Christmas Markets In Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar: My Assessment

Final December I spent a couple of weeks in France as a result of I wished to go to the Christmas markets in Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar. After seeing so many Marchés de Noël, I’ve suggestions on a few of my favourites and ones that you simply may determine to skip.

In the event you’re curious about seeing the Christmas markets in France, don’t simply do Paris. It’s really easy to simply hop on a practice and head east to the Alsace. You’ll be there in below 2 hours!

*This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you buy by means of these hyperlinks, I get a small fee at no further cost to you. It helps help the working of this web site and I do recognize your assist.*

1. What You’ll Uncover At The Christmas Markets In Paris, Strasbourg, And Colmar?

At a French Christmas market, you’ll see a number of Christmas decorations and have the ability to take pleasure in meals that aren’t only for the festive interval, however are additionally regional favourites.

Evening time on the markets was the busiest time to go to, but essentially the most picturesque and pleasurable time. In truth, through the day, among the markets didn’t open till midday.

Will there be crowds? Sure. The primary Christmas market I visited within the Alsace was at Place Kléber in Strasbourg and after I arrived at about 4:30 pm, there have been a ton of individuals. However the environment was very pleasant and since it was outdoors, it didn’t really feel claustrophobic or too crowded.

I felt this fashion with all of the Xmas markets. Even lining up for meals on the chalets, it wasn’t that unhealthy. Everybody was in a contented temper and relaxed. No pushing. No impatience. Even the servers had been pleasant after coping with a whole bunch of consumers.

This put up solely focuses on the Christmas markets. You’ll be able to examine my different fascinating experiences throughout my whole journey right here: Journey #38 To France—Paris And Strasbourg In December or my expertise on the Pageant Of Lights in my put up right here: A Little Winter Magic At The Pageant Of Lights In Paris.

2. Meals At French Christmas Markets

I went loopy for the vin chaud and gingerbread and was shocked how a lot I beloved the varied varieties of pretzels (Bretzels). As they are saying, “when in Rome……”. The next is an inventory of among the meals you actually shouldn’t miss whenever you go to a Christmas market in France.

Meals Not To Miss At Christmas Markets In France

• Bretzels-you can get plain ones, however there are such a lot of varieties akin to chocolate (darkish, milk, white), Guyère cheese, olives, chorizo, mushroom, and my favorite, lardons (thick items  of bacon ) and cheese.
• Gingerbread-people, hearts, all shapes of gingerbread will be discovered on the markets and there may be even a retailer in Strasbourg known as Fortwenger that ONLY sells gingerbread.
• Mannele (or Manala)-is a small brioche within the form of slightly man. Similar to a gingerbread man; nevertheless, it’s extra bun-like whereas a gingerbread is extra like a delicate cookie. Each are scrumptious.
• Vin Chaud Rouge (purple mulled wine)—with the choice so as to add rum
• Vin Chaud Blanc  (white mulled wine)
• Cider
• Sausages and sauerkraut
• Spaetzle—conventional Alsatian egg noodle pasta or dumplings usually served as a facet dish
• Kougelhopf-an Alsatian brioche that has a particular form, like a bundt cake
• Tartiflette-suppose lardons, potatoes, onions, and Reblochon or one other semi-soft cheese all combined collectively. It’s from the Savoy area of France.

Different Meals You’ll Discover

• Barbecue meats-in addition to sausages, you’ll discover rooster, turkey legs, hamburgers, and ribs
• Distinctive foods-snails, frogs legs, chestnuts
• All varieties of cheese, crêpes, and waffles
• Sizzling Chocolate
• Cheese fondue
• Nougat-so many alternative flavours together with gingerbread
• Pralines

4. Christmas Markets In Paris

Click on on the map or on this hyperlink “Location Of Christmas Markets In Paris” and also you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all of the locations on this put up.

(a) Jardins des Tuileries Christmas Market

The Jardins des Tuileries Christmas Market (Marché de Noël des Jardins des Tuileries) is a really massive Christmas market and probably the most common. There are amusement rides and plenty of cubicles promoting meals inside the “Marché Gourmand” space. The world runs all through the Tuileries gardens beginning simply west of the Pyramid on the Louvre and heading east in direction of Place de la Concorde.

Don’t get right here early and even at 10 am. Despite the fact that the organizers say the market is open at 10:00 it was fairly quiet and never many cubicles or rides had been open. Issues picked up nearer to midday and definitely grew to become busy at evening. It’s open till 11:45 pm.

(b) Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market

The market at Hôtel de Ville (Marché de Noël de l’Hôtel de Ville) is probably essentially the most effectively referred to as it’s centrally positioned by rue de Rivoli. The illuminated “Paris 2024” signal was selling the 2024 Paris Summer season Olympics held on the entrance of metropolis corridor.

The Christmas market at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville was fantastically embellished with many illuminated Christmas timber, greenery, and shows.  There have been picnic tables scattered across the space with chalets promoting sizzling drinks, beer, crepes, and waffles. It was an actual household environment with a carousel and actions for the youngsters.

(c) La Défense Marché de Noel de Paris

The market at La Protection (La Défense Marché de Noel de Paris) is large. Positioned within the enterprise district west of the Arc de Triomphe, chalets are located all around the esplanade (Parv. de la Défense) and I used to be very impressed with the number of meals and items provided, starting from cheese, crepes and escargots and meals from Brittany to basic sizzling drinks like vin chaud rouge and blanc and sizzling chocolate.

Artisans

There have been artisan markets, together with massive collections of hand-crafted Santons de Provence by Atelier Marcel Carbonel and Santons Escoffier, each from Marseille, and Santons Didier, from Aubagne, which is simply east of Marseille. There have been hundreds of santons on show and the costs ranged from 8.5 Euro to 49.50 € every. In the event you’re not acquainted with Santons, try this put up to find out about their significance: The Christmas Custom Of Santons de Provence.

Oh Canada!

On the Canadian village, Canadian specialties like poutine, maple syrup and, hockey groups had been highlighted. There have been additionally some indoor eating places accessible on website for those who didn’t need to eat outdoors.

Christmas Market Lunch

It was onerous deciding what I’d eat for lunch and selected a sausage in a baguette. There have been smoked sausages, beef sausages, Beaufort sausages, vegan sausages, and sizzling canines. And you could possibly have yours with potatoes or raclette. I indulged in vin chaud blanc and a smoked sausage in a big baguette. I’ve to confess I choose vin chaud rouge. If you wish to be taught extra about vin chaud, try this put up (which features a recipe): Vin Chaud (French Mulled Wine) Recipe.

(d) Eiffel Tower Christmas Village

On Quai Branly (also referred to as Quai Jacques Chirac), the Eiffel Tower Christmas Village (Village de Noël de la Tour Eiffel) was one of many final markets to open earlier than Christmas— on December 16—-and it was packed at evening. The chalets fashioned an extended rectangle and within the centre had been picnic tables the place you could possibly eat.

Along with artisan chocolate treats (like 36 € chocolate Santa Clauses), there have been barbecued turkey legs, ribs, sausages and sauerkraut, pretzels, roasted rooster and french fries. I used to be very impressed with the meals right here.

(e) Notre Dame Christmas Market

The market close to Notre Dame Cathedral (Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame) is definitely positioned simply south at Sq. Viviani. It was crowded because it’s in a small space, however the chalets type a circle. It was good visiting at nightfall because the chalets had been individually embellished with Christmas lights. They had been fantastically completed.

Within the centre are Christmas shows and you may see Notre Dame within the distance. The chalets provided the identical kinds of products and meals discovered on the different markets.

(f) Alsatian Christmas Market

Simply in entrance of Gare de Paris East on rue d’Alsace is a tent the place Christmas meals and items consultant of the Alsace area of France are bought (Marché de Noël en Alsace). It was a pleasant introduction to among the meals I’d be seeing throughout my subsequent cease in Alsace. Meals historically discovered within the area included sausages, pretzels, and gingerbread.

(g) Marché de Noel St. Michel And On Blvd Saint-Germain

At Place St. Michel and alongside a part of Boulevard Saint-Germain there have been chalets promoting crafts, scarves, jewellery and meals akin to raclette and nougat. I woudn’t make a particular journey to go to this market and little question you’ll cross by Marché de Noël St. Michel as that is in a very fashionable space.

(h) Abbesses Montmartre Marché de Noel

As quickly as you exit the Abbesses Metro station, you’ll be at Place des Abbesses and in the midst of the Montmartre Christmas market. The chalets just about encompass the Metro entrance and the market isn’t that large however has a couple of chalets promoting sausages and sauerkraut, vin chaud, all varieties of pretzels, waffles (gaufres), and crepes.

5. Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the eighth largest metropolis in France (based mostly on inhabitants, 2019) and it’s thought-about (or calls itself) the “Capital of Christmas”. The Strasbourg Christmas markets and celebrations run from November 24 till December 24. They also have a booklet known as, “Strasbourg Capital de Noël”.

It will get darkish fairly early (ie. 4:30 pm); nevertheless, it is a plus as town sparkles with all of the Christmas lights. En path to totally different markets I walked by means of fascinating sections of town, like La Petite France, which is sort of a small Venice, with vibrant outdated homes alongside the waterfront.

I walked in all places and by no means felt I needed to go too far to go to a market. I solely ate at a restaurant as soon as as a result of I actually wished to pattern the meals on the markets. Take into account that the chalets (promoting meals, drinks, and items) are usually open from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. I felt very secure strolling by means of Strasbourg at evening, in all probability as a result of there have been at all times a number of individuals out visiting the markets.

My condominium/resort was positioned close to the most important of the markets, Place Kléber and I’d cross by means of it usually. I feel it was the very best market in Strasbourg…due to the grand Christmas tree.

The organizers have labored actually onerous to make it eco-responsible, so reusable cups are used. Whenever you get your first drink (ie. Vin chaud, sizzling chocolate, cider, and many others), you pay an additional price for the cup, however you proceed to make use of this cup whenever you go to the opposite markets on the town. In the event you don’t need to preserve it, you’ll be able to return it to gather your deposit (1€ ) or drop it off as a donation.

Listed here are the 8 Christmas markets in Strasbourg that I visited:

Click on on the map or on this hyperlink, “Location of Christmas Markets in Strasbourg” and also you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all of the locations on this put up.

(a) Place Kléber: Grand Sapin

There’s a massive fir tree—un grand sapin—that’s 30 metres tall. Each evening on the hour, between 4 pm and 9 pm, the tree sparkles with a light-weight present accompanied by Christmas music. At 10 pm and 11 pm the tree nonetheless has its mild present, however with out music. Everybody simply stands nonetheless and watches the present. It’s VERY effectively completed.

There have been a number of cubicles promoting meals and Christmas items and my favorite purchases included gingerbread, pretzels with cheese (Munster and lardon bretzel), pretzels with chocolate, and mulled wine. The market was crowded however everybody was pleasant and I felt very secure. All the venue is family-oriented.

(b) Place de la Cathédrale et du Château

Whenever you go to Strasbourg, you’ll be able to’t miss the Cathédral nor the market positioned proper in entrance. On the market had been regional crafts, clothes, Alsatian specialties like spaetzle, which is an egg noodle or dumpling and served with a sauce or cheese as a facet dish. In fact don’t miss going contained in the Cathedral to see the Astronomical Clock or to go as much as the highest to get panoramic views (I recommend going at evening because the lights from the Christmas market makes it magical). Try my put up concerning the Cathedral right here:  Strasbourg’s Cathedral-Don’t Miss The Well-known Clock Or Views.

(c) Locations Benjamin Zix et Saint-Thomas: La Petite France

A number of half-timbered buildings are on this space with the steadily photographed Maison des Tanneurs, which was in-built 1572 and at present is a historic monument. It’s additionally a Winstub Alsatian restaurant that focuses on choucroute (sauerkraut).

(d) Place Grimmeissent: Le Marché Off

Le Marché Off was not your typical Christmas market with picket chalets. As a substitute, crafts, second-hand clothes, and natural and fair-trade meals had been bought from delivery containers. The emphasis is on selling an environmentally-friendly financial system. Additionally they held wine and music occasions and workshops. It’s fairly low-key when there aren’t occasions happening. I didn’t keep lengthy on account of this cause.

(e) Place Broglie: Christkindelsmarik

The Christkindelsmarik market (Market of the Christ baby) is without doubt one of the oldest markets, positioned in Place Broglie. It dates again to 1570. It additionally has one of many prettiest illuminated entranceway arch with lights overhead as effectively. I discovered this market had a number of meals chalets and it’s positioned simply 500 metres from the Cathedral. Don’t miss this Marché de Noël.

(f) Sq. Louise Weiss: Le Village de l’Avent And Le Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace

I visited Le Village de l’Avent, positioned at Louise Weiss Sq. twice: as soon as through the day and once more within the late afternoon (when it was darkish). The environment was so totally different every time. I particularly loved the dwell leisure because it acquired darkish. There was seating on benches and fireplace pits to maintain you heat.

The picket chalets on the Le Village de l’Avent line the pathway with the Quai de la Petite France within the background. Farmers and craftsmen promote distinctive items and meals known as “Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace”. These are native merchandise made 100% within the Alsace.

(g) Place du Temple Neuf: Le Marché du Carré d’Or

You’ll be able to’t assist however take your time strolling round Le Carré d’Or space of Strasbourg. Strolling down among the main streets within the space, akin to Rue des Orfèvres, Rue du Chaudron, Rue du Temple Neuf, you’ll be able to’t assist however preserve trying UP in any respect the shows.

Jewellery shops, patisseries, eating places, boutiques and sweet shops are adorned not simply with lights but in addition gigantic Christmas shows with Santa Claus, teddy bears, massive glowing baubles, and reindeers.

6. Christmas Markets In Colmar

Click on on the map or on this hyperlink, “Location of Christmas Markets in Colmar” and also you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all of the locations on this put up.

As talked about in my Itinerary #38, I took a brief practice trip from Strasbourg to Colmar only for the day so I might go to the Christmas markets, which had been excellent. Had I identified they had been so good and that the city was so quaint, I might need stayed a couple of nights, relatively than 4 nights in Strasbourg. An tour to Colmar is unquestionably value it. Listed here are the 6 areas the place there have been Marchés de Noël.

(a) Petite Venise

The Petite Venise space of Colmar is THE place to go to. Vibrant half-timbered buildings that are on either side of the La Lauch River. You’ll be able to take a ship journey alongside the river; nevertheless, it’s a delight to stroll alongside the roads and cross over the beautiful bridges. One of many bridges is at rue des Tanneurs, which is the oldest road within the metropolis.

(b) Place des Dominicains

Within the centre of Colmar is the Dominican church, Eglise des Dominicains, which was constructed starting within the late 1200s, however a lot of the reconstruction occurred within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineties.

Proper beside the church, quite a few chalets fill the Place des Dominicains space and apart from the mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages, choucroute, and crafts which are bought, yow will discover plenty of Santa hats and beards, too!

(c) Place Jeanne d’Arc

Strolling from the Schwendi fountain (with a statue of Common Lazarus Schwendi) alongside Grand Rue, you cross by extra half-timbered buildings—lodges, retailers, and eating places and arrive at Place Jeanne d’Arc the place there are extra chalets promoting meals, wine, and crafts.

(d) Koïfhus Indoor Market At Place de l’Ancienne Douane

The Koïfhus indoor market is positioned within the oldest public constructing in Colmar and was a former customs home (L’Ancienne Douane). In the course of the Christmas season, native artisans promote arts and crafts like leather-based merchandise, jewellery, and in addition meals merchandise.

(e) Le Marché Gourmand Noël-Connoisseur Market

Alongside rue de la Montagne Verte are some chalets, a ferris wheel and a connoisseur market below an open tent. There have been a couple of dozen distributors who had actually fascinating dishes; therefore the “connoisseur”.

I made a decision to have lunch right here and ordered 2 galettes de pommes de terre (potato pancakes) with smoked salmon and bitter cream and a glass of Crémant d’Alsace—glowing wine. Every thing was scrumptious. Complete value for lunch: 19 €.

(f) Marché Couvert

The coated market in Colmar dates from 1865 and it continues to be the place the place the place you should buy meats, cheese, fish, breads, fruits, and greens. You may also seize a chew….maybe a pretzel, meat pie, or pizza.

7. December Climate And What To Pack

Make sure to try my itinerary and my clothes suggestions. As I point out in my put up, the climate was unpredictable in early December starting from 8°-13° C.

December In Paris And Strasbourg: Climate And Clothes [Link: https://www.francetraveltips.com/paris-and-strasbourg-in-december/#h-d-paris-and-strasbourg-weather-in-december-and-what-to-pack   ]

Have you ever been to any Christmas markets in Paris, Strasbourg, or Colmar? Or maybe different cities in France? Do you might have any favourites? Please share!

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