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Best Places to Visit in France in Winter 2024-2025 (France Winter Ideas)

01/12/2024

Article written by Elisa
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Where to Go in France in Winter?

France is a fabulous destination year-round, but it takes on a distinctive charm of its own in winter. From snow-capped mountains and alpine ski runs to a hint of Mediterranean sun, winter in France is bound to impress and delight if you don’t have a problem with warm jackets and cozy scarves.

So where to go in France in winter? Here, travel experts and friends bring us the best places to visit in France in winter to help you craft the perfect France winter itinerary.

From the French capital to the Antilles, this list of France winter destinations has something for everyone!

Winter in France

Best Places to Visit in France in December

1. Paris – The Capital

Winter in Paris

By Elisa from WorldInParis.com

Paris is a magical place at any time of the year, although fewer travelers take advantage of all the city offers in winter. Besides the off-season attractions, winter in Paris comes with excellent food & wine festivals and other seasonal events like the Lights Festival at Jardin des Plantes or Le Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains.

Paris is one of the best cities to visit in France in December, as the Christmas markets and Christmas trees pop up in every corner of the city, and the capital sparkles with twinkling lights and decorations.

If possible, try to visit Paris in early December, when you will get the most out of the holiday season without the crowds of the last days of the month. This is a great time to do lonely walks along the Seine’s banks or wander the streets of Le Marais, perhaps with a coffee break at a Parisian café, before checking out some of Paris’s top attractions with almost no lines.

On a clear winter day, marvel at the city’s panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower and the Montparnasse Tower, or choose one of the most popular day trips like Château de Versailles or Château de Chantilly.

2. Lyon – the Festival of Lights Awaits

Festival of Lights - Lyon

Lyon is one of the best places to visit in France in winter. There are many ways to enjoy winter in Lyon apart from visiting its museums, main sights, and silk shops.

The coldest season kicks off with the Lyon Festival of Lights (this year from 5 to 8 December), one of France’s most famous winter festivals. The Fête des Lumières began as a spontaneous celebration of the Virgin Mary when her erected bronze statue was erected, and Lyonnais all placed candles in their windows.

Even if the festival’s essence has not changed, the city has turned the Festival of Lights into one of Lyon’s main tourist attractions (book your accommodation months in advance!). For four nights, different artists light up buildings, streets, squares, and parks all over the city. With more than 40 light installations to discover, the city has a magical atmosphere.

Lyon is also an ideal place to discover French cuisine and fall in love with it. The French generally acknowledge Lyon to be the gastronomic capital of France. This is a city with more restaurants per head and where local food is taken to another level and people, it’s a way of life.

Join a Lyon food tour to discover the secrets of Lyon’s cuisine and try as much as you can in one of its endless gastronomic restaurants or bistros.

3. Colmar – Christmas in Alsace

Colmar - Christmas Market

By Chrysoula from TravelPassionate.com

If you are wondering where to go in France in December, Colmar is a good option. Colmar in Alsace is a beautiful town to visit at any time of year, but it’s arguably one of the best places to visit in France in December when the glistening lights give the town a warm glow and the smell of mulled wine and winter treats float through the air.

The main reason for visiting Colmar in winter is the draw of the town’s incredible Colmar Christmas Market, which runs from mid-November until the end of December. This bustling market comprises six different sections of stalls, with a variety of gifts and foodie goods on sale, as well as a range of events, activities, and lighting shows scattered throughout the town.

Colmar’s architectural style means it looks like it has popped straight out of a fairy tale, with chocolate box houses and timber-framed houses dotting the landscape. This means that there are photo opportunities at every turn, and with the addition of Christmas trees and lights, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream!

Another reason that Colmar is one of the best things to do in France in December is the excellent food and drink scene. With a winter chill in the air, you won’t want to be spending all day and night outside, so you’ll want to find some indoor havens in which to enjoy delicious Alsace food and some drinks. Thankfully, Colmar boasts some divine eateries, including eight Michelin-starred restaurants! Pair this with the delicious Alsatian wines, and you’re on to a winner.

Colmar is a great winter getaway location in itself, but those who love Christmas Markets will also like to combine their trip to Colmar with other Christmas Markets in Alsace, the Alsace Wine Route, or other destinations such as Strasbourg and Basel.

4. Disneyland Paris A Festive Wonderland

Disneyland Paris

By Rebecca from RaynerEnRoute.com

One of my favorite places to visit in France in winter is the magical Disneyland Paris. From November until January, the happiest place on earth turns it up to 11 during the winter season, creating a festive wonderland full of decorations, snow, Christmassy parades, and sparkling light shows.

Disneyland Paris is one of the best places to visit in France in December to get into the Christmas spirit. The big Christmas parade down Main Street will see your favorite characters take on a festive twist. For something a little spookier, the Phantom Manor gets a Nightmare Before Christmas make-over, with Jack Skellington giving Santa Clause a run for his money.

One of the highlights of experiencing Christmas at Disneyland Paris is the beautiful evening light and fireworks display at Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Make sure to visit the gift shops to pick up some cute Disney-themed Christmas tree ornaments to remember your yuletide experience with fondness.

Since November 2024, prices to get to Disneyland Paris will vary according to demand. As with planes or trains, to pay less, you will have to book in advance! I recommend having a look at this Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar, which is updated for 2025, to find the best days to visit to avoid the biggest crowds. Once you have decided when to go, book your tickets ASAP for the best prices.

Best Places to Visit in France in January

5. French Alps – The Best of Winter Sports

La Plagne - French Alps

By Norbert from TravelFranceBucketList.com

If you are looking for places to visit in France in January for a more active holiday, the French Alps are the place to go. Home to iconic snow-capped peaks, charming old towns, and endless ski slopes, the French Alps are an excellent destination for a winter holiday in France,

Besides the obvious ski and snowboard activities, there are other thrilling activities, like ice skating or ice climbing, and there’s always plenty of time for relaxation in the ski resorts of the French Alps.

After exploring the picturesque Chamonix (check out the best Chamonix winter activities other than skiing), the winter wonder at Val d’Isère, or the unspoiled Mercantour National Park, take a cable car to get closer to some of Europe’s highest mountains.

From the center of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you to the gateway of High Mountain at a height of 3,842 m. There, laid-out terraces offer a 360° view of all the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Finally, a lift brings you to the summit terrace at 3,842m, where you will have a clear view of the highest mountain, Mont Blanc, in western Europe.

6. Martinique – Rum & Caribbean Sun

Grande Anse des Salines Beach - Martinique

If you wonder where to spend winter in France in the sun, Martinique in the French Antilles is a good option for warm temperatures, golden beaches, and Caribbean fun.

Martinique is the ideal winter break in France, with many fun things to do. People looking for a quiet stay in a postcard-perfect Caribbean setting will be happy with the Martinique beaches, with coconut palms, white sand, and turquoise water. Choose a beautiful eco-hotel by the sea and enjoy a relaxing winter vacation surrounded by nature. Wait until the Christmas school holidays in France are over (this year, on 6 January 2025), and you will have the island almost to yourself!

More active people will have a great time in Martinique as the island offers great hikes and other outdoor activities. Enjoy coastal walks, volcano hikes, or exuberant botanical gardens. In Martinique, you are never far from the sea, and the island offers many water activities as well, from cruises to secluded beaches to exciting dives.

Finally, Martinique is also an island with an interesting history and heritage. Visit some colonial houses or learn about their precious Rum Agricole AOC in a distillery. These domains are usually a great place to see how life was in Martinique a couple of centuries ago.

7. Vichy – Wellness from the Volcanoes

Vichy - Wellness

If you are wondering where to start the year with a relaxing holiday, Auvergne has some interesting options.

Auvergne, in Eastern France, is one of the best places to visit in France in winter for well-being activities and health treatments, with water coming out of the ground at high temperatures. Thanks to the richness of its volcanic soil, Auvergne contains a variety of thermal sources to treat many conditions, perfect for a quick recovery during the cold winter.

Amongst the ten Auvergne spa towns in the Massif Central, Vichy is the spa resort par excellence. Napoleon III worked hard to make the spa town of Vichy famous all over the world. Apart from its two thermal baths, Vichy also has a beautiful Art Déco heritage, with an Opera House, eclectic villas, grand hotels, and two casinos.

Don’t miss the Céléstins Springs, a hot spring hall in the city where visitors can get a taste of Vichy water for free.

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8. Route du Mimosa – Winter Sunshine on Côte d’Azur

Bormes-les-Mimosas, Provence

If you are looking for a south of France winter itinerary by car that combines mild temperatures with extraordinary scenery, the Route du Mimosa could be just what you are looking for.

The Route du Mimosa (D559) is a 130km road that runs from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse in the Var department. This stretch of land and its towns is one of the best places to visit in France in January (and February), when the bright yellow of this scented plant grows prolifically. A symbol of the winter sunshine on the Côte d’Azur, the yellow mimosa is a sure sign that spring is on its way.

This 6-day Route du Mimosa itinerary is one of the most lovely road trips in France. A perfect winter break in France, this road trip itinerary will allow you a few days of winter sunshine, enjoying beautiful places and a slower path of life. On the way, visit picturesque medieval towns, lush botanical gardens, mimosa festivals, and the largest mimosa forest in Europe!

9. Cannes – For a Warmer Winter

Cannes - France

By Alex from SwedishNomad.com

If you are wondering where to go in France in winter, the South of France is always a good option. When most of the Northern Hemisphere endures the cold winter months with a fair share of snow and freezing temperatures, there is a refuge in the French Riviera named Cannes.

With low precipitation and temperatures up to 14 degrees Celsius in January, Cannes is the perfect winter break in France. What makes it even better to visit Cannes in winter is the fact that it’s low season and fewer tourists visit the city. While the atmosphere won’t be as lively as during summer, there will still be restaurants and shops open since locals and ex-pats live in Cannes year-round.

One of the best things to do in Cannes in winter is to go for a stroll in the marina and watch the luxurious yachts. The beaches of Cannes are never empty, and perhaps you can join an improvised beach volleyball match or watch it from one of the beach bars.

Another recommended thing to do in Cannes is to walk up to the old watchtower, from where you will have one of the best views of Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea. Cannes is also famous for its shopping, and you’ll find lots of local designer shops and international brands on the shopping street.

Best Places to Visit in France in February

10. Marseille – A Taste of Provence

Marseille - France

By Ayngelina from BaconisMagic.ca

Without a doubt, Marseille is one of the most underrated cities in France. While Marseille isn’t ugly, it isn’t well loved despite being the oldest city in France. It’s a port town, so many tourists only come in for the day on cruise ships.

But this is why winter in Marseille is magical. Marseille is in Provence in the south of France, and the weather in this part of France in winter is still warm. Jeans and a light jacket or warm sweater are often all you will need.

There are many interesting things to do in Marseille. If you like wandering around, Le Panier district next to the waterfront is full of local artisan shops.

And don’t forget to make a trip down to the scenic Old Port. If you’re staying in an apartment, the Fish Market is an excellent spot to meet the local fishermen and find a fresh catch. While they are impatient with tourists in the summer, they have time and plenty of smiles with visitors in the winter.

In Marseille, food often follows a traditional route, as there are so many classic French provencal dishes here. It’s warm enough to still sit out on a patio with a blanket or under a heat lamp, sipping local wine and eating in the best restaurants. No reservations are needed as the crowds are gone.

11. Nice Fun at Carnival

Nice Carnival

By Nadine from LeLongWeekend.com

With its seaside location, agreeable climate, and unique sub-culture, Nice is a popular destination to visit at any time of the year. But while most tourists stick to the warmer months to visit Nice, there are many reasons to plan a holiday to Nice in winter.

The Nice Carnival, which occurs every February, is one of the most popular festivals in France and draws in crowds from all over the country and the continent. Indeed, as one of Europe’s biggest carnivals, it holds an important spot on the holiday calendar for any festival aficionado.

The Carnival theme changes each year and features flamboyant floats in the central parade and street fairs, live music, fantastic fireworks displays, and a lot of food! Spanning over two weeks, there’s plenty going on in the city during the Carnival, making Nice one of the best places to visit in France in February.

But even if the hustle of Carnival season isn’t for you, there are many other fun things to do in Nice, and the mild temperatures will still allow you to make the most of the city’s incredible coastline. Take a stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, visit Castle Hill for the unbeatable views over the city, or take in one of the many museums showcasing the area’s history and culture.

Nice also makes a great base to take day trips from, and the winter months allow you to discover the authentic daily life in the surrounding hillside villages.

12. Menton – All Things Citrus

Lemon Festival Menton

South of France in winter is always a good option. Close to the Italian border, Menton is one of the best places to visit in the French Riviera, with narrow, steep streets, a beautiful sandy beach, and the highest temperatures in the South of France.

If you are looking for places to visit in France in February, don’t miss Menton and its Lemon Festival. For centuries in Europe, Menton has been famous for its lemons: very bright, yellow, and elongated fruits prized by chefs for their rich essential oil.

Since 1934, the Fête du Citron (Menton’s Lemon Festival) has taken place every February, and it involves giant sculptures of lemons and other citrus fruits. The displays are also accompanied by parades, shows, music, and dances.

13. Annecy – Venice in the Alps

Annecy is one of the most beautiful French cities to visit all year round. Most people visit Annecy during the summer, but Annecy is also wonderful to see during winter in France, and with half of the crowds.

Lake Annecy, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is always beautiful to see, but if you are looking for unique winter holidays in France, consider Annecy for the Carnival.

TIP: If you are looking for a France winter itinerary that includes Annecy, this road trip from Lyon to Annecy is excellent. Book your rental car here.

With its canals crisscrossing the historic town, Annecy has been called the Venice of the Alps for a long time. This nickname takes its full sense during the two-and-a-half days of the Carnival.

At the end of February or the beginning of March, several hundreds of masks dressed in elegant costumes like in Venice roam slowly and freely in the Old Town streets, and they like to pose, parade, and group together on the catwalks.

Last but not least, this part of France in the winter offers savory (and hearty) cuisine, with popular dishes like fondue, raclette, sausages, and all kinds of cheese and wine.

And there you have it, where to go in France in winter. What are your favorite France winter destinations for your next trip?

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