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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Vivienne • traveled in June
I had a really wonderful time on this holiday. Aix is beautiful and the hotel was fantastic, perfectly situated in the middle of Aix. The daily excursions were excellent. Travelling in an 8 seater is a great way to get to know people. The guides were amusing and encouraged us to talk. Restaurant meal was excellent. Altogether a brilliant 5 days. Great for a recharge of batteries. Lots of variety without being exhausted. Thank you Simon for your organisation. Only glitch was the beginning when the taxi driver from the station was held up and I wasn’t sure what to do, also a little mix up with the hotel about payments. These were soon solved by contact with Simon who was very helpful. Thanks for everything.
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) - S
Salvatore • traveled in May, 2025
An UNBELIEVABLE TOUR everything went smoothly and the people who were answering my texts and calls were the Nicest people to deal with i was treated like I was their Family
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
- Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Christmas Cruise) 2026
- Christmas Cruise on the Canals of Provence Historical stops and flavors of yesteryear
- Taste of Bordeaux (Christmas Time) 2027
- Paris for Christmas
- Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- Highlights of Paris & Versailles - 5 days
- Christmas along the Rhône - Between traditions, historical discoveries, and indulgent moments (port-to-port cruise) - VAN GOGH II
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
- Christmas in the Bordeaux region (port-to-port cruise)
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Grignan, Vienne, Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Tournus, Chalon sur SaoneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$4,099+$250 upfront costs
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$1,114
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$4,549+$280 upfront costs
Duration 4 days Destinations London, Dover, Calais, Somme, Vimy, Paris Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
- US$626
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
- US$3,761
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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
- US$1,992
See Paris' illuminated landmarks during the festive season, including the glittering Eiffel Tower and decorated Champs Elysées. Walk through the King's Grand Apartments at Versailles, with seven rooms dedicated to gods like Apollo and Mars, plus Marie Antoinette's Queen's Bedroom. Optional excursions to Disneyland Paris or Mont-Saint-Michel offer activities beyond the city during the holidays.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy Beach Age Range Ages 6+ Operator On The Go Tours From $2,495
20% Off- US$1,996You save $499
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.