France in December, a country full of monuments, culture and unique atmosphere, takes on a special charm. Holidays in France during this period are like a dream for lovers of a festive mood. When we arrive at this country at the end of the year, we are immediately greeted by Christmas Paris, which shines with thousands of lights, and Christmas markets give him even more charm.
Throughout France, you can feel the magical atmosphere of the upcoming holidays in December. A unique atmosphere, which, combined with a rich history and culture, makes holidays in France really unforgettable. What's more, for winter sports lovers, France in December offers excellent skiing conditions in its mountain regions.
You can not forget about Christmas traditions that are deeply rooted in French culture. From traditional dishes to Christmas decorations - all this means that France in December is an ideal place for holidays.
If you are wondering where to go and what to see in France in December, this article will provide you with all the necessary information. Will it be Christmas Paris, ski slopes or Christmas markets - France has a lot to offer in December.
Why should you choose France for holidays in December
France, known for its rich culture and history, looks in December in a completely different, magical installment, which makes it an ideal place for holidays.
Description of climate and weather
In December, France offers climate variety. In northern regions, such as Normandy or Bretania, temperatures oscillate around 3-7 ° C. Snow in these places is rare, but frosty mornings are common. However, in the French Alps, where skiing in France reaches its apogee, temperatures fall below 0 ° C, and the snow cover can reach up to a few meters.
Christmas decorations and atmosphere
As for the festive mood, it's hard to find a better place than Christmas Paris. The Eiffel Tower is illuminated by thousands of lights, Christmas fairs along the Seine, as well as decorative streets such as Champs-élysées, make the capital of France a real paradise for Christmas lovers. Many other cities, such as Strasbourg or Lille, are also famous for its beautiful Christmas fairs and decorations.
Throughout France, from small villages to large metropolises, the tradition of decorating public spaces is very strong. Trees, fountains, squares and bridges are beautifully decorated, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of Christmas.
But not only the decorations attract tourists. The French are known for their care for traditions, so you can't miss special Christmas dishes that appear on the tables such as Foie Gras, Snails or the famous Buche de Noël. These culinary specialties, available in many restaurants and cafes, additionally make holidays in France more pleasant.
By choosing France for holidays in December, you will not only experience climate diversity, but also immerse yourself in deeply rooted Christmas traditions, which make this country unique at this magical time of the year.
The most popular places to visit
Paris during the holiday season
Paris, called the "city of lights", in December becomes a real pearl, whose splendor overshadows other European capitals. Christmas Paris is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. The city streets, such as Champs-Élysées, are decorated with thousands of lights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. But it is not only the lights that attract tourists. Christmas fairs, arranged in different parts of the city, offer a lot of handicrafts, treats and gifts. Among the main attractions you cannot skip the ice rink under the Eiffel Tower and the Christmas show at Galeries Lafayette.
Mountain regions
For winter sports lovers, mountain regions in France in December are a real paradise. The French Alps offer countless skiing routes for skiers at every level of advancement. In places such as Chamonix or Meribel, ski tourism is reaching the peak of popularity in December. Skiing in France in December is not only excellent slopes, but also high -quality infrastructure and luxurious resorts.
Castles over the Loire decorated for the holidays
The Loire Valley, known for its beautiful castles, acquires additional charm in December. Many castles, such as Château de Chambord or Château de Chenonceau, are decorated for Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere conducive to sightseeing. Many of them offer special Christmas programs and exhibitions that attract tourists from around the world.
When you plan a holiday in France in December, these places are absolutely mandatory to visit. Whether it is Paris's lights, alps slopes or castles over the Loire - each of these places offers unforgettable experiences.
Traditions and holidays in December
How the French celebrate Christmas
In France, Christmas is primarily a time spent with family. On December 24, in the evening, families gather to a joint Christmas dinner called "Réveillon". This special event often lasts until late at night and combines with the exchange of gifts.
Traditionally, in some regions of France in December, 13 desserts representing Jesus and twelve apostles are served during "Réveillon". In Provence, for example, on the table you will find dried fruit, nuts and special cakes.
In many homes in France you can also find characteristic cribs, called "Crèches", depicting the birth of Christ. In the region of Provence, cribs are particularly popular and often present not only biblical figures, but also daily scenes from the life of the village.
Traditional French Christmas dishes
French cuisine is known all over the world, and its holiday specialties are a real feast for the palate. During the festive "Réveillon", the table often appears on the table, snails in garlic butter and various types of meat, such as duck or turkey.
You also can't forget about "Bûche de noël", a traditional French cake in the shape of a poured wood, which is often served as a dessert during a Christmas dinner.
Other traditional dishes include oysters, which are often eaten raw with lemon or vinaigrette, as well as various types of roast and soups, such as "pot-au-feu".
Practical tips
How to get there?
In December, France is perfectly connected to both Poland and from other European countries. The most popular means of transport is a plane. Airports such as Charles de Gaulle in Paris or Lyon-Saint Exupéry in Lyon support daily flights from many European cities. For those who prefer to travel on land, there are many rail connections - TGV trains offer a quick and convenient connection between the main cities.
Where to stop?
In France you will find a wide range of accommodation - from luxury hotels in the center of Paris to charming guesthouses in wine regions. For people looking for more economical options, there are many hostels and cheap hotels. It is worth booking accommodation in advance, especially in December, when many places are reserved for Christmas.
What to see in a short time
If you only have a few days to visit, focus on the main attractions. In Paris, you can't miss the Eiffel, Louvre or Champs-Élysées tower, especially when they are festively decorated. For those who prefer mountain regions, the French Alps are recommended. If you are interested in culture and history, castles over the Loire are mandatory.
Summary
In December, France offers an extraordinary combination of culture, history, culinary and beautiful landscapes. Christmas decorations, traditional dishes and deeply rooted traditions make this country a unique place for holidays at that time. Regardless of whether you are planning a romantic trip to Paris, a family vacation on ski slopes or cultural sightseeing of castles, France will certainly not disappoint you. We encourage you to spend an unforgettable vacation in France in December!
