Hans Trapp, the terror of the children of Alsace

Riding his black horse, he roams the countryside of northern Alsace with a vengeance. Hans Trapp is the terror of Alsatian gatherings. On St Nicholas' Eve, he proudly ... Read more!

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Petit Papa Noël: the story of the song

Everyone in France knows the only French secular song “Petit Papa Noël”. Grandparents, parents, children… everyone has listened to it over and over again in their younger years ... Read more!

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Christmas Toys: the History of a Tradition

It’s Christmas morning. Impatient as ever, the children can no longer stay in bed… at full speed, they rush down the stairs to the living room where the ... Read more!

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Christmas presents in France: Origins and Traditions

Christmas presents are traditionally given to children (and also to grown-ups!) at Christmas. Wrapped in a shiny gift paper with a beautiful ribbon, it is given out by ... Read more!

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The Christmas pyramid: Origins and Traditions

The Christmas Pyramid, also known as the Advent Pyramid, is an important decorative element of the Christmas season in German countries. For several years now, it has been ... Read more!

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Top 20 Destinations to Visit in France at Christmas

Here is a list of 20 destinations to visit in France at Christmas. This is an opportunity to discover places that you may not have known about and ... Read more!

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A photographic journey to a French Winter Wonderland

For many, the words ‘Winter Wonderland’ refers to a popular American song played during the holiday season. As this year Christmas is looking like no other, I came ... Read more!

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The French Christmas Traditions: A Discovery Guide!

The French consider Christmas one of their most important holidays, alongside Bastille Day! How many of us have cherished memories of the most wonderful time of the year? ... Read more!

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The best photos of Christmas in France

There’s nowhere quite as magical as France at Christmas time. In December the most beautiful Christmas lights will make your French holidays even more magical! Scroll down and warm your ... Read more!

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Dates of Christmas Markets in France 2024

Here are the dates of Christmas markets in France for 2024. Each year, Christmas markets open in towns and villages across France. With their unique architectural settings, French ... Read more!

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Provins Medieval Christmas Market: A 2023 Guide

I have two favourite sites when it comes to Christmas in the Seine-et-Marne département. These are the château of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Provins medieval Christmas market. The latter ... Read more!

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What makes the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market special

A joyous medieval atmosphere awaits all who come to Ribeauvillé! Open on two weekends during Advent, the Ribeauvillé Christmas market has become over the years a not-to-be-missed event in Alsace. ... Read more!

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An Enchanting Christmas: a blog carnival

On the first Sunday of Advent our French blog Mon Grand-Est organised a blog carnival on the theme of “An Enchanting Christmas“. To celebrate the most wonderful time of ... Read more!

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Christmas 2016 at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Christmas 2016 at Galeries Lafayette is just amazing. The department store has done a great work this year with beautiful and creative decoration. The theme chosen for the window display ... Read more!

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5 Christmas Markets on the Alsace Wine Route

The Alsace Wine Route is a scenic itinerary that criss-crosses the Alsatian vineyards from Marlenheim to Thann. During the Advent period, many villages and towns host Christmas markets ... Read more!

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Discover the Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland

On the border of France, the Swiss city of Basel (or Basle) hosts Switzerland’s largest Christmas market (der Basler Weihnachtsmarkt). Easily accessible from Mulhouse, France, you will be amazed by ... Read more!

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Christmas Nativity Scene at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre

The crib inside the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre  (18th arrondissement) is one of the most visited in Paris. Embracing local traditions is an integral part of experiencing any destination. Visiting the Nativity Scene ... Read more!

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Christmas Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier, Paris

One of the most beautiful Nativity Scenes in Paris is found inside the church of Saint-François-Xavier in the 7th arrondissement. The large scene refers to the tradition of a Provençal Nativity Scene ... Read more!

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Nativity Scene at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris

One of the most famous Nativity Scenes in Paris is found inside the Notre-Dame cathedral and attracts almost 2 million visitors from the first Sunday of Advent to Candlemas. We have been lucky enough to ... Read more!

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Christmas Nativity Scenes in France

Coming from a long Catholic tradition, Nativity scenes are still present in many households, churches and public places in France today, in both miniature and life-size displays. The ... Read more!

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