France
Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred, hosts a Christmas market around its Gothic cathedral (painted 30+ times by Monet).
Famous for
Joan of Arc's city — a Gothic cathedral (painted by Monet) and a half-timbered market.
Rouen is the Seine's medieval highlight — a city of half-timbered lanes and a Gothic cathedral so beautiful that Monet painted it more than 30 times, in different lights. The Christmas market, on the Place de la Cathédrale, sells Norman cider, Camembert, and cidre chaud (hot spiced cider — the French answer to glühwein). This is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431; the modern church of St. Joan marks the spot. Most Seine sailings stop for a full day here between Paris and Normandy.
Dates: Late Nov – Dec 31
Vibe: Gothic and historic — a medieval old town of half-timbered lanes.
Local tip
Walk the Rue du Gros Horloge at dusk — the medieval astronomical clock is illuminated, and the half-timbered lanes are at their most atmospheric.
France
Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed 'Capital of Christmas,' hosts France's oldest market (since 1570) across its UNESCO old town.
Late Nov – Dec 30
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Paris's Christmas markets along the Champs-Élysées and Tuileries, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour, anchor Seine sailings.
Mid-Nov – early Jan
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Honfleur's Vieux-Bassin harbor, painted by Boudin and Monet, hosts a small Advent market in one of Normandy's prettiest ports.
Advent weekends
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Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, hosts a Christmas market on Place Carnot during the famous Fête des Lumières festival of lights.
Early Dec – late Dec
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