Hello friends! I just scored a great flight deal into CDG for the first week of December 2025. Had I planned on going to France next year? No. But it was a great deal. We will only have a week. 8 nights 7 days. This is a bonus trip for us. While Paris is delightful any time of year I am starting to wonder if we should pop down to the Loire Valley for a few nights or even plan one over night in Strasbourg. We have been to Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, & Giverny. But never Loire. I have heard Strasbourg is delightful at Christmas. Would that be a better option given the weather? We have also been to Paris the last week of November so we are aware the weather will be hit or miss. I had originally thought we would just spend the entire time in Paris. But my brain has started going over possibilities. Would love anyone’s feedback that has been to France this time of year!
Posted by
Boston
196 posts
If you've never been to the Christmas markets, I'd take the train and either stay in Strasbourg or Colmar for 3 nights. Both easily accessible and inexpensive if purchased well in advance (tickets go on sale 4 months out). Colmar is 30 minutes on a local train to Strasbourg, that goes every half hour all day.
Three nights will allow you to visit the markets in Colmar and the smaller wine towns surrounding Colmar. These smaller towns each have their own markets. Or stay in Stasbourg and visit Colmar for a day.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6614 posts
At that time of year, I'd do Strasbourg. Both Loire and Strasbourg are lovely places to visit. I think Loire would be nicer at another time of year, and with the other option of Strasbourg, I'd absolutely pick Strasbourg which is a picturesque city to begin with, but I think going at Christmas time would be quite special. Strasbourg is farther away, I'd consider 2 or perhaps 3 nights, depending on how many nights you want to be in Paris.
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
205 posts
Thank you! Our flight gets us into CDG at 1:30pm. Looks from this year that we could catch a train to Strasbourg. Would you recommend 3 nights in the area and 5 in Paris or do you think we need more time in Strasbourg that time of year? There looks to be plenty to do and we have been to Paris before. Curious on your thoughts. I worry that Colmar might be a bit too sleepy for us in the evenings to base there in December.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6614 posts
It depends if you'd like to also go to Colmar and some of the smaller wine villages. To visit the smaller wine villages you pretty much need a tour or rental car. I know there is limited bus service, as well. You can just do Strasbourg and Colmar if you'd like to stick to public transportation.
Do we know if you've been to Paris before? If you have I'd say for sure do at least 4 nights in Strasbourg since you will be dealing with jet lag at the start of your trip.
When I'm trying to decide how to allocate days, I always am biased towards the city that is not a hub. You could try to cover Strasbourg and environs, and check that area off your list. If you come up short with Paris, its likely you would end up in Paris again on future trips. I hope that reasoning makes sense.
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
205 posts
Thanks Jules M! We have been to Paris before. This will be my fourth visit and my husband’s third. We did Normandy, Mont St Michel, and 5 nights in Paris most recently in 2023. I never get tired of Paris! We are thinking of dividing the time 4 and 4. While we can drive and did in 2023 I think we will stick to trains this trip. We are interested in Colmar and would also like to see the Strasbourg market in the evening which is why I think I was leaning more towards it as a base. I can see your point about choosing not a transportation hub though. Normally less busy! We would be open to a tour if we decided to do the smaller towns. With this trip being so sort we will be just getting used to the time when it is time to come home. This is a bonus trip for us and I feel so fortunate that we can make it happen!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6614 posts
I follow Adventures with Sara on Facebook. She is currently in Strasbourg and did a short video. She promises a longer one later tonight.
Posted by
OP
Orlando FL
205 posts
Jules M - Ha!! I follow her too. I am on a day off work today and was able to watch live. So much fun.