5 Traditional French Christmas markets you need to know about

While many choose to traverse to Germany and Austria for their festive market fix, France is often forgotten about over its other European neighbours. Not to mention, closer and more affordable to get to.

These Christmas markets, known as marchés de Noël, are deeply rooted in local history and culture, each market showcasing the distinct traditions of its region. These markets are not merely seasonal gatherings; they are living embodiments of French culture and passed down traditions. This means that each will be slightly different according to the traditions and local history of the area, offering a unique glimpse into what Christmas looks like for locals in that region. What’s more, with many markets turning to local makers, these (as they should) are ensuring that "made in France" stallholders are a majority.

French Christmas markets offer a level of tradition and authenticity that is unparalleled in other nearby countries, while also offering dramatically shorter travel times via train (with some only taking just over two hours from door to door). These are the five traditional French Christmas markets you need to know about this Christmas.

Dates: November 24, 2023—December 30, 2023

Opening times:  Monday to Friday: midday—7.30pm, Saturday: 10am—9pm, Sunday: 10am—7.30pm

Head to Arras for history, culture and tradition in abundance at their Christmas market. This festive market (the largest market north of Paris) is located in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region and is held from late November to December. The market transforms the city's Grand Place into a wonderland taking over three squares with over 100 stalls in front of the Baroque style architecture. It offers traditional vin chaud (French mulled wine), gourmet chocolate (head to Maison Vayez for gourmet lime and hibiscus hot chocolate) and local delicacies, such as sweet chicory confectionery, andouillette, and the historical Arras chocolate rats.

The town is swept into Christmas with every corner adorned with intricate decorations and a breathtaking light show illuminating the UNESCO-listed Beffroi d'Arras (chiming each quarter of an hour). Crown your market visit with a night ride on the iconic beacon of the market—the Ferris wheel, which offers a gentle ride and views of the illuminated town and surrounding countryside below.

Dates: December 1, 2023—January 6, 2024

Opening times: Every day: 10am—7pm

The Avignon Christmas Market blends tradition and festivity with the addition of local Provencal specialities. From the end of November until the end of December, the city's historic centre is transformed with over 120 wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations lining the streets. Venture further into the market to the Chemin des Crèches, a charming light trail showcasing elaborate nativity scenes illuminated around unique light displays.

Looking for a special memento? Pick up a traditional Santon handmade and small hand-painted terra-cotta figurine, which make up the traditional Christmas scenes locals have in their homes.

Dates: November 25, 2023—December 25, 2023

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 10.30am—8.30pm, Friday and Saturday: 10.30am—10pm

The market is located in the heart of Toulouse, on the Place du Capitole. It's surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Capitole itself and the Jacobins church. The city is well-known for its terracotta architecture which serves as a fairytale exterior to their Christmas market.

Open until December 25, this is a market that places a focus on shopping sustainably from the local traders, only purchasing what you need. Their speciality is the Aligot, a warming comfort dish of Tome cheese and mashed potatoes from the Aveyron area in the Midi-Pyrénées.

Dates: November 24, 2023—December 30, 2023

Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 2pm—7pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10am—7pm

For a medieval choice, pick Colmar (only two hours and 20 minutes from Paris by train). This medieval-style Christmas market recreates the traditional ambience of an Alsace village. The town's Christmas market is an ensemble of six distinct mini markets, each dedicated to a speciality including everything from local culinary delights or handcrafted gifts. The festive cabins continue out into its ancient alleyways and gracefully occupy the picturesque streets, seamlessly blending with the medieval and early Renaissance town buildings.

Colmar is also the capital and centre of Alsatian wine, meaning that it is at the heart of the region's wine production and culture. The area is home to a number of wineries and speciality wine-makers, alongside its seven speciality Alsatian wines, which can be sipped and tried at their speciality Christmas food market.

Dates: November 24, 2023—December 27, 2023

Opening times: Every day: 11am—9pm

The Bordeaux Christmas market takes place every year in the Allées de Tourny, a large park in the city centre. Each year the market is put together and organised by the Association of Merchants and Craftsmen—"La Ronde des Quartiers de Bordeaux"—ensuring local craftsmen and makers are at the forefront of the vendors. The market is open from late November to December and features over 200 stalls selling a variety of locally-made and crafted gifts, food and speciality liquors and drinks. At the food stalls expect traditional delights such as flammekueche (flame cake), aligot (a cheese and mashed potato-based dish), roasted chestnuts and bretzels (giant pretzels).

There is one food in particular linked to the city, and that is chocolate. Steeped in chocolate-making heritage since 1969, the Bordeaux region boasts a tapestry of renowned chocolate factories, with numerous stalls at the market showcasing this exquisite local craft. Expect everything from ganaches and pralines to handmade truffles, using high quality local ingredients, to take home with you.