Place Saint-François de Salles, in Annecy
Annecy, its old town, its snow-covered streets and its illuminations … Here is a dream setting to celebrate Christmas, while passing by, in particular on the place Saint-François de Sales, located near the church of the same name, opposite the famous Palais de l’Isle, gateway to the old center. You can enjoy the Christmas market on the spot, but also, in the evening, the illuminations projected on the facades of the Palais de l’Isle and on the bridges.
From Grenoble, the regionals of the stage will be able to travel via the TER network, with direct round trips to Annecy offered at 42 €. From Lyon, count € 57 for a return trip and € 150, at a minimum, from Strasbourg. Want to treat yourself to the holiday season? Get off at the Imperial Palace, a legendary hotel overlooking the lake, where double rooms are available from € 188 per night. You can also enjoy the rooms offered in the heart of the old town, from € 90 per night.
Place of the old customs, in Colmar
Among the countless squares and alleys lit up at Christmas in the old center of Colmar, it’s hard to choose. But the old customs square is perhaps one of the most beautiful, with its beautiful half-timbered houses and its view of the Koïfhus, the oldest public building in the town. The Christmas market is set up there every winter, between the sale of pretzels and mulled wine and typical Christmas decorations.
From Strasbourg, it is easy to get to Colmar by train in 30 minutes, by the TER network, for € 27 return. Note: SNCF offers promotions on Strasbourg / Colmar train tickets for the month of December, at € 10 return. From Grenoble, count € 180 in low range, at this time of year and € 150 from Lyon. To stay in the heart of the historic center, prices are between 100 and 210 € per night.
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Place Pey-Berland, in Bordeaux
At the end of the year celebrations, the streets of the Gironde city come alive. But it is on Place Pey-Berland, opposite the Town Hall, that you can immerse yourself in the heart of the festivities, with the large glass and steel tree, installed for the first time on the place, replacing the old tree that had dominated until then. Made by designer Arnaud Lapierre, this tree will undoubtedly be one of the essentials for Christmas in Bordeaux.
To get to Bordeaux by train from Strasbourg, count around € 250 for a return trip via Paris, prices rising sharply at the end of the year. The same goes for travelers departing from Lyon, who will have to pay for a ticket exceeding € 200 at the end of the year. And to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, by staying in the center of Bordeaux, count between 85 and 188 € depending on the level of standing of the hotel you are looking for.
Place du Capitole, in Toulouse
Heart of the historic center of Toulouse, the Place du Capitole is also the center of Christmas festivities in the city. The Christmas market chalets and a 200 m2 skating rink are then set up on the square, which lights up beautifully for the occasion. Note: a discovery walk also allows you to enjoy all of the city’s illuminations, following a route created for the occasion, through the streets.
From Grenoble, count around 160 € round trip to reach the city of Toulouse, with a connection in Valence and 140 € from Lyon. For Strasbourg, this crossing of the south-east of France will cost you at least € 250, at this time of year. For a night in a hotel near Place du Capitole, the lowest price range is between € 60 and € 110.
Cathedral Square, Rouen
Rouen and its cathedral are part of the French heritage places to see at least once in your life and perhaps even more at Christmas, when the illuminations are on the party. On the illuminated cathedral square, the Christmas market takes place throughout the month of December, which welcomes in its heart a garden of fir trees and the house of Santa Claus.
As the Christmas holidays approach, train ticket prices tend to go up. Count around 180 € for a return trip Grenoble / Rouen, 140 € for a Lyon / Rouen and 150 € for a return trip from Strasbourg. And to stay in the old center of Rouen, plan on a budget of between 85 and 115 € per night in a double room, in a low range.
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