Festive French Food Markets: Christmas in France

Try local specialities from intoxicating aligot to scrumptious kugelhopf at these foodie Christmas markets…

1. Toulouse Christmas Market

25 November – 26 December 2022

La Ville Rose may not be the first place that comes to mind in a discussion about Christmas markets, but its relative lack of notoriety works in its favour. Situated in the Place du Capitole, it is not as frustratingly overcrowded as some more famous destinations have become. As well as plentiful sausages and foie gras, be sure to try the local favourite aligot, a warming cheesy potato dish, that will leave you queuing up for a second portion.

www.marchedenoeltoulouse.fr

2. Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas Market

9 – 11 December 2022

Held inside the old town walls of the coastal city, this market is credited with being among the most beautiful in the region. Cobbled streets add further charm as you enjoy a range of local specialities such as smoked herring and craquelin pastries. British visitors should feel right at home too, with Christmas pudding also among the treats on offer.

3. Arras Christmas Market

25 November – 30 December 2022

Food at this charming market in the northern city of Arras is influenced by its Flemish roots, so you can expect to see delicacies such as waffles in plentiful supply. Another local favourite are Coeurs d’Arras, pretty, heart-shaped treats made of cheese, perfect for you or the one you love, as you amble through the magnificent Grand’Place.

www.noelarras.com

4. Colmar

24 November – 29 December 2022

A difficult choice to select just one in the Alsace region, where almost every town and city can make an argument for prettiest Christmas market, but Colmar is certainly a good option. With six mini-villages of stalls in its pedestrianised town centre it’s a veritable winter wonderland, offering local delights such as berawecka, kugelhopf and bredle cakes, alongside sausages, sauerkraut, bretzels and flammekueche.

noel-colmar.com

5. Perpignan

25 November – 3 January 2022

Held at the romantic, canalside Quai Sébastien Vauban, foodies visiting Perpignan’s Marché de Noël can enjoy a wide range of Catalan influenced fare. So expect plenty of cheeses, spicy sausages and meats, sweets and churros, alongside the more traditional French offerings such as vin chaud and pain d’épices.

Looking for more Christmas content?

Here are three of our favourite Parisian Christmas markets , plus we’ve put together the 2022 French Christmas Gift Guide.