There is nothing like a trip around some Christmas markets to get you in the festive spirit. You don’t need to be tied to only visiting your local markets this year, though, try hopping over tho France for some true Christmas magic!
There are so many beautiful Christmas markets you can visit across the Brittany region this year and, Brittany Ferries sail into Roscoff and St Malo, so you can be at the markets shortly after arriving in France.
Taking your car on the ferry or via Le Shuttle is easy these days, so you can drive to whichever Christmas markets you choose to explore; and you'll have plenty of space in your car for all the festive goodies you pick up.
There are several Christmas markets in Brittany within just an hour's drive of St Malo.
Christmas Market pictured above is Strasbourg.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially in France. The French love their Christmas markets and do them very well, and they make the perfect excuse for a seasonal weekend away.
Christmas markets dotted across the country. If you are planning a trip in November or December read on for our pick of the French festive fun.
If you have never visited a French Christmas market before, these are some of the most popular. These are the Christmas markets in France that see tourists and locals revisit them time and time again. Probably because they each offer something a little different from the next, all with that familiar Christmas atmosphere.
The best Christmas markets to visit in Brittany
St Malo, Ile et Vilaine
Dates: 2 - 31 December
Where: At the foot of the Castle, on the Esplanade St Vincent
Head to the picturesque walls of Intra Muros for a variety of chalets selling food and drink such as delicious cheeses, crêpes and mulled wine as well as arts and crafts and lots of gifts. There’s also an ice rink in the town, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.
Saint Suliac, Ile et Vilaine
Dates: 2 - 3 and 9 - 10 December
Where: In the heart of the village, in the little streets at the foot of the church.
Chalets housing artists and craftsmen are perfect for artsy gifts. Musicians, horse-drawn carriage rides and Father Christmas himself add to the festive atmosphere. Be sure to try some of the food - barbecued scallops, soups, doughnuts and other delicacies tickle the taste buds.
Rennes, Ile et Vilaine
Dates: 24 November - 7 January
Where: Mail François Mitterand
This popular market in Brittany's capital has a great atmosphere and a wealth of wooden chalets to discover. The perfect destination for your Christmas shopping, embrace the festivities in Rennes and head to the shopping streets as well as the markets for a fantastic Christmas shopping experience. Be sure to explore the city centre for more festive fun as there’s much to see and do, including an ice rink.
Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor
Dates: Awaiting dates
Where: Esplanade de la Résistance in front of the town hall
Charming medieval Dinan is a wonderful backdrop for your Christmas shopping and there are plenty of chalets selling regional gastronomic delicacies and handicrafts. To get you in the festive mood there's also an ice rink and illuminations and a Father Christmas letterbox for children.
Lamballe, Côtes-d'Armor
Dates: 1 - 3 & 8 - 10 December
Where: Held at the historic Haras National de Lamballe (national stud farm)
Les Écuries du Père Noël is an annual Christmas event. Around a hundred exhibitors make this one of the best to visit. The stables are transformed into charming stalls that house craftsmen, artists and local producers. Enjoy equestrian demonstrations, carriage rides and lots of great food and drink stalls for a cup of mulled wine and more.
The best Christmas markets to visit in Normandy
Being able to drive straight from the ferry port means you can explore the many markets of Normandy if you choose a sailing into our Norman ports.
As well as being steeped in the history of the D-Day Landings and home to the beautiful Mont St Michel, Normandy is also full of Christmas markets!
From sampling some of the best French gastronomy to finding festive gifts, the Normandy Christmas markets have so much to offer you. What’s more, all these markets are within an hour-and-half drive of Caen or within a two-hour drive from Le Havre.
Caen, Calvados
Dates: 25 November - 31 December
Where: Place de la République, Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc.
Caen's Christmas market has a wonderful selection of gifts and local products in its 60 chalets. Browse the gourmet chalets for fabulous regional delicacies to take home for your festive dinner table. You're sure to find plenty of gifts with stalls selling crafts, jewellery and much more.
Bayeux, Calvados
Dates: 15 - 23 December
Where: Place de la Liberté
Gourmet and artisanal chalets nestle in front of Bayeux's stunning cathedral selling scarves, jewellery, cosmetics, sweets and local products making a wonderful setting for your Christmas shopping. Bayeux’s shops will be open on the Sundays that the market is in town too.
Le Havre, Seine Maritime
Dates: 25 November - 31 December
Where: Place de l'Hotel de Ville
Le Havre's Christmas market is a large market selling everything you could want for Christmas. Illuminations, a Ferris wheel and a chance to meet Father Christmas on his sleigh will keep the little ones entertained! The Parade Blanche attracts thousands every year and is a beautiful Christmas parade that you won't forget.
Rouen, Seine Maritime
Dates: 23 November - 24 December
Where: Place de la Cathédrale
The Rouen Givrée is the place to go if you want lots to see and do with your Christmas shopping. Normandy's capital really knows how to celebrate Christmas! Around 50 traditional wooden chalets selling all kinds of quintessential Christmas gifts and fine local delicacies blend into the environment. The atmosphere here is one that will really get you in the Christmas mood with street entertainment and musicians, a Ferris wheel - and you may even see Santa making an appearance!
La Pin au Haras, Orne
Dates: 9 & 10 December
Where: The famed Haras National du Pin (national stud farm)
A variety of stalls will be set up in the stables with all kinds of gifts and gourmet produce. Normandy is renowned for its love of horses so this market at one of France's most famous national studs is perfect for horse lovers - there's even the opportunity for little ones to have their first ride on a pony.
With so many magical Christmas markets to discover in France, what's stopping you?
Make your Christmas shopping experience extra special this year by visiting the Christmas markets of France.
Please note, the details of these markets are subject to change. Before making any travel plans, we suggest checking dates.
Thanks to Brittany Ferries for providing the background to this blog.
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