Paris & Strasbourg Christmas Market: 2-Day Review
Thinking about a holiday escape that is sprinkled with festive cheer? The allure of twinkling lights and the smell of spice fill the air, as they invite you. A trip to the Christmas markets of Paris and Strasbourg in Alsace may be just that ticket. Very little compares to this. Now, you may be asking how to blend both destinations into a swift, 48-hour adventure. Get a load of this review. I’ll give you some experiences, share a bunch of tips, and point you to some must-try treats so you can feel the full wonder of this trip.
Paris at Christmas: First Stop, Holiday Sparkle
Okay, so landing in Paris feels special. As soon as you make your way to any Christmas market, well, there is an amazing festive aura. Often, folks begin at the Champs-Élysées market. However, word has it that a set of smaller, and arguably cuter spots is where you’ll find more fun. St Germain des Prés Market or the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market will add to your holiday adventure.
Things to do when you arrive
What sorts of things can you get up to while walking around these famed avenues? First, you absolutely want to sip vin chaud (mulled amazingness) for a quick warm-up. That hot, spiced drink can set the vibe like your favorite seasonal song does. It might be smart to try some gingerbread. Also, very few things compare to local artisan cheese for pure bliss.
Don’t be shy about window shopping either. Big brands get into the spirit, so you know, department stores usually offer festive window displays that have their own audience. These have scenes animated, telling sets of great holiday stories to delight young and old. If there ever were things that embodied Holiday Cheer, they’d have to be markets like this.
The Paris Food Scene and Must-Try Christmas Market Dishes
Speaking of food, Paris is really a foodie’s happy spot, especially so during the holidays. The smell of baked yummy foods kinda wafts from stalls as people gather, looking to warm themselves as the end of year hits.
Raclette is often mentioned. That big wheel of cheese slowly melted, so you can spread it all over potatoes. Another very popular winter comfort food is that French onion soup. After that, the sweet treat of macarons and other festive pastries goes so very well alongside spiced warm beverage offerings.
For dinner, look around any popular bistro. Festive menus are a hit this time of the year. You want to fill up, since a train trip is soon to come.
Chugging to Strasbourg: A Cozy Ride
Now then, the bullet train from Paris to Strasbourg makes this trip manageable. Book your tickets in advance. It makes life so much easier, you know? You’ll probably be traveling during peak season, and advance tickets often mean better rates, so that’s good. The high-speed train zips you from one place to another in a little more than two hours, which provides time to rest before diving into the heart of Alsace.
Why Strasbourg Glows Brighter
Very often named “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg isn’t just pretty. The air absolutely vibrates. That Christmas market is quite big, dating way back to 1570. You will feel it immediately as you exit the train. Strasbourg does Holiday Cheer right. That feeling lingers from the lit streets to each festively decorated stall. The whole place kinda sparkles in ways you would hope.
Exploring Petite France’s Quaint Beauty
So, Petite France is a must. This really pretty district can be reached easily by foot from the train station, and has canals plus timbered houses. It is all absolutely perfect postcard material.
This setting could have leapt from story books as they wrap the place with seasonal decor, offering those perfect scenes to fill all cameras with. You will get swept right up with the Alsatian mood. It’s kinda hard not to.
Treats You Want In Strasbourg
Are you set for some local snacks and sips? Of course, vin chaud is a must to keep those fingers thawed. But don’t miss out on the regional treasures either.
These sweet things are nice: Bretzels, either coated in sugar or even dunked in chocolate. Next are the gingerbread flavors found here in Alsace. The local breweries bring spiced seasonal ales to complement all these Holiday Cheer vibes, for example. You know you want to bring something home!
When You Need a Moment Inside: Cathedrale Notre Dame
Are you searching for some culture? So, Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg isn’t just somewhere dry to warm up, but a destination to recharge. The cathedral clocks tend to dazzle onlookers every single day. People visit from so many locales because they want to check out these animated figurines on display. You can’t just go to any place to check out a scene like that!
What Else to Plan
If the aim involves cramming Paris and Strasbourg into just 48 hours, organization is paramount. Getting from place to place must be fast and done well in advance. Be on the look out for smaller markets that provide a cozy breather away from the major crowds. And leave space to let spontaneity spark the spirit of seasonal glee. In this, some of the happiest things you remember bloom forth.
You are the one who will decide which experience will fit you. You decide how Paris can blend together well with Strasbourg, given your travel interests. So that might mean that you choose cultural spots as well as seasonal markets. It all turns on what makes the best memories to bring with you. But you might be sure these spots shine brightly together in such a magical period of time. Have fun!
Quick Tips for Your Market Hop
- Dress in Layers: Pack gear able to deal with the chilly winter temperatures.
- Walking Shoes a Plus: Get yourself ready to clock some big walking distance in each locale, so go forth accordingly.
- Book Travel and Stays Fast: Bag deals as you make those reservations earlier.
- Get Public Transportation?: Getting around inside both Paris and Strasbourg using public transport feels doable and budget friendly, so this will often make getting to a venue easy.
- Carry Cash: Very tiny vendors sometimes might not have card payment terminals available, so ensure to come prepared, alright?