France is a fantastic vacation all year round, but winter has a special beauty. With snow-capped mountains, ski runs, and a hint of Mediterranean sun, winter in France will impress and thrill those who don’t mind thick jackets and scarves. Get last-minute travel deals to France and make your Christmas vacation amazing. The Eiffel Tower beneath the Christmas lights is a popular destination for travellers, especially those from the European Union/Schengen Area. Since 2020, France has maintained some of the most rigorous COVID-19 regulations. Check out the best travel agencies in France for better planning your trip to France. A reliable travel agent will help you in Choosing a Hotel suitable for you and your family. France has been locked down three times since, despite visitors last summer.
Who Can Now Enter France?
Travellers from 38 countries, including citizens of the other 26 EU member states, can enter France if vaccinated. Previously, travellers from the green list could enter France without restrictions, regardless of vaccination status. Since Coronavirus infections have re-emerged, everyone must now provide a valid EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate or similar equivalent document. Extra entrance regulations apply to some travellers. Vaccinated travellers from these countries can enter without any restrictions. They need to show confirmation of complete vaccination with one of the French-approved vaccines.
Unvaccinated tourists from the green nations can enter France, providing proof of COVID-19 infection within the last six months or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated travellers over 12 must be tested. The requirements for passengers from green-listed countries entering France differ. Because these countries are currently “under surveillance”, they have special rules. Unvaccinated travellers from these 18 EU countries must have a negative PCR test result within 24 hours.
Christmas in France: Fun Facts
On Christmas Eve, many French families attend mass at their local church. In the early hours of Christmas morning, families assemble for a long and lavish supper called Réveillon. Aside from excellent Christmas food, France has several distinctive traditions. Christmas has no cards or carol singers. The French prefer a peaceful and solemn Christmas.
Families gather around the fireplace to play France Christmas games. Instead of beautiful stockings for Santa, youngsters in France leave their shoes! They wake up to find their shoes filled with treats! Most countries have a Santa Claus tradition, but in France, Santa always responds! So many beautiful facts about Christmas in France! Visit Christmas to discover more! Here are some of the best places to visit in France.
Paris
No other city is as romantic as Paris. Paris around Christmas is a sight to behold. The Eiffel Tower, Marais, and Notre Dame are brightly illuminated, and the many bustling boutiques and unique atmosphere enhance the season’s festivities. Every year around Christmas, the city has various Christmas markets to experience the French Christmas traditions. The market in La La Défense is a must-see. It is the town’s largest market, directly in front of contemporary skyscrapers. Traditional wooden chalets are erected up to La Grande Arche for Christmas.
Sarlat: medieval and festive
Sarlat’s Christmas village brings three weeks of colour and warmth to the year-round Dordogne. It has 42 lovely cabins arranged around an ice rink. The village shows the work of artisans from all around France, offering unique gift choices. There are several products to enjoy on-site or take away. Locals enjoy truffles, walnuts, and foie gras. The market has a tavern where you may warm yourself with mulled wine or Christmas beer. The holiday decor and festive atmosphere are amazing.
Reims: Christmas bubbles
Reims has the region’s largest Christmas market. It’s also one of France’s largest, with 135 chalets selling gourmet foods, crafts, and gift ideas. This famous market is held yearly in the tree-lined pedestrian lanes around Place d’Erlon and the city centre. An ice rink and Santa’s Grotto are also in the Place du Forum. There’s a traditional funfair and a Ferris Wheel with stunning views of the city. An audiovisual display at the Cathedra. Plus local events, workshops, and music. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, crafts, presents, and a glass or two of bubbly.
Strasbourg’s Weihnachtsmarkt
Strasbourg, the region’s capital, is the region’s—and Europe’s—top Christmas destination. La Marché de Nol, with its half-timbered buildings and gigantic Christmas tree, is a spectacular sight. This Christmas market dates back to 1570. Hot spiced white wine, foie gras, bretzels, and bredele pastries with cinnamon-perfumed almonds are all on the menu. Shearling slippers and hand-blown ornaments are available. On Saturdays and Sundays, the atmosphere around La Petite France’s cafés and rivers are magnificent. The eco-friendly OFF Market in Strasbourg is a modern mix of organic fare, original artworks, vintage furniture, and clothing by local designers.
Nicolas Festivities in Nancy
Nancy goes crazy the first weekend in December. Over 100,000 guests from all over Europe gather on this Alsace-Lorraine holiday hotspot for a weekend-long celebration honouring Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Lorraine. Villages Saint-Nicolas hosts an amazing winter market with dozens of Christmas chalets in Nancy’s historic Place Stanislas throughout December.
Getting to France in the winter is easy, especially for people from the UK and Europe. Even better, holiday travellers to France are spoiled for choice regarding where to go and what to do. The Alps are one of the best places for winter sports, and the rich cuisine complements the frigid conditions.
