Discover the Christmas markets by motorhome

Do you like Christmas and its magical atmosphere? You will certainly enjoy discovering the Christmas markets in a motorhome. At this time of year, hotels and rentals are often crowded and it is hard to find space. The motorhome will be the ideal solution to remain independent and enjoy it. Visit one of our AVIS explore locations to hire yours, of course our agency in the East of France in Stasbourg is the nearest.

How to make a success of your Christmas markets in a motorhome?

Once your motorhome has been rented, you should find out about the parking rules. To do this, it is necessary to distinguish private land from public roads.

Private land:

• if you are the owner: you park as you wish;
• in co-ownership: refer to the applicable rules;
• if you are not the owner: you need their consent to park.

Public highway:

• not obstruct the visibility of other road users;
• do not camouflage traffic lights or signs;
• leave sufficient space between your motorhome and the continuous line if there is one,
• respect any orders issued by the mayor of the town where you wish to park.

Good to know: Even if you respect the rules above, be aware that parking on the public road cannot exceed a period of 7 days.

Christmas market calendar

Christmas markets take place all over France. In many cities, the end of the year celebrations are celebrated through decorations, but also animations and stands selling various products. The first Christmas markets set up in early November and can last until a few days after Christmas, or even a few days after New Year's Eve. You can find the dates of the different Christmas markets by city online.

The 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in France:

Throughout France, many cities host Christmas markets every year. Discover our top 10 and the specificities of each.

• 1- Strasbourg: the largest in France, Strasbourg is nicknamed the capital of Christmas;

• 2- Reims: many activities such as exhibitions, parades, an ice rink or even a little train;

• 3- Colmar: Let yourself be carried away by the magic of Christmas through its 6 Christmas markets located throughout the city;

• 4- Paris: it is one of the busiest with around 15 million visitors per year. It brings together more than 200 snow-covered chalets;

• 5- Bordeaux: it is the largest Christmas market in Aquitaine. It hosts several associative chalets;

• 6- Lyon: it is the ideal Christmas market for gourmets who will appreciate the many stands of products to taste;

• 7- Sarlat: the medieval city is not to be missed at Christmas market time;

• 8- Marseille: you can complete your collection of santons and come and admire the huge Christmas tree;

• 9- Montbéliard: on the occasion of the Christmas market, the city lights up to offer a superb spectacle. 1/3 of the stands are devoted to gastronomy and the rest to crafts;

• 10- Toulouse: here too, the terroir is in the spotlight with many tasting stands, not to mention those offering handcrafted toys for children.

      

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace

An essential region to come and admire the Christmas markets, Alsace is home to a large number of them. Start with that of Strasbourg, by surveying its illuminated streets. You can then go to the one, or rather those of Colmar. Only a few kilometers away is the Kaysersberg Christmas market which is worth a visit, it is in the heart of the historic center in a superb setting. Finally, go to the medieval city of Eguisheim where you will have the impression of traveling back in time.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Occitania

Now head to Occitania, a region also rich in exceptional Christmas markets. Start your journey at the Toulouse Christmas market and enjoy a tartiflette and a glass of mulled wine. You will then appreciate the authenticity of the Carcassonne Christmas market with its superb illuminations and numerous activities. The medieval town decorated by UNESCO is worth a look. Push to Montpellier to discover a hundred exhibitors present, and end your stay with the Nîmes Christmas market where light projections on the arenas, ice rink, merry-go-rounds and gastronomic or artisanal stands mingle.

This year, bet on the freedom to discover the Christmas markets by renting a motorhome. You can go to the cities of your choice to admire them.