Hi everyone,
We’ve wanted to visit Alsace for a long time to see the famous and well-known "Christmas markets."
Apart from the one in Strasbourg, could you give us some tips on other markets (Sélestat, Colmar, Mulhouse)?
Also, any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, or things to see, etc.?
I know my question is a bit "basic," but we really need some expert advice.
Thanks in advance to all.
Good evening,
Colmar and Kaysersberg would be my top picks,
but you really can’t go wrong—there are so many great options!
http://www.marche-de-noel-alsace.com/marchenoel2.htm
They’re all charming and worth visiting.
As a local, I prefer Riquewihr, Hunawihr, and Ribeauvillé over Kaysersberg, which I think is overrated (but that’s just nitpicking).
Eguisheim is also a very pretty village (though its Christmas market is small). That said, it can get tiring to "chase" all the markets, and sometimes just visiting a village to take a break is just as nice.
For hotels and restaurants, everything’s booked solid in Alsace at Christmas, and I don’t know the Strasbourg area well. All I can say is to plan ahead.
Personally, we prefer the medieval Christmas market in Ribeauvillé, which only takes place over two weekends, whereas the ones in Riquewihr or Colmar last much longer. But in Ribeauvillé, there’s still a real "authenticity" (though that’s subjective, of course 🙂 ). Here are our detailed impressions: www.carnets-voyage-photos.fr/marche-de-noel-als...
For accommodations, things fill up quickly. I’m not sure if you’ll still find availability, but I can recommend this guesthouse: Gîte le 15 13 in Ribeauvillé. You’ll find a description of it in this article. The owners haven’t had time to create their website yet since the guesthouse only opened in early September.
I agree with you—the authenticity of Alsatian Christmas markets is pretty questionable. Thirty years ago, only Strasbourg’s existed.
Anyway, for visiting Alsace, I think it’s best to avoid December. Now you can find Christmas markets all over France, so there’s no need to travel hundreds of kilometers just to buy cheap trinkets made in China and sip some mulled wine. 😎
Skipping a Christmas in Alsace would be a real shame, though.
And the 21st-century Christmas markets—should we wait until they become like those from the High Middle Ages?
I can also say that the Christmas market in my little town, Autun, has absolutely nothing to do with those in Strasbourg or elsewhere in Alsace.... 😉
I still love going to Strasbourg at Christmas, despite the "cheap imports," and you won’t find only that...
In Strasbourg, the market itself feels too commercial for my taste. That said, the city is beautifully decorated—you’ve gotta wander through the little streets in the center.
And the giant tree in Place Kléber never fails to impress!
Ten years later, Alsace’s Christmas markets have gone from quaint village folklore to mass tourism. Locals dread them because they make life miserable for a whole month. They deal with traffic jams, the impossibility of parking or even getting home, noise, litter everywhere, and teddy bear decorations made in China that ruin the streets. The only ones laughing are the shopkeepers.
The cherry on top? On social media, American tourists tell them that if they don’t like it, they should move somewhere else. These tourists spend a week in France, only visit the Christmas markets, and leave with about twenty unreturned deposit cups featuring the markets they visited.
Locals dread them because it makes their lives miserable for a month.
Come on, stop putting them down!
Christmas markets mostly help shopkeepers boost their sales and move their stock.
Yes, it’s become a commercial event, but as you well know, the economic situation in the country where I live isn’t great.
Especially since small businesses in city centers keep shutting down one after another.
And let’s not forget that commerce creates jobs.
What do you want? More unemployed people in this country?
When you go to Morocco, Tunisia, or Egypt—countries where trading is in their blood—you buy souvenirs, don’t you?
So enough with the complaining already.
Hello,
thanks Mathews for your input. I was thinking the same thing.
Apparently, it’s become trendy to look down on "budget" tourism. They only want "the elite"—fewer tourists who spend a lot in a short time, so they can work less and profit off their backs. In short, tourism reserved for the rich, and may the masses leave us alone. Let them stay home and work their whole lives without ever going anywhere.
Tourism without backpackers...
I just came across your discussions at the perfect time—I’m planning a little weekend trip to Alsace to check out the Christmas markets this year, probably in mid-December.
I’m still torn between staying in Strasbourg (more convenient, everything in one place) or doing a mix with Colmar and one or two nearby villages.
For those who’ve done the circuit before: would you recommend sticking to one city or moving around a bit? And for accommodation, do I really need to book several weeks in advance?
Hi,
when you talk about a "short weekend," does that mean Saturday-Sunday, or can you extend it to 3 or 4 days?
For 2 days, I’d recommend focusing either on Strasbourg and the surrounding area or Colmar and its surroundings. Travel times can be longer during Christmas market weekends, and parking is usually a bit far from the village centers. It’s better to "do less," take the time to savor the places, and avoid rushing around and getting stressed.
To have a bit more choice, I’d suggest booking your accommodation a little in advance.
Yeah, you're right, it's more realistic in the end.
I think I'll focus on just one city instead of trying to do too much.
Strasbourg seems like a great choice for a first visit—it already looks packed with the markets and that Christmas vibe.
Thanks for the tips! 🎄
I see there are arguments against the Christmas markets, and I think everyone is partly right.
I remember the early '90s well, when a big commercial push was launched, sometimes with a full page in the daily papers to revive the Christmas markets in Alsace. And it worked.
The way things unfold is always the same, a bit like the Eurockéennes festival in the Territoire de Belfort or Ibiza from the '70s to the '90s: if you're one of the clever or lucky ones, you enjoy it during the first few years, while it's still charming.
Then comes the day when TV covers it, and that's when the invasion happens. You can barely walk anymore because of the crowds, and it ends up becoming excessively commercial.
No matter: people are happy because they're big kids at heart, and their kids love it. It's also great for the lucky few who make almost their entire year's turnover in just one month.
As a local, I always feel a bit sorry for those who only come to Alsace in winter to brave the cold and wind in front of the cathedral, for all those poor souls who never had the chance to visit this wonderful region in the summer, when it's infinitely more beautiful and pleasant.
to all those unlucky folks who didn’t get to visit this wonderful region in the summer, when it’s infinitely more beautiful and pleasant.
good evening, you’re right about those unlucky ones...
those people who spend their summer in Saint-Tropez or Cannes in front of their yacht, sipping a caipirinha.
to all those poor souls who didn’t get the chance to visit this wonderful region in the summer, when it’s infinitely more beautiful and pleasant.
Evening! You’re right about those poor souls...
Those people who spend their summers in Saint-Tropez or Cannes in front of their yacht, sipping a caipirinha.
Okay, got it. And which dock are you mooring at? 😎
uh, I can't dock because I don't have a yacht... and I need to save money to go back to Guatemala 🙂
Anyway, back to Alsace—I'd love to go kayaking on the Rhine.
Hi there,
I need to plan a trip to mainland France for the first time with my family (my partner and our two kids, aged 16 and 5). We arrive at Paris Orly on the evening of JANUARY 12th and leave on January 30th.
Do you have any city recommendations to visit during this period, or hotels you’d suggest?
We’ll be traveling by train and would like to spend at least 4 nights in each city.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Delphine
I'M PLANNING TO GO TO CORSICA IN 2027, EITHER IN JUNE OR MAYBE SEPTEMBER (haven't decided yet).
I'd like to know which is the most cost-effective way to get there from La Rochelle: by plane or by boat?
Once there, I'd rent a basic car (though I don’t know which agency yet).
I plan to do the 10-day *Mare a Mare* hike.
Hi, I need your advice.
I’m heading to Drancy in the Paris region this Friday, on Auguste Blanqui Street—apparently it’s next to a police station.
I’d like to get from there to the Musée Grévin, but I’m not sure how: should I take the bus, RER, tram, or metro? If a kind soul could point me in the right direction and explain what type of transport ticket I need, I’d really appreciate it. I’m new to getting around Paris—I’m from the north and not used to it.
Thanks in advance!
I want to rent an economy-class car in France for 12 days. I checked prices on several sites mentioned in this forum, and they’re pretty comparable—around 350 € or $470 CAD.
Strangely, Auto Europe is showing prices between $300 and $330 CAD for an economy-class vehicle. That seems too good to be true. What do you think?
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Corsica for 12 days:
- One week in Ajaccio
- One week in Porto-Vecchio
I’m renting a car at Ajaccio airport.
Any special visit ideas?
Thanks
Hello,
I’ve visited Corsica several times with our kids, and we loved the warm welcome and friendliness of the locals as we explored many villages. We’re originally from the JURA region.
Now that we’re retired, we’d like to live somewhere between Bastia and Porto-Vecchio.
Which village or town would you recommend for a peaceful and welcoming lifestyle?
We’ll be back from a river cruise with a stop in Strasbourg for just the afternoon and evening. We’d like to spend the afternoon in either Colmar or Kaysersberg and then return to Strasbourg for dinner and a stroll afterward. I’d love your advice on which spot—Colmar or Kaysersberg—you’d recommend. I’ve noticed there’s a bus line 145 that runs from Colmar to Kaysersberg, taking about 40 minutes and costing around 5 €.
Is there a train or another way to get directly from Strasbourg that’s quick and affordable? I think a taxi would be pretty expensive. The issue is we don’t have much time—our flight is the next morning. We’ve already visited Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr about 10 years ago and loved them all. Our river cruise covers the Main, Rhine, and Danube.
We’re really looking forward to seeing places in Germany, like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, among others.
Hi there,
This question is for a friend who lives in Munich and needs to come to Paris in May 2027.
Could you share any tips on the easiest way to get to Paris (flight or train) and then to La Défense Arena?
I don’t know anything about it, and my friend is just as lost when it comes to planning her trip.
Thanks in advance if you have any advice! :-)
We’re planning to spend a few days in Valencia and the surrounding area. Can you recommend the must-see sights?
PS: If you know any great restaurants, we’re all ears!
It’s official: our Lyon weekend is confirmed from June 12th to 14th (girls only, no kids!). Do you have any must-see spots to recommend? Are there any exhibitions happening around that time?
Which places do you suggest for going out and having a good time?
Hi,
Our son, currently in Central America, will board a sailboat on 04/16 to cross the Atlantic. He’s expected to arrive around 05/31 in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, and we’d like to welcome him on the day he arrives.
I’m looking for accommodation in the area for a few days around that date, from which we can explore the Camargue. We’ll be bringing our e-bikes.
Could you tell me which towns to look in and which areas to avoid, please? I think Port-Saint-Louis isn’t a great option if we want to avoid the toll for the ferry every time we leave by car.
Thanks for your tips.
Claire
PS: Are there a lot of mosquitoes in late May/early June?
Hi everyone! I’m Loubna, I’m Algerian. My friends and I are planning a trip to France, but we don’t know this region at all. Could you help us out? Thanks in advance!
Hi there, I’m facing a pretty big and important dilemma—I moved to Argentina (Buenos Aires) when I was 20, and now, at 30, I’m coming back to France.
I’m looking for a city to live in and build a life for the next several years. I’m a single guy, so that’s the context.
The thing is, I have quite a few strict criteria...
First and foremost, I *need* a city that’s bustling with people everywhere—I really don’t like quiet, small countryside towns.
Nightlife is super important to me, especially on weekends. It’s crucial that there’s a wide range of options for going out in the evening (mostly bars—I’m not really into nightclubs, but I’d like to be one day if possible).
The social aspect is the *most* important thing (honestly, the *only* thing that matters to me). I don’t care at all about living conditions, safety, cleanliness, or whether things work smoothly.
But I *do* need a place where people are generally "chill"—not cold, rigid, or overly professional, with social norms that don’t make my head spin. I know I’ll never find the same Latin vibe here in France, haha, but I’m trying to survive anyway.
In France, I’ve always lived in Essonne (91), around Bures-sur-Yvette / Les Ulis / Gif / Orsay, etc. I *hate* it—way too quiet, empty streets, and zero activities that suit me. There’s not a single proper bar in any of the surrounding towns, just PMU tobacco shops, and nightlife is nonexistent.
I went to Hossegor once with friends—great vibe, nightlife, bars, beach, etc. But I’m guessing it’s *super* expensive to buy a place there, close to the action (and I’m not even sure if it’s a nice place to live overall).
When I came back to France, I spent 3 months in Paris because I thought it would obviously be the closest to what I was looking for. I still have horrible memories of it—it haunted me so much that I had to escape the capital in a hurry... And I was (I think?) in one of the best neighborhoods for my tastes: Belleville.
So here I am, going in circles because I don’t know enough about French cities. All my friends love quiet, small provincial towns or even living alone in the mountains.
A couple told me about Montreuil, but they were there a long time ago, so I don’t know what it’s like now. They said there was activity, that the city was pretty big, and that there was a good nightlife scene (bars, nightclubs, all kinds of outings), plus the metro (which would make it easy to get to Paris or for people to come to Montreuil from Paris).
So, for now, Montreuil is my only option, but I’m scared and would love other opinions (on Montreuil and other possibilities).
Sorry for the novel, but this is *really* important to me—my future depends on it, in a way ^^'
Thanks so much for reading and for any help you can give!
Hello,
At the beginning of June, we’ll be spending a few days in Sardinia. We’ve decided to return via a detour through Corsica and want to make the crossing from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio (2 people and 1 car). There are currently two companies, Moby Lines and Ichnusa Lines, that operate this route. Unfortunately, we don’t know either of them at all. The prices and crossing times are pretty much the same, and we’d like to choose the most reliable one (punctuality/risk of cancellation for a booked crossing) and, if possible, the more comfortable of the two. Could you share your thoughts on either company to help us decide? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Have a great day.
I’m thinking about planning several short trips in France outside peak tourist seasons, especially in spring and autumn.
The idea would be to prioritize:
- fewer crowds at tourist sites
- more affordable accommodation prices
- a more local atmosphere
However, I also have some concerns about:
- attractions or restaurants sometimes being closed
- more unpredictable weather depending on the region
- less frequent transportation in certain areas
For those of you who’ve traveled in France off-season before, what do you think were the main pros and cons?
Are there any regions or specific times that are particularly worth prioritizing?
I’m looking for a ski resort in the Massif Central for a family trip—two adults and three kids (ages 4, 5, and 6)—for a week between late February and early March.
The main goal is to introduce my kids to skiing, so I’m looking for a resort that’s really "family-friendly." But honestly, almost every resort (Super-Besse, Mont-Dore, Lioran, etc.) claims to be family-friendly, so I’m not sure which one to choose. Plus, it’s not always easy to check the location of accommodations on booking sites.
For what I have in mind, we don’t need 30 km of slopes. What would be ideal, though, is a resort that’s mostly pedestrian-friendly, with lodging within a reasonable distance from the base of the slopes and a ski school available.
I’ve read some things here about places like "Chalmazel-Jeansagnière," but the thread is a bit old.
Hi,
We’re heading to Corsica at the end of July, and after a 4-night stay in Zonza, I’d like to head toward Cargèse or Porto to visit the Calanques de Piana. What’s the actual travel time? Maps says 2h40/3h, but I’m wondering if that’s really accurate.
How long does it take to get back to Ajaccio Airport afterward?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip to Normandy and, after reading quite a few posts here, I still have some questions about the most logical order to avoid spending too much time on the road.
The idea is to have a fairly smooth itinerary, taking the time to enjoy the places, over about ten days (possibly a little more), combining the coast and the inland areas.
I’m particularly wondering about:
– The best starting point (starting with Mont-Saint-Michel or saving it for the end)
– The balance between the coastline and more inland areas
– The areas where it’s really worth slowing down the pace
If any of you have done a route that felt particularly coherent, your feedback would really help me fine-tune the planning.
Hi,
I saw that the first tram from Pont du Garigliano leaves at 5:15 AM, and by taking the RER B at Cité Universitaire afterward, I’d arrive at Roissy at 6:30 AM—2 hours before my international flight.
Is this doable, or not? If anyone’s done this before, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks
Hi there,
We’re about to finalize a booking for late July near the Pink Granite Coast. We’re wondering about the traffic jams that could make our trip miserable, given how famous the place is—we’re excited to see it too. Could it get pretty bad?
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
In June 2020, my wife and I will be visiting Brittany and Normandy. We’d especially love to explore villages that aren’t part of the usual tourist routes. We enjoy traveling off the beaten path.
We’re reaching out to you all to share which villages we should check out in these two regions.
Thanks.
Here’s the account of the start of our 5/7-day trip in Normandy (then off to the neighbors in... Brittany):
Day 01 from Valenciennes to Mont Saint-Michel: Sunday, September 6, 2020.
After a detour through the south of Lille (picking up our son), we head southwest around 10:00 AM, taking the highways via Amiens, the Pont de Normandie, and Avranches to arrive at "the Mount" around 4:00 PM after 515 km.
Parking P3 (14.20 € for 24 hours) for residents and hotels, located 50 meters from the start of the free round-trip shuttle included in the parking price (not too many tourists at this "late" Sunday hour), and we arrive at the hotel around 4:30 PM.
Triple room with a view of the bay at Hôtel Du Guesclin for 1 night.
From 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM, we tackle the complete tour of the ramparts counterclockwise from the Porte de l’Avancée, via the Tour du Nord (near the abbey entrance), passing in front of the abbey to reach the Tour Gabriel, and back to the start: stunning, not crowded, great weather, and amazing views.
Dinner in the beautiful panoramic restaurant of the hotel, with a bay view at a "window" table (such a nice touch!).
Of course, the day isn’t over, and we can then wander through a deserted main street and its unique atmosphere (photos below labeled "night" even though it’s only 9:15/9:30 PM). What a privilege!
Day 02 from Mont Saint-Michel to Saint-Cast: Monday, September 7, 2020.
After a memorable sunrise over the bay and a sit-down breakfast, we climb the steps to the Abbey for our online-reserved time slot (9:30 AM, 11 € per person).
The "masked group" is quite large, though within normal limits, and the one-way Covid-marked route (with a small brochure) prevents crowds. No need to rush, and 1 hour 15 minutes later, we’re done. Sure, it doesn’t have the charm of a guided tour, but we’re not complaining about being there!
We pick up our bags at the hotel, take the shuttle back, grab the car at Parking P3, and head "south" to Dol-de-Bretagne, 26 km/25 minutes away.
Around noon, the small town is very quiet, and parking in front of the Saint-Samson Cathedral** is free. Across the street, the tourist office is generous with info and gives us a great walking map/circuit: Cathedral, a stroll near the ramparts, the historic center** with its typical shopping streets and half-timbered houses, all covered at a leisurely pace in 45 minutes. Then a picnic on-site.
It’s another 50 km/50 minutes to Saint-Cast-le-Guildo and the Armor Conseil agency for the apartment keys (Résidence du Casino, 72 m², 5th floor, 2 bedrooms, beach 20 meters away, insane morning and evening views, bed linen rental at Ohier 50 meters away, Carrefour City supermarket, and a bakery 200 meters away, plus a town center that hasn’t changed much in 25/30 years. Really, really nice.
After settling in, a short walk is a must up to the heights of the Isle neighborhood behind the seaside residence... memories. Strangely, the well-known Crêperie Bretan’Or seems to be closed, as does the venerable Hôtel du Centre et des Plages (formerly "des Voyageurs")??
And for this reunion evening with the resort, a great crêpe/galette dinner at La Régal’ette, just 100 meters away.
Day’s total: 12 km of walking for sightseeing.
I’m traveling alone from my remote Pyrenees home to Roissy Airport, arriving at Austerlitz Station. I’m a bit nervous about getting to the airport—could you suggest a route?
While you’re at it, maybe you could recommend a budget hotel near the airport?
I’m looking into a trip to Paris around mid-February. I’d love to know more about the temperature (weather) in Paris, museum access (closures or anything else), how easy it is to get around on foot (slippery due to ice?), public transport, etc.
Also, are there any events or activities I absolutely shouldn’t miss? I could adjust my dates based on what you know.
On another note, I’d love to catch a hockey game. Are there any around Paris? I’m happy to watch a few games no matter the level 🏒🥅
FYI, I’m not afraid of the cold since I’m from Quebec 😁😆😆🧑🌾
This summer, we’re planning a family trip to Corsica.
We’ve chosen Sari Solenzara because we want to combine: sea, mountain hikes, natural pools, canyoning, and peace and quiet. Does this choice seem like a good one to you?
Second question: which airport should we prioritize to have the easiest roads to access?
I’m planning to spend three days in the Annecy region. What would you recommend visiting? Just so you know, I love nature and enjoy walking, but I prefer hikes that aren’t longer than two hours.
