Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in France
Picture yourself embarking on a 7-night wine cruise in Provence, exploring medieval Chalon-sur-Saône and Beaune, and touring Tournus and tasting Mâconnais wines. Discover Lyon's historic sites and local flavors, and visit Avignon's Palais des Papes and vineyards. French wine country during the holidays is magical, and a true adventure to behold.
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So Provence did an excellent job planning our trip for us! They organized tours that immersed us in the flavor of Provence. Every tour leader was punctual, friendly and very knowledgeable! They made sure we had every transportation connection.
Discovery of the Hinterland of ProvenceWe had an absolutely fantastic time with Crosi Cruise! The food was plentiful and delicious, and the wine seemed to flow endlessly, adding a wonderful touch to every meal. The staff were amazing—friendly, attentive, and always ready to make us feel at home. The smaller number of passengers created an intimate, welcoming atmosphere where we quickly felt like part of a close-knit community. We cherished every single minute of the journey and can’t wait to book another trip. Highly recommend!
Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - Renoir (from Les Andelys to Paris)This was a fully arranged vacation to see both Paris and Mont St. Michel. I absolutely had the time of my life, and can recommend it to everyone. Thank you Tourradar, for the amazing experience !
5-Day Paris, Mont Saint-Michel Adventure
10 best Christmas & New Year France tour packages
Compiled by
SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas Cruise on the Canals of Provence Historical stops and flavors of yesteryear
- Taste of Bordeaux (Christmas Time) 2027
- Paris for Christmas
- 5 Days of Art, Gardens & Royal Splendor: Paris, Giverny & Versailles
- Enchanting 6-Day Journey Through Paris With Disneyland and Palace of Versailles
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- 7 Days Paris & Mont Saint-Michel Experience
- Paris in Color, Scent & Flavor
- Christmas along the Rhône - Between traditions, historical discoveries, and indulgent moments (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - Renoir (from Les Andelys to Paris)
This holiday cruise on the Rhône features gala dinners, Christmas Mass, and New Year's Eve party aboard MS Anne-Marie. Visit the Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Martha in Tarascon, walk the medieval ramparts of Aigues-Mortes (over 1,600 meters), plus try fougasse, a glazed orange blossom brioche that's a Christmas tradition in the region.
Duration 5 days Destinations Avignon, Tarascon, Arles, Aigues-Mortes Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,314
This Christmas cruise through Bordeaux's wine regions includes a wine festival in medieval Bourg where you'll meet local growers and there's live French music and dancing. See the Les Bassins des Lumières sound and light show in Bordeaux (it's in an old submarine base) and try wines at Les Halles de Bacalan indoor market.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Blaye, Bourg, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$4,099+$280 upfront costs
Duration 4 days Destinations London, Dover, Calais, Somme, Vimy, Paris Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
- US$626
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Giverny, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,844
25% Off- US$1,383
Holiday lights transform the Champs-Élysées while Notre Dame Christmas markets sparkle with seasonal charm. Disneyland Paris becomes a winter wonderland complemented by festive Seine River cruises. Hotel L'Interlude serves as your base near holiday celebrations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator WiseYatra From $2,362
30% Off- US$1,663
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
“The dinner at Mikal Favel was outstanding as was the e-bike Tour in the steps of Cezanne.”
Kathleen, traveled in September
Holiday markets in Aix-en-Provence and seasonal wine tastings in Côtes-de-Provence showcase French Christmas traditions. Decorated villages of Gordes and Roussillon charm visitors, while regional specialties star at the winter welcome dinner.
Duration 5 days Destinations Aix-En-Provence, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon, Marseille Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Operator So Provence So Alps ! From
30% Off- US$1,973
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,728
25% Off- US$1,296
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in France
What are the best destinations to visit in France during Christmas & New Year?
France's holiday season transforms its cities into festive destinations. Paris leads with the Eiffel Tower's light displays and decorated Champs-Élysées while Strasbourg hosts one of Europe's largest Christmas markets. The Loire Valley châteaux dress up in holiday decor. Bordeaux combines wine experiences with Christmas markets and upscale stays at places like the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. The medieval streets of Rouen come alive with traditional celebrations. Nice offers a different take on the holidays with Mediterranean charm and lit-up Promenade des Anglais. River routes on the Seine and Loire are popular choices with companies like CroisiEurope offering stops at decorated riverside towns.
What unique Christmas traditions will I experience on a French holiday tour?
French Christmas traditions run deep in local culture. Visitors can join "Messe de Minuit" (Midnight Mass) in historic churches like Notre-Dame de Rouen explore the "Marchés de Noël" in Strasbourg and Colmar and see Lyon's "Fête des Lumières." Hotels like Le Meurice Paris keep traditions alive such as children leaving shoes for Père Noël. River cruise companies include regional customs in their programs. In Provence travelers can take part in the "13 desserts" tradition while special Christmas Eve "Réveillon" celebrations let visitors spend time with local families.
How different are New Year celebrations across various French regions?
French regions welcome the New Year in distinct ways. Paris centers on the Champs-Élysées where the Arc de Triomphe becomes the focus of midnight celebrations. The French Riviera cities of Nice and Cannes put on formal dinners at venues like Hotel L'Interlude before fireworks light up the Mediterranean. Provence mixes wine and tradition at places like the Novotel Amboise. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The New Year's celebration in Nice was incredible with fireworks reflecting off the Mediterranean and the whole Promenade des Anglais turning into one big party."
What special Christmas Eve dining experiences are available in France?
Christmas Eve in France centers on food and celebration. Bordeaux's river cruises serve special dinners with wine pairings and offer trips to midnight mass. Restaurants near Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral prepare traditional "Réveillon" feasts. The Pullman Bordeaux Lac hosts holiday galas featuring regional dishes. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our Christmas Eve dinner in Bordeaux was outstanding featuring local wines and traditional French holiday dishes creating an unforgettable celebration."
What weather should I expect during Christmas & New Year in France?
Winter weather varies across France. Paris sees temperatures of 3-8°C (37-46°F) with possible snow. The French Riviera stays mild at 12-15°C (54-59°F). Strasbourg and Colmar drop to 0-5°C (32-41°F) setting the mood for Christmas markets. Visitors should bring warm clothes for the north lighter layers for the south. A TourRadar traveler noted: "December in Paris was chilly but the festive atmosphere made it magical especially when light snow fell during our Christmas market visit."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in France?
Holiday tours in France need early planning. Most travelers book 6-12 months ahead. Data shows people reserve river cruises like CroisiEurope's Loire Valley Christmas tour an average of 635 days in advance. Alsace Christmas market tours and Paris luxury hotels often fill up a year before. Companies like AmaWaterways report their Christmas and New Year Burgundy cruises typically book 4-8 months out showing the high interest in festive season travel.