4 Traditional French Christmas markets you need to know about
More affordable and closer than Germany and Austria, French Christmas markets make a perfect destination for a festive trip. These are the four traditional French Christmas markets you need to know about this Christmas.
Toulouse
Dates: November 25, 2023—December 25, 2023
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 10.30 am—8.30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 10.30 am—10 pm
The market is located in the heart of Toulouse. It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Capitole itself and the Jacobins church. The city is well-known for its terracotta architecture which serves as an fairytale exterior to their Christmas market.
Colmar
Dates: November 24, 2023—December 30, 2023
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 2 pm—7 pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 am—7 pm
The town’s Christmas market is an ensemble (整体) of six distinct mini markets. The area is home to a number of wineries and speciality (特产) wine-makers, alongside its seven speciality Alsatian wines, which can be tried at their speciality Christmas food market.
Arras
Dates: November 24, 2023—December 30, 2023
Opening times:Monday to Friday: midday—7.30 pm, Saturday: 10 am—9 pm, Sunday: 10 am—7.30 pm
The market transforms the city’s Grand Place into a wonderland taking over three squares with over 100 stalls in front of the Baroque style architecture. Crown your market visit with a night ride on the beacon (灯塔) of the market—the Ferris wheel, which offers a gentle ride and views of the own and surrounding countryside below.
Bordeaux
Dates: November 24, 2023—December 27, 2023
Opening times: Every day: 11 am—9 pm
The market is open from late November to December and features over 200 stalls selling a variety of locally-made and crafted gifts. There is one food in particular linked to the city, and that is chocolate made from high quality local ingredients, to take home with you.
【小题1】What do Toulouse and Arras have in common?| A．Both are popular with little kids. |
| B．Both offer free gifts to the customers. |
| C．Both have distinctive architecture styles. |
| D．Both are closed on Sundays and Mondays. |
| A．A wide range of crafted gifts. | B．Its local culture and history. |
| C．Its traditional building style. | D．The views of beautiful coast. |
| A．Toulouse | B．Colmar | C．Arras | D．Bordeaux |
