Top 5 Christmas markets

During the Christmas season, the Jardin Albert 1er and Place Masséna are transformed into a veritable Santa Claus village, where passers-by are immersed in a magical world as soon as they arrive. Their eyes are drawn to the sixty or so chalets and illuminated rides.

At this Christmas market in the south of France, you can let your creativity run wild at the ceramic painting workshop, have fun at the little photo booth chalet and marvel at the santons and Christmas items created by the best artisans in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Feeling peckish? Treat yourself at the ‘Place aux Festins’, where, in addition to a dance floor and concerts, you’ll find savoury and sweet chalets, refreshment stands and an aperitif area. If you’re feeling the cold, don’t hesitate to come and warm up with a glass of mulled wine, the ultimate Christmas drink.

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Every year during the Christmas season in the South of France, the magical and festive atmosphere of Christmas takes over the port city of Toulon. Head to Place de la Liberté, which is ‘enchanted’ at this time of year, to let the magic of Christmas work its charm: wooden chalets, including around twenty dedicated to local crafts, and the famous animated nativity scene, offering a real immersion into everyday life in Provence at the beginning of the 19th century… It’s not just children who are amazed; adults, too, take a one-way ticket back to childhood!

Place d’Armes, the Children’s Village, with its ice rink and gourmet chalets, lights up visitors’ eyes and warms their hearts. All the ingredients for a magical Christmas are there! And at Place Victor Hugo, a magical sound and light show takes place on the façade of the opera house.

On occasion, Marseille transforms into a real-life stage with a packed schedule of shows. The Cirque Medrano sets up shop for several days on the Mucem esplanade, where you can dream away watching the performance of ‘La Légende de l’Oiseau Bleu’ (The Legend of the Blue Bird).

There is also the magic of a drone and fireworks show, which lights up the sky over Marseille and the entire Old Port on 20 December. It’s almost like a light show competition between the spectacle by the sea and the stars in the sky. Not to mention the toboggan run and ice rink (also in the Old Port), the Christmas market at the bottom of La Canebière, and the children’s village on Place Bargemon.

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Not sure where to spend Christmas in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur? Head to Avignon. Deeply attached to Christmas traditions, this year the city is offering a delightful programme based on the theme of ‘Curious Christmas’, featuring strange little luminous Eskimos called Anooki. The Église des Célestins and Place des Corps-Saints are hosting the Christmas market featuring santon makers and artisans, as well as the large Provençal nativity scene. The traditional Avignon Christmas market on Place Saint-Jean-le-Vieux offers gift ideas to put under the tree.

Here you can discover culinary specialities to serve at your Christmas table or enjoy on the spot. It is also an opportunity to perpetuate the tradition of the 13 Provençal desserts: a long-standing culinary tradition that consists of serving 13 sweet dishes for dessert at Christmas. These dishes include dried figs, quince paste, white nougat and calissons.

You don’t need to go to Lapland to experience the magic of Christmas: head to the Serre-Chevalier Briançon valley, covered in its thick blanket of snow! An invitation to spend Christmas by the fireside in a wooden chalet for quality family time, enjoy winter sports on the slopes for the more experienced, or go sledging for fun!

Get your paper and pencils ready for the children, as a Christmas drawing competition is being held from 15 to 30 December in the Vauban district. And in the heart of Briançon, stroll through the Christmas market with its snow-covered chalets, where the smell of cinnamon fills the air and the sound of bells guides us!

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