France
Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, hosts a Christmas market on Place Carnot during the famous Fête des Lumières festival of lights.
Famous for
France's gastronomic capital at Christmas — and the Fête des Lumières in early December.
Lyon is the Rhône's gateway and France's undisputed food capital — the city of bouchons (traditional taverns), quenelles, and Paul Bocuse. Its Christmas market, on Place Carnot, coincides with the Fête des Lumières (December 8), a four-day festival where the entire city is illuminated with candle and projection art. The combination of a market and a city-wide light festival makes Lyon's December unique among river-cruise ports. The Préniale de Lyon (pink praline tart) is the signature sweet. Most Rhône sailings start or end here.
Dates: Early Dec – late Dec
Vibe: Gastronomic and luminous — France's food capital dressed for the holidays.
Local tip
Time your visit for the Fête des Lumières (Dec 8) if you can — it's one of the world's great light festivals, with installations across the whole city.
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