Christmas in France: Cozy Cottages and Festive Markets to Visit

As winter descends, France becomes one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in Europe. From the glittering streets of Paris to the snow-dusted mountain villages of the Alps and the storybook towns of Alsace, the country is filled with festive charm and cozy comfort.

Whether you are planning a family gathering, a romantic escape, or a getaway with friends, Rent-in-France.co.uk offers a wide range of holiday rentals in France, including villas, cottages, ski chalets, and apartments. These self-catering properties make the perfect base for exploring France’s famous Christmas markets, winter landscapes, and regional traditions.

The Magic of Christmas in France

There is something truly special about Christmas in France. Each December, towns and villages come alive with sparkling lights, traditional markets, and festive celebrations. The air fills with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked pastries, while carolers sing beneath towering cathedrals and historic squares.

Strasbourg – The Capital of Christmas

The city of Strasbourg, located in Alsace, proudly hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, the Christkindelsmärik, which dates back to 1570. Visitors can wander through hundreds of wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, regional delicacies, and festive decorations.

Stay nearby in one of the charming holiday cottages in Alsace available through Rent-in-France.co.uk. These cozy homes, often set in picturesque villages, provide the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring markets and sipping vin chaud.

Colmar – A Fairytale Christmas Town

Just a short drive from Strasbourg, Colmar looks as if it has been lifted straight from a Christmas card. With its canals, cobbled streets, and timbered houses decorated with lights and garlands, it offers five distinct Christmas markets across its historic centre. Renting a holiday home in Colmar through Rent-in-France.co.uk allows you to experience the region’s warmth and beauty in your own private space.


Magnificent Family Chalet combining traditional and contemporary styles - Chalet Fontany, Meribel

Winter Breaks in France: Chalets, Mountains, and Fireside Comfort

For those who prefer mountain peaks and snowy adventures, the French Alps are a perfect choice for winter breaks in France. Resorts such as Chamonix, Méribel, Les Gets, and Les Deux Alpes offer world-class skiing, charming village centres, and breathtaking views.

Imagine waking up in a private ski chalet in the French Alps, enjoying a hearty breakfast with family or friends, then heading out to ski beneath clear blue skies. In the evening, return to your chalet for a relaxed dinner, a roaring fire, and perhaps a glass of French wine.

Even if skiing is not on your agenda, the Alps are full of winter experiences — from snowshoeing and spa days to Christmas markets in mountain towns. These self-catering chalets give you freedom and flexibility, allowing you to experience France’s winter charm at your own pace.

Festive Markets Across France

Paris – The City of Light at Christmas

Paris is magnificent all year round, but in December it becomes truly magical. The Champs-Élysées, Montmartre, and Tuileries Garden all host bustling Christmas markets where visitors can find artisanal gifts, gourmet treats, and festive entertainment. The city’s iconic monuments and grand boulevards sparkle under thousands of lights.

Staying in a holiday apartment in Paris gives you the flexibility of a self-catering holiday rental while keeping you close to the city’s attractions, shops, and restaurants. Shop for local produce, enjoy a homemade meal, and soak up the Parisian holiday atmosphere from your own elegant base.

Provence – Festive Traditions in the Sun

For travellers who prefer mild winter weather, Provence is a wonderful destination during the festive season. Towns like Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Arles celebrate Christmas with markets filled with Provençal crafts, local foods, and traditional santons — hand-painted nativity figurines unique to the region.

Renting one of the villas with pools in Provence from Rent-in-France.co.uk offers the best of both worlds: festive charm in the winter and relaxed luxury in the summer. These villas, many with open fireplaces, terraces, and scenic views, are ideal for families or couples seeking an authentic French experience.

Lyon – The Festival of Lights

Every December, Lyon hosts its famous Fête des Lumières, when the city is transformed by spectacular light displays and artistic installations. Combined with its atmospheric Christmas markets and rich culinary heritage, Lyon is a top destination for winter breaks in France.

Choose a holiday apartment in Lyon and discover a city where tradition meets innovation, all while enjoying the comfort and independence of self-catering accommodation.

Why Choose Self-Catering Holiday Rentals in France

Staying in a self-catering holiday rental offers freedom, space, and a more personal travel experience. Unlike hotels, holiday homes allow you to live like a local — shopping at nearby markets, cooking your own meals, and exploring hidden corners of your chosen region.

Rent-in-France.co.uk provides thousands of properties across the country, from rustic cottages and modern apartments to elegant villas and mountain chalets.

Benefits of Self-Catering Accommodation

• Flexibility: Enjoy meals and schedules that suit your lifestyle.

• Space and Comfort: Perfect for families or groups of friends wanting privacy.

• Authenticity: Experience French culture and daily life in a genuine way.

• Value for Money: Often more economical than hotels, especially for longer stays.

With options like villas on the Côte d’Azur, holiday cottages in Brittany, and luxury ski chalets in the French Alps, Rent-in-France.co.uk makes it easy to find your perfect French home away from home.

Summer Holidays in France

While Christmas is magical, many visitors fall in love with their chosen destination and return for summer holidays in France. The country offers a completely different charm in the warmer months, from lavender fields in Provence to châteaux in the Loire Valley and beaches along the French Riviera.

Rent-in-France.co.uk features a wide selection of villas with pools in Provence, coastal apartments in Brittany, and holiday homes in Dordogne — ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, or group retreats. Many properties are available year-round, so you can enjoy your favourite destination in every season.


Superb Modern Villa with 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Infinity pool, Quiet area - In the heart of the Luberon

Popular Regions for Holiday Rentals

Provence and Côte d’Azur

Known for sunshine, vineyards, and lavender fields, Provence and the Côte d’Azur offer some of the best villas with pools in Provence. Enjoy seaside towns, hilltop villages, and Mediterranean views — perfect for both summer and off-season stays.

The French Alps

Home to world-renowned ski resorts, the Alps are ideal for ski chalets in the French Alps. From budget-friendly lodges to luxurious retreats, there are properties for every type of winter traveller.

Dordogne and South-West France

This region offers rolling hills, medieval villages, and excellent cuisine. Browse holiday cottages in Dordogne to experience France’s rural beauty.

Brittany and Normandy

Perfect for coastal holidays, these northern regions combine beautiful beaches with history and charm. Choose from holiday homes in Brittany or cottages in Normandy for a relaxing seaside escape.

Loire Valley

Known as the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley is famous for its vineyards and castles. Stay in elegant holiday rentals in the Loire Valley and enjoy a taste of classic French grandeur.

Tips for Booking Your Christmas Stay

1. Book Early: Popular destinations such as Alsace, the Alps, and Paris are in high demand during December.

2. Check Market Dates: Many Christmas markets open in late November and continue through the New Year.

3. Choose the Right Location: Decide whether you want a countryside escape, a mountain retreat, or a city break.

4. Look for Winter Amenities: When browsing properties on Rent-in-France.co.uk, consider homes with fireplaces, heating, and proximity to festive attractions.

5. Plan Activities: Combine market visits with outdoor adventures, local dining, or cultural excursions.

The Perfect French Festive Experience

Imagine waking up in a cozy cottage in the French countryside, the smell of fresh croissants filling the kitchen. Outside, frost sparkles on the fields as church bells ring in the distance. You spend the morning exploring a nearby Christmas market, then return to your self-catering home to light a fire, prepare a festive meal, and relax with loved ones.

This is the essence of Christmas in France — tradition, comfort, and joy shared in a beautiful setting.

Book Your Holiday Rental with Rent-in-France.co.uk

Whether you dream of a winter chalet in the Alps, a sun-drenched villa in Provence, or a chic apartment in Paris, you’ll find your ideal holiday home at
Rent-in-France.co.uk.

Explore the full range of:

• Holiday rentals in France

• Ski chalets in the French Alps

• Villas with pools in Provence

• Holiday cottages and gîtes in the French countryside

Celebrate this festive season with the perfect combination of tradition, comfort, and freedom. Discover why thousands of travellers choose self-catering holiday rentals in France for both their winter breaks and summer holidays.

Joyeux Noël and Happy Holidays from Rent-in-France.co.uk.