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The best Christmas markets in France and how days for each city

Hi hello!

Here’s my plan and hope to get some advice.

Some context:
I am going to Brussels for work and I have about 9 days after my work trip for R&R. I will travel from 26 Nov (start of the advent) to catch the Christmas markets. And I have to catch my flight out of Frankfurt.

I would like to visit some cities in France and Germany that are well known for their Christmas markets. I have been to France once and visited Paris only and I have never been to Germany. I heard Amiens and Lillie have nice Christmas markets but I have limited time so I may just focus on Metz and Strasbourg or Colmar. Any recommendations for which cities to visit and how many days to spend (so I have sufficient time to enjoy the cities and all the markets without rushing too much)?

Also, any advice about nice Christmas market/day trip near Frankfurt is welcomed. Thanks!

Tentative Itinerary
Day 1: Brussels -> Paris, check out Paris’ Christmas markets (overnight Paris)
Day 2: Paris to Metz Day 1 (overnight Metz)
Day 3: Metz Day 2 (overnight Metz)
Day 4: Metz->Strasbourg, Strasbourg Day 1 (1.5 hr train, 18 euros) (overnight Strasbourg)
Day 5: Strasbourg Day 2(overnight Strasbourg)
Day 6: Strasbourg->Frankfurt (2.5 hr train, 33 euros) (overnight Frankfurt)
Day 7: Frankfurt Day 1
Day 8: Frankfurt Day 2
Day 9: Frankfurt Day 3 (day trip to another city)
Day 10: Depart Frankfurt

Posted by
7301 posts

Another vote for Stuttgart and Esslingen Xmas markets! They're great.
Don't expect much from the ones in Paris; focus on other paris attractions instead!

Posted by
2547 posts

@Pat That was a wonderful trip report and I concur on Strasbourg and Rothenburg. Esslingen will definitely be on my list when we go again.

I would add Colmar to the list as it is a short train ride from Strasbourg.

Posted by
78 posts

Hi all, thanks for all your help!

Do you recommend heading to Stuttgart and nearby Esslingen markets straight from Strasbourg? And then I can go to Frankfurt for my flight back home.

Also how many days do you recommend at each city: like Strasbourg, Metz, Colmar, Esslingen?

Pat, your trip report is amazing! Thanks!

Posted by
5606 posts

Wendy, thx, you will have a magical trip!