In winter, France behaves like a person with too many talents: in the north, there are fairs and mulled wine; in the south, there are lemon parades; and in the Alps, there are white slopes stretching to the horizon. The high season runs from December to early January, so it is best to book hotels in advance. But it is worth it: the country changes its mood and even its colour – from the silvery mist on the embankments to the deep blue of the Côte d’Azur.
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Paris
When December comes to Paris, the city seems to briefly star in a New Year’s film: the fair in the Tuileries is bustling even on a Monday morning, the ice rink at the town hall welcomes its first daredevils, and the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde once again becomes a landmark for everyone celebrating the New Year under the open sky.
January makes the capital calmer, and February more romantic: couples gather at the Wall of Love in Montmartre, and it is especially quiet near the Pont des Arts in the evening. They warm themselves in the Vivienne Gallery – bright, warm and slightly theatrical.
Cruises on the Seine continue throughout the season, and evening routes at this time of year seem more authentic than daytime ones: the water reflects lights that are often lost in summer. The easiest way to get from the airport is by RER, and it is better to stay closer to the metro – distances feel a little different in winter.
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Disneyland Paris
In December, Disneyland looks as if someone has turned on the «maximum festivity» mode. Parades follow one after another, buildings are illuminated, and Santa Claus appears more often than you can reach for your phone. Evening shows also continue as usual, and it does not matter what day of the week it is – the park follows a lively schedule.
Disneyland Paris®: Admission TicketTrains, shuttles and buses run here from the airports. Traffic is heavier than usual in winter, so it is best to buy tickets in advance. There are plenty of themed hotels in the area, and even more regular hotels nearby for those planning to stay for the late shows.
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Strasbourg
Take just a few steps from the centre and it becomes clear why Strasbourg is called the Christmas capital. The streets around the cathedral are filled with chalets, spices, pancakes, mulled wine and conversations in dozens of languages. The huge fir tree in the central square looks slightly different every year, and the lights throughout the old town make the evening feel longer than it actually is.
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The river tram conveniently takes on the role of a «quiet excursion», and trams help you move between markets without unnecessary fuss. In December, hotel rooms disappear quickly, so it is best not to delay.
Grenoble
Grenoble in winter is not just a city, but a convenient point between three mountain ranges. In the morning, you can drink coffee in the centre, and an hour later look down at the roof of the cathedral from the cable car to the Bastille. Even those who do not ski will find things to do here: museums, promenades and unhurried walks through narrow streets, where it is less windy than it seems.
Ski enthusiasts, on the other hand, know Grenoble for another reason: it is a convenient base for trips to Alpe d’Huez or La Grave. The season lasts from December to March, and accommodation can be found both in the city and closer to the slopes.
- Alpe d’Huez. It is famous for its consistently sunny weather, which has earned it the name «island of the sun». It has the longest descent in Europe, stretching for 16 km. You can choose and book suitable accommodation in this location here, and all options in Grenoble are available here.
- La Grave. The resort is popular with extreme sports enthusiasts: the local slopes are literally breathtaking. In addition, once a year, snowboarders from all over the world gather at this resort. You can find an excellent hotel in La Grave by following the link.
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Chamonix
Chamonix in winter is a rare combination of sport and contemplation, where even those who do not ski enjoy simply ascending to panoramic viewpoints. The view of Mont Blanc does not depend on your level of training, and the cable cars and hiking trails allow you to experience the mountains without unnecessary heroics.
Paragliding flight with a view of Mont BlancThe village is compact, transport is easy to navigate, and accommodation ranges from small family hotels to huts closer to the slopes.
Lyon
When Lyon prepares for the Festival of Lights, a quiet anticipation settles over the city – as if everyone is rehearsing in silence. Several days of installations, illuminations and visual experiments transform the centre into a vast open-air exhibition.
But even outside the festival period, Lyon has much to offer: the old town, the riverbanks, bistros best visited on an empty stomach, and routes leading to scenic viewpoints. It is also convenient to travel from here to the Alps – many travellers use Lyon as a city break between days in the mountains.
Colmar
In Colmar, winter arrives not according to the calendar, but when the first garlands are lit. The city glows with soft light, and the streets resemble three-dimensional illustrations. Dominican Square welcomes chalets, Little Venice delights children with sweets and toys, and Koifhus offers crafts that are difficult to carry away but easy to fall in love with.
Audio guide to ColmarThe day passes quickly here: fairs, local dishes, small wine bars – all within a few steps.
Menton
February in Menton is filled with the scent of citrus fruits. Huge figures made of lemons and oranges rise along the streets, and parades and music extend the festive mood late into the evening.
Lemon liqueurs, jams, soaps and sweets appear on the shelves; the climate is mild, and even evening walks are comfortable. This is one of the most unusual winter cities in France – sunny, colourful and far from the typical February mood.
Nice
Winter on the French Riviera is mild: the sea glistens under the low sun, and in the middle of the season the city moves to a carnival rhythm. Giant puppets, flower battles and parades along the Promenade des Anglais fill winter days in Nice almost completely.
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When you want some calm, there are the Matisse and Chagall museums, a climb up Colline du Château, the Old Town with an audio guide, and the markets. This is one of the most convenient options for experiencing France in winter without the cold, but with plenty of events.
Courchevel
In Courchevel, winter begins with the first switch-on of festive lights. The resort quickly comes alive: shows, evening programmes, ski runs, fireworks – all of this creates the feeling of a large winter celebration.
The slopes suit both confident skiers and beginners. Snow remains reliable throughout the season, and the infrastructure allows you to choose the rhythm of your holiday – from quiet morning runs to lively evenings in the centre. You can find good accommodation at this resort by following the link.
Corsica
Winters in Corsica are mild: snow is rare, temperatures hover around ten degrees, and daytime walks are comfortable. In Bonifacio, it is convenient to explore the fortress and cliffs – in winter, they are visible without summer haze or crowds at the viewpoints. The Argon Cave also looks different: the light shifts more quickly, and the relief stands out more clearly.
The north of the island continues its usual pace. Erbalunga, ports and small cafes remain open, and the roads of Upper Corsica are easy to drive even in variable weather. Beaches become part of sightseeing routes during this season: you can calmly reach Palombaggia and Rondinara and examine the coastline.
Markets continue to sell local cheeses, chestnut pastries and honey. Small Christmas fairs are held in towns, but they do not disrupt the overall calm of the season.
France in winter works well because it does not impose a single style of travel. It is easy to adapt your trip to your own rhythm: if you want fairs, there are fairs; if you want skiing, there is skiing; if you prefer the sea, that option is available too.
That is why winter travel in the country often turns out to be easier than expected: choose your mood and find the place where it fits best. This is what makes France particularly convenient for winter trips.
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