The Best Things to Do in France in Winter

Shiny Christmas lights, bustling holiday markets, warm lit houses, the distinct aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls here and there, and pure festive vibes; France in winter is unmatched. As if the sights and sounds aren’t FOMO-inducing enough, the country offers some of the world’s most iconic things to do in winter as well, like skiing in the French Alps and bathing in the Pyrenees Hot Springs.

While the general climate tends to be on the colder side, the way the country comes alive in festive spirit during winter, is an experience to cherish. Besides, booking France tour packages in winter also brings the advantages of better deals and fewer crowds.

If you would like to witness a different side of the European destination, and explore the magical extravaganza that the country transforms into during holiday season, then December is the best time to visit France.

Here is a round up of the best things to do in France in winter, and the best France winter destinations to visit.

Unmissable Things to Do in France in Winter
Best Places to Visit in France During Winter
Wrapping Up: France in Winter – Pure Magic
FAQs
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Unmissable Things to Do in France in Winter

Aside from admiring the Christmas lights and walking through the lively cobbled streets bustling with locals and tourists clad in colourful holiday sweaters, here are some of the best winter activities in France.

Witness the City of Lights soaked in winter

The Seine River in Paris on a snowy winter day
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/dvoevnore

Unlike the rest of the year, winter in Paris is a sight to behold. With the sophisticated aura of the city transitioned into a wintry paradise with people wearing layers and blankets sipping hot cocoa atop decorated terraces, the city of lights in December is an unmissable feat. If you’re lucky, you can possibly witness the Eiffel Tower drenched in snow.

While Paris is not at the top of the list for holiday markets, the city does have some fun options, situated in bustling festive-lit streets. Shop for endearing little Christmas decor items, rich plum cakes, wines, and gifts while stopping by to click pictures beside street installations.

Go on day tours outside Paris as well to see how the countryside celebrates the holidays. While you do, be sure to bundle up. Although winter is typically cold in France, sometimes you can catch a few days of sun. Book cheap flights to Paris well ahead to experience the city of lights in winter.

Visit the Christmas markets in Alsace

Decorations for sale at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, Alsace, France
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/foto_and_video

Visiting the bustling Christmas markets is hands-down one of the best things to do in France in winter. The place hosts fun, vibrant, and happening markets, each so beautifully decorated that you will find yourself lost in sheer Christmas cheer. Some of the must-see Christmas markets in Alsace are Strasbourg, Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg.

Here you can indulge in the most quintessential French products including fresh regional produce, handcrafted indigenous artwork and gifts, souvenirs, Xmas decorations, lights, and more. The bars and food stalls on the other hand exude warm Christmas vibes offering classic as well as unique holiday goodies. Don’t forget to splurge on fine wines, cheese varieties, and specialty holiday pies if you are planning to visit a family for Christmas.

In every way, the Strasbourg Christmas markets as well as the other holiday markets in Alsace offer the most unique, festively charged, and warm holiday experience you will ever have.

Ski in the majestic French Alps

Skier rides down the slope in the French Alps
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Olga Gavrilova

The French Alps are undoubtedly one of the best among France winter destinations. And skiing in the French Alps is what bucket lists are made of.

Home to the famous Mont Blanc – the highest mountain peak in Western Europe, the Alps is known to be one of the best places to partake in exciting winter sports in the world.

It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a pro, because here you will find a diverse range of ski resorts with guidance, safety, and endless scenery. Even if you are not good at the sport, indulge in the activity with friends and family to witness the views, and be a part of one of the most iconic things to do in France in winter.

Experience Lyon’s Festival of Lights

Lyon during the Festival of Lights in December
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Electric Egg

The Festival of Lights or Fête des Lumières is Lyon’s biggest winter spectacle. An annual four-day event, the festival typically taking place around the first few weeks of December, illuminates the culinary capital of France with an extravaganza of lights. Featuring attractive light installations, sound and light shows, music, vibrant themed displays, art installations, and more, the event elevates the city in high spirits.

Per history, the festival is believed to have originated from a popular tradition back in 1852 when residents used candles to honour the Statue of Virgin Mary. Today, the event is a dazzling phenomenon that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The best part is that you are welcome to take part in the event too; not just watch along the sidelines. Buy some of the stunning light decorations or lanterns from the markets, and place them in the windowsill of your hotel; watch how the entire city becomes one with pride.

If cultural indulgence is your thing, then experiencing Lyon’s Fête des Lumières is one of the best things to do in France in winter.

Take a dip in the hot springs in the Pyrenees

Chambert hot springs, Bagnères-de-Luchon, Pyrenean mountain range, France
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/tolobalaguer.com

If you would like to engage in a more mellow variation of winter activities, take a trip to the Pyrenees Mountains, and bathe in the hot springs. It is a popular tradition in the region and offers a relaxing, warm, and peaceful way to spend Christmas in France.

In addition to being a great way to keep yourself warm in the cold climate, some of these natural thermal springs are known to have relaxant, analgesic, antiallergic and other healing properties. In other words, you would be indulging in a full-blown spa if you spent a day at one of the natural wonders.

The cherry on top would be the views; choose among the many resorts in the region to enjoy a treat for the eyes and for the body.

Also Read: France Visa For Indians: Requirements, Eligibility, And How to Apply

Enjoy a dogsled ride in the Jura Mountains

Jura mountain under snow, France
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Bertrand Godfroid

The Jura Mountains are perhaps an underrated winter destination in France. Located at the Swiss border, the place is a winter wonderland to say the least. While the snow-clad mountains are a sight to enjoy by themselves, dogsledding is a fun sport that allows you to immerse yourself in the snow.

A dogsled ride typically involves you sitting on a large sledge while trained mountain dogs take you out into nature on a fun ride. This implies that you don’t need to possess any skills to enjoy this sport.

Over and above being a fun thing to do in France in winter, it is also a great way to explore the Jura mountains. As a bonus, you can connect with animals – win-win.

Best Places to Visit in France During Winter

If winter is a time for you to relax and wind down, then winter sightseeing in France is your best bet. Book your accommodation at one of the top hotels in Paris or any other city, put on your sneakers and take little trips in and around the city. See the lights, feel the vibes, drink wine, and simply relax.

Here are some of the best destinations to visit in France for winter:

Paris – a different festive experience
Lyon – the Festival of Lights
Alsace – the best place in France for Christmas
Nice – Christmas celebrations on the French Riviera with a Mediterranean flair
Provence – Festive indulgences including sweets, handcrafted gifts, and festive entertainment
Lille – a picturesque underrated winter city break
Pyrenees Hot Springs – Warm healing thermal spas

Also Read: 10 Unobvious Things to Know Before Visiting France

Wrapping Up: France in Winter – Pure Magic

France at Christmas is a whole other world. The French celebrate the holiday season like no other country and it shows in every element. Whether it is the lights in Paris, the markets in Alsace, or the sports in the French Alps, every detail screams festive. Book your France holiday in time for winter this year, tour a French Christmas market, ski in the Alps or light a lantern at Lyon’s Festival of Lights and make it a season to remember.

Apply for your France visa well in time with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries for a hassle-free trip.

Quick Summary – The Best Things to Do in France in Winter

France comes alive in sheer festive spirit in winter. As the country gets ready to welcome Christmas with market goodies, lights, and decor, the aura is unmatched. For the same reason, visiting France in winter promises to be an unforgettable experience. Some of the best things to do in France in winter are witnessing Paris during Christmas, exploring the Christmas markets of Alsace, skiing in the French Alps, experiencing Lyon’s Festival of Lights, bathing in the Pyrenees Hot Springs, and dogsledding in the Jura Mountains.

FAQs

What to visit in France in winter?

The best places to visit in France in winter are:

Paris – for sightseeing
Alsace – for the iconic Christmas markets
Lille – for a winter city break
Pyrenees Hot Springs – for a relaxing dip
Provence – for festive specialties in food, markets, entertainment, gifts, and more
Lyon – for the Festival of Lights
Nice – for a mediterranean style Christmas

Is winter a good time to visit France?

Yes, winter is a great time to visit France if you wish to experience the festive atmosphere. While the climate can get quite cold, with fewer crowds especially in the countryside, cities like Paris, Lyon, and Alsace come alive with markets, decor, festivals, and more.

What is the most beautiful city in France in winter?

Lyon is considered one of the most beautiful cities to visit in France in winter. Once the Festival of Lights kicks off in early December, for four days, the city turns into a luminous extravaganza.

Additionally, Paris and Nice are also considered very beautiful places to visit in France in winter.

Is Paris nice during the winter?

Yes, Paris is known to have a special appeal in winter. While the temperature can be low, dressing in layers and stepping out to see the Christmas lights and the buildings adorned with decor, is an experience to enjoy.

Which part of France should I visit in December?

The best places to visit in France in December are Paris, Alsace, the French Alps, Lyon, Nice, the French Riviera, and Lille.

Is Disneyland Paris good in winter?

Yes, Disneyland Paris is an excellent place to visit in France in winter. However, you can expect the place to be packed with tourists and the prices to be high, as December is considered the high season.

What is the coldest month in France?

The coldest month in France is typically January. Some of the lowest temperatures in Paris and other cities in the country are known to be January.

Is Disneyland Paris open in December?

Yes, Disneyland Paris is open every day of the year; the opening times may however vary according to the seasons.

Is Nice, France worth visiting in winter?

Yes, Nice, France is well worth visiting in winter as the place offers a less-crowded, quieter winter escape compared to cities like Paris.

Which month is snow in France?

Winter in France, starts mid-December and ends close to March the next year. Snowfall is not common throughout the country; cities like Paris experience rare snowfall. However, snow can be expected by late December, especially in the mountainous regions.

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