A work trip to Paris in December has hit my schedule and I’d like to take a couple of days prior to work to visit somewhere new with a nice Christmas market. I’m traveling solo and will use public transportation and taxis. Arriving CDG 8Dec. and returning SAN 16 or 17Dec.
Looking for a city within 3 hours by train from Paris.
The obvious choice from searching the forum and guidebooks is to base in Strasbourg or Colmar. However, we visited the area in July of this year and had a wonderful time exploring various cities, including Colmar, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr.
I’d like to explore somewhere new.
The RS France book also lists Annecy Sarlat-la-Canéda for Christmas markets, but both seem to be at least 5 hours by train.
I see Metz listed as having a lovely Christmas market according to google search.
Any other cities that you recommend I investigate? Or should I go back to Colmar?
I don’t have a special love of Christmas markets. Just thinking it would be fun to check out.
I like exploring museums, churches, cafes and parks. I know that December weather will impact choice of activities.
Also, if you have a hotel recommendation in the city you recommend it would be appreciated.
Paris is covered with the Hôtel Signature-St-Germain-des-Prés.
Many thanks!
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1474 posts
Reims is close and good, and there's stuff to do even if you don't do the Christmas Market. Champagne, French Auto Museum, etc.
Metz is good, don't miss the Musée de La Cour d'Or or the indoor market by the cathedral.
Nancy has a really nice Christmas market that spills out the main square into the gardens. If it's not snowing you can easy buy a used bike from the shop in the alley behind Basilika Saint-Epvre for 40 euro and ride around, the city is flat.
Luxembourg is very good as long as you don't have to find parking.
Trier is great if you want to see Roman ruins, but a bit further out.
You might look at Orleans, I hear it's good.
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
In France Christmas markets are only native to the top right hand corner. The further away you get from there, the weaker the imitation of Strasbourg's Christmas market is.
By the time you get to Paris a Christmas market is 12 wooden sheds and tat from China
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1441 posts
Look into Chartres. Besides the Christmas Market, 6 - 24 December at Place des Halles, https://www.vitrines-chartres.com/agenda/marche-de-noel-de-chartres-2024-148.html, they also have Chartres en Lumieres, https://www.chartresenlumieres.com/en/, where the cathedral and area has a light show.
Posted by
OP
Solana Beach
113 posts
Thank you so much for the replies. I wish I had time to visit two cities! Right now it’s between Metz and Chartres due to ease of train schedules matching other commitments.
KGC. Thank you for the options. In addition to the Musée de La Cour d'Or, I understand the Centre Pompidou-Metz is interesting, at least from the outside. :) I’m not a huge fan of modern art.
Simon, Thank you for the information. I may check out a market while in Paris - only if time allows.
brushtim, Thank you for the links. We’ve seen the light show during the summer at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. It would be cool to see one during the winter. Plus I recall someone recently posting a good review of a hotel in Chartres.
edited to correct spelling error
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1379 posts
At the Tuileries you can get a feel for it. Same "delicacies " there that you'll find many other places.
Posted by
OP
Solana Beach
113 posts
Thank you Alexander, I'll check it out.