‘Tis the season for travel!
Joyeux Noël! Now that we’re fast approaching the holiday season, numerous people look forward to spending their leisure time in various ways, such as traveling.
For us travelers, it is especially important to make the perfect choice to know which destination to go to next, especially for the holidays.
And for us, Christmas in France is nothing like any other! There is something about celebrating the holidays in France that suddenly transports you to a whole, different world that feels simply magical and festive.
So if you are looking for a sign to go, we’re here to ring you the sleigh bells! Here are the 5 Best Things about Holiday Seasons of Christmas in France.
The Christmas markets
France has been popular for its Christmas markets, known as Marché de Noel in French.
Christmas markets are filled with a variety of collections to choose from. Artisan items, local produce, snacks, and wine are just a few of the things we can name – and many more!
Several Christmas markets around the country can be found with their own twists of unique themes and set ups. If you ever have trouble choosing which Christmas market to go to, fear not! Paris has their own Christmas market that can easily get you started and catch up on the holiday festivities.
France’s Christmas markets start to set up their stands during November up until the end of December. So keep that in mind!
The Christmas Decorations and Lights
While French cities are filled with Christmas Markets, it’s given that these markets and their areas don’t come empty-handed with their designs!
France is filled with eye-catching, entertaining Christmas-themed decorations and lights during the holiday season. This definitely brings out the merriment for everyone to enjoy and feel the Christmas spirit!
The streets of Paris will never let you down with their Christmas lights that illuminate the entire road. It has the most spectacular lights that are sure to be your next Instagram-worthy post! Both tourists and locals of France look forward to the lights at Paris’ Champs-Elysées.
France’s department stores refuse to disappoint, as well! Shops like Galeries Lafayette are popular for going all out during the holidays for their Christmas-themed designs.
From their interesting window displays related to the yuletide season to their giant Christmas trees and presents, Galeries Lafayette is always sure to bring their A-game for everyone at Christmas to present a sight to behold!
The Food and Drinks
During the warmest celebration at the coldest time of the year, France has a series of delicacies related to Christmas that will surely satisfy your appetite! And what better way is it to celebrate Christmas than to treat yourself with some of the most delicious food you might ever have? Honestly, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Foie Gras, a duck or a goose’s fattened liver, is one of the most essential dishes that is most always a part of France’s feasts during Christmas. It’s usually something that we often serve as a tasty appetizer before anything else.
Of course, Bûche de Noël or a Yule log cake is a must-have during holiday seasons of Christmas in France. The cake is literally designed to look like a log as a means of paying homage to the early traditions in France where families back then had made great use of wood and logs. Bûche de Noël is usually made as a sponge cake with cream.
To warm you up and fill the fizz of the holiday spirit, top it off with some Vin Chaud or mulled wine. You can buy this from France’s Christmas markets! A Christmas classic, this warmed wine has some cognac and spice to it!
The Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks
While France already has its fair share of ice-skating rinks, it is fascinating that during the winter season, temporary ice-skating rinks are formed and turned into installations briefly during the holidays. These skating rinks are sure to be a memorable moment for you and your loved ones!
Enjoy these ice-skating rinks with or without the skates! Try catching a view of the people who want to flex their skating skills or simply just watch the people on the rink. When you’re brave enough, why not try participating yourself? The ice rink at Champ de Mars is one of the more popular ice-skating rinks in Paris.
Don’t you worry! Paris has a whole lot of ice-skating rinks, both permanent and temporary, for you to enjoy! Though, keep your eyes peeled for those unique, short-term ones for a more unforgettable and eccentric moment for you and your loved ones to never forget!
The overall, all-encompassing holiday experience of France’s company
Combining the experiences of all of what we have said above, how could you not want to spend the holiday seasons of Christmas in France? The warmth of good food, environment, and escapades during Christmas time in France is definitely an experience you would never want to miss out on!
We have just rounded off our reasons as to why you should spend your holidays in France. These are just a few, but there are certainly more than what we’ve mentioned that you should experience yourself. We’ll leave that to you!
So, what are you waiting for? We think it’s time you book that ticket with your family and friends!
If you ever need to have a crash course on what to do first before visiting France, here is an article that we wrote to help you out on what not to do when you visit Paris for the first time.
If you aspire to visit France because of the Netflix show Emily in Paris, come check out our blog post on the best locations in France where Emily in Paris filmed!
