Whether you are looking for a unique Christmas shopping experience or a relaxing Christmas
vacation, you can be sure that a short break or holiday in France during the festive season will be truly memorable. Traditionally, housewives in rural France would spend much of the two weeks before Christmas preparing and baking typical local festive dishes. The food markets originated and developed in order to supply them with all the ingredients they needed.
Christmas in France is a sensuous experience as you weave in and out of enticing stalls laden with unique handcrafted gifts and delectable goodies to make sensational Christmas recipes. Many of the larger Christmas markets are held in the North of France, along with special festivities and parades, so
hopping across the channel for some Christmas shopping and spectacle could not be easier.
One of the closest major chirstmas markets is held in Arras (Pas-de-Calais) and this year runs from 27th November until Christmas Eve. Around 60 exhibitors offer a wide selection of arts and crafts at the Beautiful location of La Grand Place, as well as local delicacies like chocolate rats (!), Atrébate beer and Coeurs d'Arras - heart-shaped biscuits which come in two flavours, ginger and cheese. Entertainment includes cooking lessons with chefs, craft demonstrations, a merry-go-round, heated shelters, and of course meeting Father Christmas!
Aimens Christmas Market
The capital of Picardy, Amiens, is well known for its Gothic cathedral but also for one of the largest and greatest Christmas Markets in Northern France. The quaint streets in the town centre display over 120 chalets and stalls transforming the area into a beautiful Christmas Alpine festive scene. Produce from the region such as Amiens macaroons and marrons glacés, smoked and potted eel, shrimp, duck and trout, as well as pâtés of all kinds, are sold alongside local Maroilles cheeses from the Laon area.
The market is the best place to stock up on your Christmas drinks, look out for Marne Valley Champagne and homemade ciders. Your choice of gift can vary from Picardy's Le Creuset kitchenware, fine crystal and hand-made glass, Angora sweaters straight from the farm, specialist beauty products, and baskets in all shapes and sizes.
Entertainment is provided in the form of shows, carol singing and activities for children, as well as an ice-skating rink, merry-go-rounds and plenty of vin chaud - the perfect warm drink in winter. Wander through the pedestrianised streets with ease and be enthralled with Christmas trees, decorations and the festive atmosphere.
Amiens glows with festive spirit from the 24th November to the 29th December. Then from the 1st December to the 1st January at dusk the Cathedral is brightly illuminated and music fills the air it is pure magic.
