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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Mary • traveled in April
We enjoyed our tour of the hinterlands very much. Simon was wonderful to work with during the planning and pre-trip process. The boutique hotel had a wonderful staff who were happy to help in anyway that they could. It was wonderful to stay in one place for all four nights. The E bike tour was most enjoyable and Jerome was a wonderful guide. The tour to the Luberon villages was delightful. We very much enjoyed strolling through each of the villages. The wine tour was not what we are used to in the US. It was a bit disappointing that there was nowhere to sit to enjoy the tasting and felt quite rushed. The shuttle drivers that Simon had arranged for us were very professional and prompt. The vehicles were clean and we felt very safe. Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful village, larger and a bit busier than we anticipated.
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence - N
Nicole • traveled in December
We 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) - A
Aldo • traveled in February, 2026
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 along the Rhône - Between traditions, historical discoveries, and indulgent moments (port-to-port cruise) - RHONE PRINCESS
- Taste of Bordeaux (Christmas Time) 2027
- Paris for Christmas
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- 5 Days of Art, Gardens & Royal Splendor: Paris, Giverny & Versailles
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
- Prestigious Christmas Eve in Paris & The Canal Saint-Martin (port to port)
- Rhineland Christmas on the Romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise) - MODIGLIANI
- Christmas along the Rhône - Between traditions, historical discoveries, and indulgent moments (port-to-port cruise)
- 5 Days in Avignon: Exploring Provence, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux & Luberon
Sail the Rhône River on MS Rhône Princess and get into French Christmas traditions, from tasting thirteen Provençal desserts with nougat, figs, and fougasse to wandering medieval Viviers with its traditional nativity scenes. Check out Lyon's UNESCO-listed Basilica of Fourvière, then catch a Christmas show at Cirque Imagine.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Viviers, Montelimar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,296
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
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They organized tours that immersed us in the flavor of Provence. Every tour leader was punctual, friendly and very knowledgeable!”
MaryJane, traveled in June
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
- US$1,929
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Giverny, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,804
28% Off- US$1,299You save $505
Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The food was plentiful and delicious, and the wine seemed to flow endlessly, adding a wonderful touch to every meal.”
Nicole, traveled in December
The magic of French Christmas unfolds at Rouen Cathedral's midnight mass and aboard MS Renoir's festive dinner. The holiday-decorated Martainville Château welcomes visitors, while Honfleur shows off its winter charm. A special Christmas Eve celebration features traditional French cuisine and selected wines.
Duration 5 days Destinations Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Paris Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
28% Off- US$1,501
MS Deborah hosts a French Christmas with special holiday menus and wines. Paris transforms festively from Palais Garnier to Place Vendôme, with Christmas Eve celebrations at Quai d'Austerlitz and holiday markets throughout.
Duration 4 days Destinations Paris Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
28% Off- US$1,925
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.