provide an entertained filled and memorable family day out too.

Buying gifts at Christmas markets ensures you’ll give handcrafted, artisan items with the personal touch.

Whether you plan to drive, fly or take the Eurostar, wrap up warm, sip your vin chaud and enjoy the entertainment.

The majority of markets open at the end of November. So you can get ahead on some of your Christmas shopping whilst having fun soaking in the festive atmosphere.

The best Christmas markets in France

Known in France as Marché de Noel, the big three Christmas markets in France can be found in Paris, Lille and Strasbourg. There are lots of smaller Christmas markets across the country.

Here are our must-visit Christmas markets in France.

Lille Christmas MarketChristmas markets in France - the Lille Ferris wheel

When: mid November – end of December (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Place Rihour, centre of Lille

The Lille Christmas market is somewhat an institution and by reputation alone one of the best Christmas markets in France. Its presence in the city dates back for centuries and it has become the biggest of its kind in Northern France.

Amongst the traditional wooden chalets selling local products and gifts, concerts and exhibitions, there is plenty of entertainment. The iconic Ferris wheel in the main square will give you a great view of the market as you swing around.  And you’ll get a totally different perspective on the towering Christmas tree that dominates this winter wonderland.

Lille retailers really go to town at this time of year with their festive themed shop windows. And with nearly 4,000 shops throughout the city there will definitely be something to suit every taste and budget. A true shopping haven!

If you plan on a proper shopping weekend in Lille then take the car. It is just over an hour from Calais, depending on traffic.

Strasbourg Christmas Market 

Strasbourg in December hosts one of the best Christmas markets in France

When: late November – end December

Where: In front of the Strasbourg Cathedral in the historic quarter

Just over 2 hours’ away from Paris is the historic, cultural and gastronomic city of Strasbourg. Home to the “Capital of Christmas”, that title alone ensures there’s no question that this one of the best Christmas markets in France.

Situated a few miles from the German border it is easy to notice several Germanic influences at France’s oldest and Europe’s largest Christmas market. From the food and wine right through to the style of gifts available you’ll understand quite quickly why Strasbourg has twice been voted ‘Best Christmas Market in Europe’.

It has some 300 chalets across 11 sites and attracts up to 2 million visitors during the festive season. If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit nothing will!

The Christmas market is situated in front of Strasbourg Cathedral, with its Gothic towers and famous sky-high clock. If you can drag yourself away from the stalls, the cathedral is worth a visit in itself.

Throughout the city, town squares are filled with characteristic wooden huts continuing the Christmas shopping theme:

  • Place des Meuniers hosts a foodie market where you can purchase delicacies from Alsace’s legendary small growers and producers.
  • The Alsatian Christmas delicacies market has further local products in Place d’Austerlitz.
  • There is a Children’s World on Place Saint Thomas, definitely worth a visit if you are taking the kids.
  • Then have some fun ice skating on Place du Château.
  • La Petite France is an area of quaint buildings with Christmas shops and even a gingerbread bakery.

Food on offer at the market includes sausages and choucroute (pickled cabbages) and their famous three-meat baeckeoffe stew.

Reims Christmas Market

Experience festive joy in Reims at one of the best French christmas markets

When: mid November – Christmas Eve

Where: Cathedral Square and the tree-lined streets around it

If you are visiting Paris then why not add on an extra day or two to explore Reims. Less than an hour from Paris by TGV it would almost be rude not to visit the capital of the Champagne region while in the vicinity. Reims is known as the “Cité des Sacres”. Its Christmas market is set to fill you with yuletide joy, Christmas cheer and of course a little Champagne.

What else could you possibly need to be titled one of the best Christmas markets in France. Well, they don’t stop there… With entertainment from street performers, carolers, jazz bands, jugglers and organ grinders along with wooden chalets selling local crafts and delicacies there is lots to see and do. Their Children’s Kingdom will surprise and delight the youngsters in your party too.

The market attracts more than 1.5 million visitors over its month long opening, because, where else in the world is a Christmas market set within the shadows of two UNESCO world heritage sites (Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Reims and its neighbouring Palais de Tau)? Despite that it remains incredibly family friendly with animations for children, concerts, Nativity scenes, gourmet food stalls and even a funfair.

Nice Christmas Market

Imagine Christmas in Nice home to one of the best Christmas markets in France

When: first week of December – 01 January (closed Christmas Day)

Where: Place Massena near the old town

The city of Nice is illuminated to set the celebratory tone for the abundance of festivities that take place throughout December. Despite being on the French Riviera, you’ll very quickly feel Christmassy watching the Christmas Parade and end of year concert.

The market is set up on Place Massena, just at the edge of picturesque Vieux Nice. More than 50 wooden chalets set up selling arts and crafts, gifts, vin chaud and fresh socca (a local dish: pancake made from chickpea flour). Other attractions include an oyster and champagne bar.

In the centre of the city in the green park area is a Ferris wheel, which is elegantly lit up. The palm trees that border the ice skating rink are also given a fairy light festive feel. What’s more the ice rink runs just four sessions each day, each lasting 1.5 hours, so there’s even a sense of festive opulence here. Make your way over to the Albert 1er gardens to find a festive play area specifically for kids.

Bordeaux Christmas market

Christmas markets in France are some of the largest in EuropeWhen: end of November – end of December

Where: Allées de Tourny

Christmas in Bordeaux is a magical time centred on the place to see and be seen in the city. The Allées de Tourny is home to the best shopping in Bordeaux all year round, particularly if you enjoy luxury boutiques and one of kind gifts.

Come December, the street comes to festive life with more than 100 traditional Christmas market chalets and your Bordeaux shopping list is complete!

Alongside this festive spectacle with its tall fir trees and twinkling lights, there are a number of smaller, specialist Christmas market pop-ups across the city during the month. At these you’ll find less champagne and glitz, and more artisan craftspeople, culturally specific celebrations and themed events.

Christmas Markets in Paris

Paris in December hosts one of the best Christmas markets in France

There are a number of Les Marchés de Noël throughout Paris, selling art and craft products, local specialties, gastronomic treats for the Christmas dining table, toys and clothes.

Plan a festive weekend break in Paris to wander around the many markets Paris has to offer, mixed in with some memorable sightseeing.

When: mid November – mid  January

Where: All throughout Paris

Avenue des Champs-Elysées Christmas market

The largest Christmas market in Paris. Dazzling illuminations line this iconic avenue sparkling upon some 160 chalets dressing the Champs-Elysées between the Rond-point and Place de la Concorde.

Paris Notre-Dame Christmas market

Marque chalets are set up in front of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. Although it is a relatively small market there are some 40 craftsmen, makers of clothes and accessories, wood turners and toys. There is also festive entertainment laid on each day such as street singers, puppet shows and stories for children.

You’ll also find smaller Christmas markets in these suburbs of Paris:

  • Saint Germain des Prés Christmas market in the Latin Quarter
  • St. Sulpice Christmas market in the Latin quarter
  • Place des Abbesses Christmas market
  • Trocadero Gardens Christmas market

Which is your favourite French Christmas market? 

We hope that we have conjured up all sorts of Christmas shopping ideas for you, wherever you may be or wherever you’re intending to visit in France.

Naturally, we’d love to hear of your Christmas shopping weekends in France. For now, happy festive shopping from all of us!

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Celebrate the festive season at one of the best Christmas markets in France courtesy of this list from French Waterways