Things to do in December in France

December… Christmas, gifts, snow… this magical month is also the opportunity to discover new things, visit new cities, and take part in numerous events taking place across France! So here are our favourite events this month, which we have specially selected for you!

There is no Christmas without a Christmas market! If you still haven’t been, this year don’t miss the famous Strasbourg Christmas market! Head there, and you will find yourself surrounded by over 300 chalets, overflowing with toys, lighting, jewellery, Alsatian gourmet products, and decorated with magnificent fairy lights. So there is nothing better for finding your last-minute Christmas gifts, sipping a mulled wine, or simply contemplating the beauty of the place, while watching extraordinary shows and concerts. So go to Strasbourg until 30th December to celebrate the end-of-year festivities in style, where both young and old will be immersed in a magical environment.

For music, it is Rennes that plays host! Come and discover new musical movements and catch the major music trends at the Rencontres Trans Musicales, from 5th to 9th December, at Parc Expo. Whether you are music enthusiasts or simply curious, you cannot help but be delighted by this exclusive and friendly event.

Still in Lyon but for the Fête des Lumières this time, the festival that attracts several million visitors, from 6th to 9th December! Over 4 nights, come and admire the creativity, diversity, beauty and richness of the light works by internationally renowned artists, as well as young talents.

Still with lights but this time in Épernay, celebrate the gastronomy of this region, amid illuminations, exhibitions, entertainment, shows and a fireworks display. The champagne capital and its great chefs will let you taste the local produce, and take part in wine workshops, to discover the specialty that has made the region’s reputation.

Book your plane or boat ticket: heading to Corsica for the Chestnut Fair, from 7th to 9th December! For this Fiera di a Castagna, come and meet Corsican producers and artisans who will be delighted to present their products, chestnut of course but also cheeses, olive oils, pastries, alcohols…

If you missed it, the Autumn festival takes place until the end of December. This multidisciplinary arts festival offers dance shows, music concerts, film screenings, theatre productions and visual arts exhibitions. It takes place in several locations in the capital, notably at the Centre Pompidou and at the Ménagerie de Verre.