Here’s a suggested 7-day Christmas itinerary in France

Here’s a suggested 7-day Christmas itinerary in France, covering the festive highlights and winter charm:

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

• Morning: Arrive in Paris, check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market and admire the festive lights.
• Evening: Take a night-time cruise on the Seine River to see Paris illuminated for the holidays.

Day 2: Paris – Iconic Festivities

• Morning: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and its Christmas tree.
• Afternoon: Head to Galeries Lafayette for Christmas window displays and shopping.
• Evening: Enjoy ice skating at the Grand Palais or Hôtel de Ville.

Day 3: Paris to Strasbourg

• Morning: Take a TGV train to Strasbourg (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Strasbourg’s Christmas Market, one of the oldest and largest in Europe, located around the Cathedral.
• Evening: Stroll through “La Petite France,” the picturesque old quarter adorned with festive decorations.

Day 4: Strasbourg – Alsatian Christmas Charm

• Morning: Visit the Alsatian Museum to learn about Christmas traditions.
• Afternoon: Take a short trip to Colmar (30 minutes by train), known for its magical Christmas markets and fairy-tale atmosphere.
• Evening: Return to Strasbourg and dine at a cozy Alsatian restaurant.

Day 5: Strasbourg to Lyon

• Morning: Take a train to Lyon (around 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Discover the “Festival of Lights” sites if running or visit Croix-Rousse for panoramic views and quirky shops.
• Evening: Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its Renaissance architecture and festive ambiance.

Day 6: Lyon to Chamonix (Optional Alpine Escape)

• Morning: Travel to Chamonix (about 3 hours by train). Enjoy the Alps’ winter wonderland.
• Afternoon: Try skiing, sledding, or a cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi for spectacular views.
• Evening: Warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine in a mountain chalet.

Day 7: Return to Paris

• Morning: Take the train back to Paris (around 5 hours).
• Afternoon: Do some last-minute shopping at Marché de Noël at La Défense.
• Evening: Celebrate your final night with a traditional French Christmas dinner at a Parisian bistro.