Christmas & New Year Tours in France

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.