Why a Christmas Markets River Cruise in France Should Be on Your Travel Wish List

For travelers who love the warmth and traditions of the holiday season, a Christmas markets river cruise through France can feel like stepping into a festive storybook. Historic squares glow beneath strings of lights, bakery windows are filled with seasonal treats, and wooden market stalls offer handcrafted gifts, regional foods and steaming cups of mulled wine.

For North American travelers, a French river cruise provides an easy and comfortable way to experience several destinations without constantly changing hotels, hauling luggage through train stations or arranging transportation between cities. You unpack once, settle into your stateroom and allow the scenery of France to come to you.

Your Floating Hotel Through France

One of the biggest advantages of river cruising is convenience. Your ship serves as your hotel, restaurant and transportation throughout the journey.

During the Christmas season, many river ships are decorated with garlands, trees and festive lights. Seasonal dinners, local entertainment and holiday-themed activities may also be included onboard.

Rather than returning to a different hotel every evening, you come back to familiar surroundings, enjoy dinner and wake up near another historic French city or riverside town.

Stalls along the Champs Elysée at night

Christmas in Paris

Many Seine River itineraries begin or end in Paris, making the French capital a natural starting point for a Christmas markets vacation.

Paris takes on a special atmosphere during the holiday season. Elegant department stores create elaborate window displays, neighborhood streets sparkle with lights, and seasonal markets appear in several locations around the city.

A winter visit also offers opportunities to experience familiar landmarks in a different way. You might stroll along the Seine, visit Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, browse the shops of Saint-Germain-des-Prés or enjoy a café break with hot chocolate and a fresh pastry.

Some Seine cruises travel through Normandy, visiting historic communities such as Rouen and smaller riverside towns that host their own seasonal markets and celebrations.

Paris – a carousal is a must

Festive Flavors in Lyon

Lyon, located near the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, is one of France’s great culinary destinations. That makes it especially appealing during the holiday season.

Travellers can explore old neighbourhoods, covered passageways and food markets while discovering the dishes that have earned Lyon its reputation as a centre of French gastronomy.

Christmas markets in and around the city feature artisan products, decorations, regional foods and warming seasonal drinks. Lyon is also known for its Festival of Lights, held each December, when buildings, squares and public spaces are transformed by dramatic light installations.

Onboard and ashore, travelers may have opportunities to sample cheeses, pastries, charcuterie, chocolates and wines from the Rhône Valley.

Lyon – delicious food on offer at a stall

A Provençal Christmas in Avignon

Farther south, Rhône River cruises often visit Avignon, one of the most impressive historic cities in Provence.

The former home of the medieval popes is surrounded by ancient walls and dominated by the magnificent Palais des Papes. During the Christmas season, Avignon’s streets and public squares take on a festive character, with lights, decorations and stalls selling local crafts and Provençal specialties.

Christmas traditions in Provence have their own distinctive personality. Visitors may encounter handcrafted nativity figures known as santons, along with regional foods, sweets and decorations inspired by the landscapes and villages of southern France.

The weather may be milder than in northern Europe, but evenings can still be cool, creating the perfect atmosphere for a warm drink and a leisurely walk through the old city.

Even the boats are decorated for Christmas

Adding Colmar to Your Vacation

Colmar is not normally a port on Seine, Rhône or Saône river cruises, but it can make a wonderful addition before or after your sailing.

Located in France’s Alsace region, Colmar is famous for its colourful half-timbered buildings, canals and beautifully decorated streets. At Christmas, several markets are spread throughout the historic centre, each with its own atmosphere and selection of crafts, foods and decorations.

For travelers who want to combine a French river cruise with one of the country’s most celebrated Christmas market destinations, a short land stay in Colmar can add another dimension to the vacation.

The half-timbered houses of Colmar lit by the Christmas market stalls

More Than Christmas Shopping

Although the markets are a major attraction, these cruises are about much more than buying ornaments and gifts.

Travelers can explore cathedrals, medieval neighborhoods, museums, vineyards and historic monuments. Depending on the itinerary, excursions may include food tastings, wine experiences, guided walks, cooking demonstrations or visits to nearby villages.

The holiday markets also provide an enjoyable way to connect with local traditions. Rather than visiting only France’s best-known landmarks, you experience the foods, crafts and seasonal customs enjoyed by local families.

A Holiday Feast

France is a rewarding destination at any time of year, but the Christmas season brings additional flavors to the table.

Market stalls and bakeries may offer gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, chocolates, pastries, cheeses and regional sausages. In Provence, you may encounter traditional sweets and seasonal desserts, while Lyon provides access to some of the country’s finest food markets and restaurants.

Back onboard, river cruise chefs often prepare holiday-inspired menus using regional ingredients and French wines.

 Christmas market chocolates – yum!

What Should You Pack?

Winter weather varies considerably between Paris, Lyon and Provence. Paris may be cold and damp, while Avignon is often somewhat milder.

Bring clothing that can be layered, along with a warm coat, gloves, a scarf and a compact umbrella. Comfortable waterproof shoes are especially important because excursions frequently involve walking on cobblestones and uneven historic streets.

It is also wise to leave some room in your suitcase for ornaments, local foods and other market discoveries.

 It is unlikely you will see snow even in Paris – but be prepared.

Is a French Christmas Markets Cruise Worth It?

Yes !!! For those seeking an alternative to the traditional Caribbean winter escape, a Christmas river cruise in France offers culture, cuisine, history and festive atmosphere in equal measure.

You can experience the elegance of Paris, the culinary traditions of Lyon, the Provençal character of Avignon and, with a land extension, the storybook beauty of Colmar.

Best of all, river cruising makes the journey comfortable and manageable. You unpack once, travel at a relaxed pace and return each evening to the warmth of your ship.

For North American travelers looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season, a French Christmas markets river cruise may be the beginning of a wonderful new holiday tradition.

Contact your real travel expert about a France Christmas Markets river cruise.

Images courtesy of  Adobestock. Watch our RTE Travel Talk with experts Rich & Linda Skinner on their France Christmas Markets river cruise.