You must have surely witnessed or heard about the unparalleled beauty of France when it’s all sunny out there, but have you ever imagined how the country of arts and romance spreads its charm in the month of December? Well, the Christmas fervor is on and all the places in the country are lit with lights and happiness. From enchanting Christmas village at the foot of the Eiffel Tower to soul-stirring ice-skating rinks built under the stars, there’s a lot to see and experience in France in December. So, don’t think much and plan your next trip to France in the month of December and witness the culture of the country in its true colors. But before you pack your bags and book your tickets, scroll down and take a look at how you can plan your holiday in the most perfect way!
Table of Content
- Weather In France In December
- Places To Visit In France
- Things To Do In France
- Reason To Visit France In December
- What To Pack
Weather In France In December
While the weather varies according to the places you visit in France, it remains cold and snowy throughout the month. The average minimum temperature is 2 degrees Celsius, and the maximum is 10 degrees Celsius. All in all, the weather is absolutely perfect for getting cozy inside and excited outside as there are fewer tourists and almost no long queues during sightseeing.
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Best Places To Visit In France In December
France is home to some of the most lively places that will leave you mesmerized! But since there are so many beautiful places to see, we have listed the best ones for your perfect France holiday in December. Take a look!
1. Paris
Image Credit: Taxiarchoes228 for Wikimedia Commons
Home to the world-famous Eiffel Tower, Paris is undoubtedly one of the best places in France in December to visit with your loved ones. Imagine how beautiful the iconic tower would look on a wintery night with all its lights lit up! So, add Paris to your France trip itinerary and treat your eyes with the best views!
Best time to visit: April-June, October-November
Best attractions: Disneyland, Louvre Museum, Arc of Triumph, Dinner Cruise
2. Lyon
Image Credit: Calips for Wikimedia Commons
Make sure you visit Lyon, France, in December if you wish to witness and indulge in the amazing festival of lights. Apart from its festive mood, Lyon offers a glimpse of French culture and heritage through its Renaissance buildings and is also home to a world heritage site!
Best time to visit: September-October
Best attractions: Musee des beaux arts, Musuem of Archaeology, Presqu’ile District
Related Post: France In July
3. Strasbourg
Image Credit: Elizaveta Butryn for Wikimedia Commons
Visit Strasbourg, France in December and take a walk down the picturesque lanes to feel the old world charm that it holds. From charming timbered houses to elegant medieval buildings, it will take you to a whole new different level during your France holidays in December.
Best time to visit: May-September
Best attractions: Cathédrale Notre-Dame, La Petite France, Palais Rohan
4. Provence
It is a beautiful countryside near Paris. The whole town basks under the Mediterranean sun, and it is just a relaxing experience for travellers to get out of the stress of their daily lives.Travelers get to breathe in the fresh air with a hint of herbs that grow locally. It is a must-go in the winters of Paris.
Best time to visit: April, May-June, September
Best attractions: Cassis, Gordes, Avignon
Related Post: France In May
Top Things To Do In France In December
France offers many unique experiences that will strike your heart and become a part of the beautiful memories forever. Here are some of the best things to do in France in December that’ll surely make your holiday one of a kind.
1. Dine at the Seine River Cruise
What could be more beautiful than having your dinner on a cruise while witnessing the beauty of Paris? The city offers different cruises wherein you can relax in a casual setting and absorb the gorgeous views of the surroundings on the picturesque Seine river. It is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris on your honeymoon. It is one thing to look at the Eiffel Tower from land, it’s another from over the river.
2. Indulge in ice skating
Whether you are with your partner or your family, ice skating is one thing that will bring you all closer to each other during your France holiday in December. Strap on a pair of skates and groove to the music! The country is home to many ice rinks where you can skate your heart out! In fact, one of the reasons why you should visit France is ice skating. Go swish on the frozen ice and just ‘Let it go’.
Related Post: Hostels In France
3. Spot the talent at Cannes Dance Festival
Witness the best of contemporary, classical, french, and more forms of dance at this world-famous Cannes Dance Festival which is held in the south of France in December. While visiting France in December, this is one experience you absolutely cannot afford to miss! If you are a theatre person, this is one of the must-experiences to have on your holiday in France.
4. Bastille Day
It is one of the biggest festivals in France. It also holds a lot of importance, as on this day, people walked to the Bastille to establish their Democracy. This day is seen as the birth of a democratic France. Celebrations are held across the country and give viewers an unreal experience. Bastille Day is what Independence Day is for Indians and the 4th of July for Americans.
Day: 14th July
Related Post: France Nightlife
Reasons To Visit France In December
- Christmas Markets: One of the best time to visit France is during Christmas when you get to visit the vibrant Christmas markets. You will find streets spectacularly lit and filled with small wooden booths from where you can buy Christmas goodies.
- Cheap Hotels: Since it is not a peak season for tourism, the hotels are cheap and so are the airfares. Need more reason to book a trip to France?
- Winter Sports: Those who enjoy ice-skating and skiing will be delighted to be in France in December.
- Thermal Spas: If it gets too chilly for you in France, then don’t worry because you can rejuvenate in thermal spas and hot springs and get some warmth.
What To Pack For Your Winter Trip To France
1. Make sure you carry layers of warm clothes to keep yourself warm.
2. Keep extra clothes for an emergency.
3. Carry a scarf, a hat, and gloves with you.
4. Don’t forget to keep an umbrella in case it rains.
5. Try to wear comfortable and warm shoes like boots, and keep extra shoes for evenings.
6. Make sure that you carry your passport, ID, and other important things in your backpack.
You May Also Like To Read: France In December
Now you must be convinced that France is a perfect escape for a holiday in December. So, don’t think much and plan your trip to France and witness the country’s charm during the chilly days and nights!
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Frequently Asked Question About France In December
When is the best time to visit France?
Best time to visit France is in December if you wish to celebrate Christmas in France and enjoy winter sports like skiing and ice skating.
Which city is filled with heritage in France?
Strasbourg is the place to visit if travellers want to know about the history of France.
Which festival is a must visit in France?
Bastille Day is the festival to visit France.
Which month is very cold in France?
January is the coldest month in France.
Does it snow in France in December?
You can expect snowfall in some region of France in the month of December.
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Living with this motto in mind. A little too sensitive about anything and everything, this person is writing about traveling, something that she loves and has been doing since her childhood. To her, traveling does not only mean exploring new places but new people and how different life is everywhere else. It makes her think and think, thus making her a writer. If ever, you will find her thinking hard, laughing every other second and trying passionately to bring a change in the world.
