After talking it thru with hubby, he wants to go to Provence. I am interested in Strassbourgh. Plan to stay 3 nights (Dec 24 to 26) in either one, but not both. Then fly to Barcelona. Would appreciate thought which one is better during these times. We can always come back next trip to visit the other one.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Personally, I would save Provence for the spring and enjoy the amazing Christmas markets of Strasbourg and Colmar in the winter. But I have only been to Provence in the spring so I can't give fully informed advice. Not sure whether markets will be open after Christmas, though.
Posted by
shingle springs, CA, USA
782 posts
Strasbourg is much better for the Xmas markets and you can also Cross over into Germany to visit some of the closer markets like Freiburg and Baden Baden.
Mike
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Strasbourgh Christmas market is recognized generally as the oldest Christmas market in Europe. Going back to the 14th century. It is a grand market spread over the city.
PS -- Just noticed your dates -- many Christmas markets will begin shutting down at noon on the 24th. The 25th will be completely dead and 26th can be a huge travel day.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10188 posts
Frank is right. The only place in the North I’d stay on those dates would be Paris. These are family celebrations so most everthing shuts down. If you are going out to eat on the evening of the 24th or 25th, there will be a set-price holiday meal that you have to reserve in advance. You could also perhaps find a Chinese restaurant or Turkish kabobs.
I’m not sure how much is open in Provence, though when I was in Aix just before Christmas one year, it was pretty dead. If you go to Provence, you will do better in larger cities such as Marseille and Arles, unless you can assure there will be restaurants open in the smaller villages. Again, reserve. There will still be places you can drive to even if charming little shops are closed: Cassis, St. Maximum St. Baume and the mountains St. Baume and St. Victoire. Just hope the Mistral winds aren’t blowing. In that case be sure to bring a book and hole up somewhere.
I've been on the Riviera over Christmas and did have places to go see, but we were staying with family that lives there and used our cars.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Thank you all for the inputs.
Posted by
30 posts
Agreed - Strasbourg is magical at Christmas. We stayed three nights at La Bouclier d'Or and loved this gem of a hotel.
http://www.lebouclierdor.com/
Posted by
Birmingham, AL, USA
222 posts
We stayed in Colmar and day tripped to Strasbourg for the Christmas Market in 2016. From Colmar, we were able to take a shuttle to the small Alsatian towns for the incredible Christmas markets. In my opinion, the Alsatian markets were many times better than the market in Strasbourg. Of course, we were there in 2016 shortly after the Berlin attack and the security was incredibly tight. The main plaza was almost completely empty with the market spread out among the side streets. Only the Christmas tree occupied the plaza. I agree with the comments on timing. Most markets close at noon on Christmas Eve so you will miss out at that time.