Christmas & New Year Tours in France
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10 best Christmas & New Year France tour packages
Compiled by
SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- 4-Day Paris Christmas Market
- 4-Day Reims Christmas Market Getaway
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
- Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
- Highlights of Paris & Versailles - 5 days
- Paris, City of Love
- Paris in Color, Scent & Flavor
- Tailor-Made Private France Tour to Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley, Daily Departure
- 10 Days Tailor-Made Best France Tour, Private Guide & Exclusive Driver and Car
- Christmas Cruise on the Canals of Provence Historical stops and flavors of yesteryear
Duration 4 days Destinations Paris Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $790
15% Off- US$672You save $119
Duration 4 days Destinations Reims Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,574
15% Off- US$1,338You save $236
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
15% Off- US$1,417
Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The private excursions selected and pre-booked by the operator were excellent. Recommended for the more adventurous.”
Charles, 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
15% Off- US$3,691
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From $2,585
15% Off- US$2,197You save $388
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$423
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$283
France transforms into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets in Le Marais and holiday splendor at Versailles Palace. Norman cuisine awaits in Grandcamp-Maisy alongside evening-lit Loire Valley châteaux.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Caen, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy Beach, Tours, Amboise Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
15% Off- US$8,059
Holiday cheer fills Star Champs-Elysees and Novotel Amboise during this French winter tour. Christmas markets near Notre Dame, Versailles' decorated halls, and seasonal wine tastings in Bordeaux's Medoc region create festive memories.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Amboise, Bordeaux Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
15% Off- US$10,279
Duration 5 days Destinations Avignon, Tarascon, Arles, Aigues-Mortes Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
15% Off- US$1,093
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in France
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)
- Paris and Versailles
Everything was good. The hotel was what I expected for 3 stars. The only thing that went wrong was that my ride to the airport never showed up. I had to pay for and find other means to get there.
Simon is very friendly, helpful and flexible when we wanted change of plan. We only wish the tour schedule could be tighter. We had a lot of free time considering such a short tour. Overall, all the people we encountered are very nice and we had very pleasant experience with the tour.
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
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.