THE GUIDE WINTER 2022/23 WINTER 2022/23


Clockwise from this picture: Lyon’s spectacular Fête des Lumières began on December 8, 1852; the Christmas Village at Lille; treat yourself – or a loved one – to some thoroughly French gifts this Christmas from Aimee’s French Market; Les Lumières de Noël in Montbéliard; blue lights all a-twinkle in Strasbourg; Christmas lights in Paris


CHRISTMAS MARKETS


For a guaranteed injection of yuletide cheer, head for one of the many Christmas markets held across France. Sparkling lights, mulled wine, winter food and Christmas gifts will put a smile on the face of even the most miserable Grinch. With their Germanic influence, the east and northeast of France offer some of the best markets.


Arras


Immerse yourself in the glorious Flemish Baroque architecture of Arras’s Grand’Place and marvel at a veritable forest of Christmas trees as you wander through stalls selling artisanal produce, jewellery, toys and more at one of France’s largest Christmas markets. There’s also a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an ice rink, a toboggan track, a Christmas train and an ice sculpture


136 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2022


exhibition. Don’t forget to refuel on delicious crêpes, waffles and vin chaud. This year, the festival runs from December 3 until January 2. www.noelarras.com/fr


Dijon


Place Darcy and Rue de la Liberté are turned into a winter wonderland of chalets offering local products and gourmet treats. Elsewhere, on Place de la Libération and Place de la République, there’s also an open-air ice rink, a vast Christmas tree, magical illuminations, a Ferris wheel, a truffle market and rides for children. Keep your eyes peeled for Santa Claus himself shimmying down from the top of the Tour Philippe Le Bon de Dijon, a tradition dating back to 1951. It all starts in November – exact date yet to be confirmed. www.dijon.fr


IMAGES © PHILIPPE DE REXEL, AIMEE’S FRENCH MARKET, FÊTE DES LUMIÈRES, LILLE VILLAGE DE NOËL, LUMIÈRES DE NOËL MONTBÉLIARD, OT STRASBOURG


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