Christmas & New Year Tours in France
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10 best Christmas & New Year France tour packages
Compiled by
SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas in the Seine Valley Valley - BOTTICELLI
- Paris, City of Love
- 8 Days in France
- Highlights of Paris & Versailles - 5 days
- 15 Days in Paris, Caen, Rocamadour and Burdeaux.
- 10 Days Tailor-Made Best France Tour, Private Guide & Exclusive Driver and Car
- Tailor-Made Private France Tour to Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley, Daily Departure
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - BOTTICELLI
Christmas comes alive aboard MS Botticelli in France. Midnight mass at Rouen Cathedral, festive dinner with regional wines, and Honfleur's Christmas Day charm await. Special holiday entertainment and Christmas presents included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$2,662
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Saintes, Arles, Lyon, Dijon, Versailles, Paris Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
- NZ$3,867
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From $4,455
25% Off- NZ$3,341You save $1,114
December tours showcase Paris's holiday markets and festive atmosphere. The illuminated Palace of Versailles glows while Lyon's Notre Dame de Fourvière offers winter views. Medieval towns like Sarlat share their Christmas traditions.
Duration 15 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Normandy Beach, Dinan, Angers, Amboise, Limoges, Padirac, Bordeaux, CarcassonneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
25% Off- NZ$6,166
Holiday cheer fills Star Champs-Elysees and Novotel Amboise during this French winter tour. Christmas markets near Notre Dame, Versailles' decorated halls, and seasonal wine tastings in Bordeaux's Medoc region create festive memories.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Amboise, Bordeaux Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
25% Off- NZ$17,540
France transforms into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets in Le Marais and holiday splendor at Versailles Palace. Norman cuisine awaits in Grandcamp-Maisy alongside evening-lit Loire Valley châteaux.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Caen, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy Beach, Tours, Amboise Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
25% Off- NZ$13,752
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The dinner at Mikal Favel was outstanding as was the e-bike Tour in the steps of Cezanne.”
Kathleen, traveled in September
Holiday markets in Aix-en-Provence and seasonal wine tastings in Côtes-de-Provence showcase French Christmas traditions. Decorated villages of Gordes and Roussillon charm visitors, while regional specialties star at the winter welcome dinner.
Duration 5 days Destinations Marseille, Aix-En-Provence, Apt, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator So Provence So Alps ! From
25% Off- NZ$3,378
Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip is ideal if you want to admire the Provence region off the beaten track; its small villages, its gastronomy, its colors and its smells.”
Ambre, traveled in July
Winter magic fills Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's Christmas markets and Châteauneuf-du-Pape's wine tastings. Avignon's Palais des Papes glows during evening tours as 11 historic cities celebrate the season.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Calanques National Park, Bandol, Cassis, Aix-En-Provence, Apt, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Alpilles, Les Baux de ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, French Operator So Provence So Alps ! From
25% Off- NZ$6,376
French Christmas traditions come alive with midnight mass at Rouen Cathedral and festive markets. A special Christmas Eve dinner aboard MS Botticelli features regional wines. The decorated Martainville Château and onboard Christmas presents highlight this Seine Valley celebration.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
25% Off- NZ$2,077
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in France
We enjoyed our tour of the hinterlands very much. Simon was wonderful to work with during the planning and pre-trip process. The boutique hotel had a wonderful staff who were happy to help in anyway that they could. It was wonderful to stay in one place for all four nights. The E bike tour was most enjoyable and Jerome was a wonderful guide. The tour to the Luberon villages was delightful. We very much enjoyed strolling through each of the villages. The wine tour was not what we are used to in the US. It was a bit disappointing that there was nowhere to sit to enjoy the tasting and felt quite rushed. The shuttle drivers that Simon had arranged for us were very professional and prompt. The vehicles were clean and we felt very safe. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful village, larger and a bit busier than we anticipated.
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- Paris and Versailles
Everything was good. The hotel was what I expected for 3 stars. The only thing that went wrong was that my ride to the airport never showed up. I had to pay for and find other means to get there.
Choose WiseYatra above the rest! We had a fantastic trip to Paris. No stress because it was all planned out and booked for us.
Up to 25% off - Trip around Paris in Five days
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in France
What are the best destinations to visit in France during Christmas & New Year?
France's holiday season transforms its cities into festive destinations. Paris leads with the Eiffel Tower's light displays and decorated Champs-Élysées while Strasbourg hosts one of Europe's largest Christmas markets. The Loire Valley châteaux dress up in holiday decor. Bordeaux combines wine experiences with Christmas markets and upscale stays at places like the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. The medieval streets of Rouen come alive with traditional celebrations. Nice offers a different take on the holidays with Mediterranean charm and lit-up Promenade des Anglais. River routes on the Seine and Loire are popular choices with companies like CroisiEurope offering stops at decorated riverside towns.
What unique Christmas traditions will I experience on a French holiday tour?
French Christmas traditions run deep in local culture. Visitors can join "Messe de Minuit" (Midnight Mass) in historic churches like Notre-Dame de Rouen explore the "Marchés de Noël" in Strasbourg and Colmar and see Lyon's "Fête des Lumières." Hotels like Le Meurice Paris keep traditions alive such as children leaving shoes for Père Noël. River cruise companies include regional customs in their programs. In Provence travelers can take part in the "13 desserts" tradition while special Christmas Eve "Réveillon" celebrations let visitors spend time with local families.
How different are New Year celebrations across various French regions?
French regions welcome the New Year in distinct ways. Paris centers on the Champs-Élysées where the Arc de Triomphe becomes the focus of midnight celebrations. The French Riviera cities of Nice and Cannes put on formal dinners at venues like Hotel L'Interlude before fireworks light up the Mediterranean. Provence mixes wine and tradition at places like the Novotel Amboise. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The New Year's celebration in Nice was incredible with fireworks reflecting off the Mediterranean and the whole Promenade des Anglais turning into one big party."
What special Christmas Eve dining experiences are available in France?
Christmas Eve in France centers on food and celebration. Bordeaux's river cruises serve special dinners with wine pairings and offer trips to midnight mass. Restaurants near Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral prepare traditional "Réveillon" feasts. The Pullman Bordeaux Lac hosts holiday galas featuring regional dishes. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our Christmas Eve dinner in Bordeaux was outstanding featuring local wines and traditional French holiday dishes creating an unforgettable celebration."
What weather should I expect during Christmas & New Year in France?
Winter weather varies across France. Paris sees temperatures of 3-8°C (37-46°F) with possible snow. The French Riviera stays mild at 12-15°C (54-59°F). Strasbourg and Colmar drop to 0-5°C (32-41°F) setting the mood for Christmas markets. Visitors should bring warm clothes for the north lighter layers for the south. A TourRadar traveler noted: "December in Paris was chilly but the festive atmosphere made it magical especially when light snow fell during our Christmas market visit."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in France?
Holiday tours in France need early planning. Most travelers book 6-12 months ahead. Data shows people reserve river cruises like CroisiEurope's Loire Valley Christmas tour an average of 635 days in advance. Alsace Christmas market tours and Paris luxury hotels often fill up a year before. Companies like AmaWaterways report their Christmas and New Year Burgundy cruises typically book 4-8 months out showing the high interest in festive season travel.