THE GUIDE WINTER BREAKS 2017/18


ARRAS CHRISTMAS TOWN


CHRISTMAS MARKET


24th NOVEMBER • 30th 2017


Christmas market North of Paris


The biggest DECEMBER


Vichy has been a spa town since Roman times, but is thoroughly modern


Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais- les-Bains


The spa resort in Saint-Gervais- les-Bains has been immersing customers in its warm natural waters since 1807. Recognised for its remedial qualities, it’s garnered a large following over the years to become a popular spot for holidaymakers looking to unwind. The minerals work wonders for your skin and a wide selection of beauty and clinical treatments is sure to leave you feeling revitalised. www.spa-thermal-mont-blanc.com


CHRISTMAS MARKETS Christkindelsmärik A short hop from Germany, the undisputed motherland of Christmas markets, Strasbourg holds a glittering marché de Noël each year, the famous Christkindelsmärik. Arguably one of the most enchanting markets of its kind, as well as being one of the oldest – it’s been running here outside the cathedral since 1570 – the Christkindelsmärik draws visitors in their millions to enjoy its illuminated stalls and giant tree, with the spicy aromas of traditional vin chaud pervading the streets. November 24 – December 24 www.noel.strasbourg.eu


www.noelarras.com


Arras Christmas market The Arras Christmas Market has, over the years, become one of the largest in northern France, welcoming more than a million


148 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2017 FT164.WINTER BREAK GUIDE.indd 148 08/09/2017 15:04 Untit Sans


visitors last year. In the magnificent setting of the Grand Place, a baroque square in the centre of the town, around 100 exhibitors create a pedestrian district devoted to the seasonal festivities. An impressive 140 wooden huts offer a range of goods from traditional crafts, including decorations and gift ideas for Christmas, to gourmet and specialist food selections. With a skating rink, merry-go- round, musical events and workshops, the market square stirs up the spirit of Christmas, and there’s a special appearance on December 6 from Saint Nicolas, who climbs down the belfry to give sweets to the children in the Town Hall. Plus, there are brand new features for 2017: two giant Advent pyramids at the market’s entrance, and a Mongolian yurt to host the various events throughout the period. November 24 – December 30 www.noelarras.com


Lille Christmas market Every year, Lille holds a Christmas market right in the city centre. The gothic Palais Rihour provides a dramatic backdrop to this colourful wonderland, complete with star-topped tree, lit-up ferris wheel and sprawl of 82 charming stalls. Shopping here is a pleasure, thanks to the abundance of local artisanal goods and seasonal treats: Italian chocolate, Liège waffles, gingerbread, foie gras, cheese


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IMAGE © JÉRÔME MONDIÈRE


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