Christmas & New Year Tours 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.
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ France tours
- 150+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
It was my first group tour I had ever signed up for, so I was initially a little nervous. However our tour guide was well organized and had great energy. I loved learning the history of the small towns as well seeing the French Christmas markets along the way! I got very lucky to have a good group of fellow travelers from the all around the world and had a great adventure. I will say I wasn’t crazy about the small beds at all our hotels, but that’s not really their fault. It hasn’t deterred me from looking at tours for 2026! Make sure you have a good winter coat and walking boots if you plan to do markets next year. Highly recommend!
French Christmas MarketsWell organized. Bruno was a little difficult to understand at times. However he was well versed, patient and very approachable. Driver, Jojo, was excellent!
Treasures of France Including NormandyThis 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
- French Christmas Markets
- Christmas Cruise on the Canals of Provence Historical stops and flavors of yesteryear
- Taste of Bordeaux (Christmas Time) 2027
- 5 Days of Art, Gardens & Royal Splendor: Paris, Giverny & Versailles
- Treasures of France Including Normandy
- 7 Days Paris & Mont Saint-Michel Experience
- Christmas along the Rhône - Between traditions, historical discoveries, and indulgent moments (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas in the Bordeaux region (port-to-port cruise)
- Prestigious Christmas Eve in Paris & The Canal Saint-Martin (port to port)
French Christmas Markets
“I loved learning the history of the small towns as well seeing the French Christmas markets along the way!”
Dilsia, traveled in December
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Tours, Dijon, Beaune, Colmar, Strasbourg, Metz, Reims Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,103
10% off- US$993
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
10% off- 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
10% off- US$4,099+$280 upfront costs
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Giverny, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,770
35% off- US$1,151
Treasures of France Including Normandy
“Her communication was excellent, always giving us 'heads up' before the action took place.”
BridgetteandRobertStartz, traveled in May
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Omaha Beach, Arromanches-les-Bains, Bayeux, Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Cancale, AmboiseSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $2,495
10% off- US$2,246
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,658
35% off- US$1,078
Duration 5 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Viviers, Montelimar Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
35% off- US$1,931
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours 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.