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.
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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, 2024
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) - J
james • traveled in August, 2025
Generally things were pretty good. The hotels were just OK. The one in Paris was in a gritty area. They were clean but very average for 4 star. But maybe that’s what you get in Europe. The transfers were excellent.
7 Day France- Paris And Nice by Train including Monaco And Versailles
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
- 7 Days Paris & Mont Saint-Michel Experience
- Paris, the city of love
- Paris in Color, Scent & Flavor
- Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- 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$1,097
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, Blaye, Bourg, 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 7 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator East Gate Tours LTD From
- US$1,717
Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip is ideal if you want to admire the Provence region off the beaten track; its small villages, its gastronomy, its colors and its smells.”
Ambre, traveled in July
Winter magic fills Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's Christmas markets and Châteauneuf-du-Pape's wine tastings. Avignon's Palais des Papes glows during evening tours as 11 historic cities celebrate the season.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Calanques National Park, Bandol, Cassis, Aix-En-Provence, Apt, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Alpilles, Les Baux de ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, French Operator So Provence So Alps ! From
- US$3,702
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.