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THE GUIDE WINTER BREAKS 2018/19 Winter Breaks 2018/19


WINTER BREAKS 2018/19 THE GUIDE


This page: The bright lights of Arras; views from La Folie Douce hotel in Chamonix


CHRISTMAS MARKETS


Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of the season, France’s marchés de Noël are an open invitation to rekindle your sense of childlike wonder, get misty- eyed over all the pretty lights and gorge yourself silly on chocolate, cheese, charcuterie and steaming bags of chestnuts. From famous crowd-pleasers to a few smaller affairs, here is our pick of the top markets to visit this winter.


Arras


The Arras Christmas Market is one of the largest in northern France. In the magnificent setting of the Grand’ Place, a baroque square in the centre of town, a cluster of around 140 wooden huts displays a dazzling array of traditional crafts,


140 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2018


Christmas ornaments and specialist foods, and nearby a skating rink, merry-go-round, musical events and workshops really stir up the spirit of Christmas. There’s even a special appearance from good ol’ Saint Nick himself, who climbs down the belfry to hand out sweets to the kiddywinks. Check website for dates www.noelarras.com


Béthune


Up north in the Pas-de-Calais département, Béthune is a perfect Christmas market setting with its attractive paved square and UNESCO-listed belfry. Come December, the space morphs into a stage for rows of Flemish- style chalets, a carousel and a nativity scene for the youngsters. Visitors can also enjoy a handful of local treats, including the


This page: Whether you seek snowy peaks or sugar-laden pastries, France is filled with dreamy winter break ideas


tongue-in-cheek Âne de Buridan chocolates (named after philosopher Jean Buridan, who was born here) and various northern cheeses from La Prairie fromagerie. Best of all, Béthune is less than an hour’s drive away from Calais, making it an appealing weekend break if you’re travelling from the UK. December 2018 www.ville-bethune.fr


Lille


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 a star-topped tree, a lit-up Ferris wheel and a 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 and warming vin chaud. November 22 – December 30, 2018 www.noel-a-lille.com


year, the market’s guest of honour is Andalusia, so guests can look forward to traditions and crafts with a Spanish twist. November 24 – December 24, 2018 www.lumieres-de-noel.fr


“MONTBÉLIARD IS ENCHANTING IN THE LEAD-UP TO CHRISTMAS, ITS AIR FRAGRANT WITH SWEETS AND SPICE”


Montbéliard


The town of Montbéliard, Franche-Comté, is truly enchanting in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The air becomes fragrant with sweet and spicy goods, and there’s a dazzling array of arts and crafts, wooden toys and gastronomic delights to be found in its 150-plus stalls, including saucisse de Montbéliard. This


Sélestat


Christmas in Sélestat is a magical affair, with festivities reaching into the New Year. Families, friends, couples and children can all enjoy the exhibitions, events, concerts and skating rink, plus a visit from Saint-Nicolas and a jubilant Christmas Tree Parade. After all, it’s said that Sélestat started the tradition of decorating Christmas


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