Bonne Année and Joyeux Noel- Christmas market time!

It is holiday time in France, which is a very special time.  As families prepare for the Christmas festivities and feasts, they are also enjoying the traditional Christmas markets.  This is one of the many European traditions that I would love to see here in the United States!  Famed throughout Europe, Christmas markets are a “must see” if you are in France in December.  Known as the “Marché de Noel”,a visit to these markets makes you feel like you are stepping into a storybook. Beautiful twinkle lights shine over the cobblestone squares as the local producers sell their wares under little wooden stalls that are built for the occasion. Christmas cakes, gingerbread and mulled wine (“vin chaud”) beckon you to taste them.  Unusual decorations and crafts make perfect presents for friends and family. This is also a wonderful opportunity to restock your wine collection so keep your eyes open for some amazing French wine!  Some Christmas markets feature parades, bands and sound and light shows.  They are certainly a sight to see!

Although many of the larger markets are in northern France in places such as Lille and Strasbourg, they can be found throughout France in places like Toulouse, Reims, Colmar, Bordeaux and  Avignon. Although there are only a couple weeks remaining before the Christmas markets bid us “adieu” until next year, there is still plenty of time to experience this wonderous French tradition.  If you can dream it, we can make it happen.