French Christmas Markets: A Perfect Itinerary

Start your trip in Strasbourg, the heart of Christmas in France and just a 2-hour train ride from Paris.

Morning Arrival

Getting there: Book your train tickets early for the best prices.

Where to stay: Check into the Hôtel Cour de Courbeau, located outside the no-traffic zone for quieter, easier access to the markets.

Evening Charm

Visit Strasbourg’s over 10 Christmas markets, all concentrated in its picturesque historic core. Start with:

• Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie.

• The iconic Place Kléber, with its giant Christmas tree.

• The enchanting La Petite France district with cobbled streets and festive lights.

Explore the markets at night, when the twinkling lights and festive smells of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Spend the day delving deeper into Strasbourg’s holiday magic.

Morning Markets

Explore more markets during the daytime for shopping and handcrafted goods. Don’t miss:

Additional stalls scattered across Place Gutenberg and Place Saint Thomas.

Must-See: Strasbourg Cathedral

The Strasbourg Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece with an astronomical clock that chimes at 12:30 pm. Arrive early for the best view.

Afternoon Discovery

Take a leisurely stroll through the historical core and enjoy the festive decorations, or return to your favorite markets to pick up last-minute treasures.

Travel from Strasbourg to Colmar, stopping at three charming Alsatian villages along the way. Hire a driver for a seamless journey, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery.

Morning: Obernai

Explore: This medieval village has 2–3 charming markets and quaint artisan stalls.

Time spent: 1.5 hours is perfect for a quick but meaningful stop.

Midday: Riquewihr

Discover: Known as the inspiration for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Riquewihr feels like a fairytale with its vineyards, unique market stalls and charming shops.

Time spent: two hours, but you may want longer to soak in the magic.

Afternoon: Eguisheim

Delight: A true Christmas gem with a life-size advent calendar that opens daily at 5:00 pm.

Time spent: Two hours here is just right.

Spend your first day in Colmar exploring its magical Christmas markets. Stay at the highly recommended L'Esquisse Hotel & Spa. It is perfectly located for easy access to the markets and offers a luxurious retreat after a day of exploring.

Daytime Markets

Pre-purchase an audio walking tour to guide you through the markets and landmarks during the day. Colmar’s markets each have their own charm. Highlights include:

• Place des Dominicains: A market set under a historic church.

• Place de l’Ancienne Douane: A bustling hub for handmade gifts.

• La Petite Venise: Perfect for families with kid-friendly activities.

• Place Jeanne d’Arc: A cozy market celebrating regional food and drinks.

• Gourmet Food Market: A paradise for sampling regional dishes and mulled wine.

Evening Strolls

Return at night for the magical reflections of the lights on the canals. Spend time revisiting your favorite markets for last-minute shopping and soaking in the Christmas atmosphere one final time.

Take a 45-minute train ride from Colmar to Basel, Switzerland, a city filled with history, art and Swiss charm.

Morning Arrival

Travel: Trains run frequently between Colmar and Basel, making it a quick and easy day trip.

Explore: Basel is a walkable city, with beautiful architecture and lively streets. Stroll through the Old Town, where colorful buildings and picturesque squares await.

Audio Tour & Markets

Audio Walking Tour: Purchase an audio tour to guide you through key landmarks like the Basel Minster, City Hall and Kunstmuseum, learning about the city’s history at your own pace.

Festive Markets: Basel is famous for its holiday markets, especially the Basel Christmas Market. Explore stalls with handmade crafts, seasonal treats and Swiss specialties like raclette, fondue and Basel Läckerli (spiced honey cookies).

Afternoon Exploration

Rhine River: Enjoy a walk along the Rhine, crossing the Mittlere Brücke for scenic views and more exploration.

Art & Museums: Visit museums like the Kunstmuseum Basel or the Fondation Beyeler if you're an art enthusiast.

Evening Return

After a full day, catch the train back to Colmar, where you can relax and enjoy a cozy dinner.

This quick trip to Basel offers a perfect blend of Swiss culture, food and scenic beauty.