In December, its Christmas market (17th Nov–27th Dec 2017) includes a big wheel, regional and festive food (mulled wine, roast chestnuts, hot chocolate...) and shopping for gifts and artisan crafts.
South of Lille, ARRAS is centred on its Grand’Place – a Baroque square that provides the perfect setting for Christmas markets (24th Nov–30th Dec 2017). Christmas begins with the arrival of Saint Nicholas at the majestic Gothic Town Hall on the 6th of December – abseiling down the UNESCO-listed belfry. Against a backdrop of stunningly illuminated Flemish-style architecture, Arras’ Village de Noël comprises more than 130 chalets selling, advent wreaths, hand-crafted wooden toys, brilliant gifts and gourmet specialities. There’s an an ice rink, a big wheel, a merry-go-round, and a toboggan run, plus music concerts and street theatre.
South of Lille, ARRAS is centred on its Grand’Place – a Baroque square that provides the perfect setting for Christmas markets (24th Nov–30th Dec 2017). Christmas begins with the arrival of Saint Nicholas at the majestic Gothic Town Hall on the 6th of December – abseiling down the UNESCO-listed belfry. Against a backdrop of stunningly illuminated Flemish-style architecture, Arras’ Village de Noël comprises more than 130 chalets selling, advent wreaths, hand-crafted wooden toys, brilliant gifts and gourmet specialities. There’s an an ice rink, a big wheel, a merry-go-round, and a toboggan run, plus music concerts and street theatre.
The largest Christmas market in northern France takes place in AMIENS (24th Nov–30th Dec 2017), between Paris and Calais. Covering more than two kilometres of the city’s charming cobbled streets, it features 130 stalls. Other highlights are a parade led by Father Christmas, a traditional carousel and an ice rink. But the icing on Amiens’ Christmas cake is the truly magical light show. Bringing the façade of its UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral to shimmering life using the colours in which it was painted in medieval times.
The Village de Noël takes over the Baroque Grand’Place in Arras
© ©Cituation ensemble
Amiens, the largest Christmas market in northern France
© © CRT Picardie - SBouilland