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French Christmas Markets and
Christmas Shopping in France
Even though most people think of a holiday in France during the summer months, there are
lots of things to do and places to visit in the winter season and if you choose one of the
French
campsites open all year, you could then enjoy the fabulous Christmas markets or a skiing
holiday in France.
Anyway, in this article we are looking at Christmas markets in France and in general,
shopping in France during the Christmas period, because the festivities and atmosphere
make a holiday at this time of year even more appealing to many, especially for a family
holiday in France.
Strasbourg
The most well known Christmas market is located within Strasbourg, the capital of the
Alsace region in France, and it could even be the most well known within Europe, with
people visiting every day from all over.
Known as the Christkindelsmarik or Christ child market, it is located around the ancient
cathedral in the heart of the really historical centre of this city with its lovely quaint
narrow streets that have hundreds of different stalls.
Incredibly, this Christmas market was originally held back in the late 1500's and has
grown to a major event over the years, with there being hundreds of stalls today, that
attract absolutely thousands of visitors from all over the world, so its no surprise that
a family camping holiday at one of the French campsites open all year near to Strasbourg
is so popular, not forgetting the different crafts and gifts that you can purchase to take
back to your loved ones.
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This particular Christmas market
normally runs from the end of November through to Christmas Eve, although certain parts
with stalls are still awaiting your visit even up until New Years Eve.
Christmas In Paris
Paris, the capital city of France, is obviously a destination to think of for Christmas
shopping and Christmas markets, so here you will not be disappointed.
Now, even if you do not have your own motorhome or winterised touring van, getting to
Paris is definitely a lot easier to reach than some cities or regions of France and
therefore you could still opt for a French
campsite open all year near Paris with one of the mobile homes or chalets to rent.
Probably the most famous avenue in the world, the Champs Elysees, holds a Christmas market
every year from mid November through to Christmas Eve, yet the lights decorating this
avenue are also spectacular, leaving many people speechless and in awe.
In fact, when it comes to Paris, there are actually lots of different Christmas markets
that provide gifts, craft products, local specialities of cuisine and much more to tempt
you in different areas known as Arondissements, such as the Saint Germain des Pres area,
which becomes Santa's village.
However, we would like to point out that many of the Christmas markets in Paris do not
actually start until at least the first week of December like the one by the Eiffel Tower
at the Jardin de Trocadero and some finish even before the 24th December like
the one that is held opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Yet if you wanted to do a flying visit just to experience the atmosphere, the good thing
is that you could always utilise Eurostar for a daytrip to France and maybe even have time
to admire the department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette with their fabulous
window displays. But, of course, you could take a ferry to France and stay one or
two nights, whether it be on a French campsite open
all year or in accommodation such as a hotel in Paris to experience even more with the
twinkling lights of an evening.
Christmas Markets in other cities in France
No matter what you region of France you decide to visit on holiday, you will find that
most major towns and cities will make sure that everyone gets into the Christmas spirit by
holding some sort of Christmas market or craft fair, especially on the Eastern side of
France such as Colmar and Nancy.
However, other cities such as Bordeaux in the Aquitaine region, Clermont-Ferrand in the
Auvergne region and Lille in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, which of course is a lot
closer to the ferry crossings of the English Channel, also hold incredible Christmas
markets with all kinds of crafts and gifts plus regional specialities of cuisine to tempt
you even further.
Calais, which is a very convenient place to get to from the Channel Tunnel or the ferry
ports, also pulls out all the stops for Christmas shopping including a Christmas market
and is therefore a great destination for a day trip to France or a short weekend
break. With places like Carrefour being open every day so that you can stock up on
drink, perfumes and numerous gifts to make your festivities even better, it is the ideal
time for a family holiday in France with a difference. Also, instead of paying out
for a hotel or B&B, there are campsites
open all year in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region as well, some of which have mobile
homes to rent in case you do not have your own touring van.
Shopping in France During the Festive Season
Christmas time in France tends to be the busiest time of the year, which is actually the
same for most European countries and therefore the shops will often stay open longer to
take advantage of the amount everyone spends on extras.
Even local shops and the large out of town supermarkets
tend to have extended opening hours and often stay open at lunchtimes instead of the
normal two to three hour closure and this is especially true of the major towns and cities
that hold the Christmas markets as well.
Many shops and supermarkets also open on a Sunday for a few hours each weekend in the run
up to Christmas and lots also stay open later into the evening, so you will be able to
experience even more of an atmosphere on your family holiday in France at this very
special time.
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