Festive breaks to France
Route
Dover - Dunkirk
Christmas breaks to France
Christmas Markets in France, otherwise known as Marché de Noël, provide a great opportunity for a winter weekend break. The chance in France to visit a Christmas Market is unlimited as most towns and cities host a French Christmas Market between late November and the end of December.
They exude a fantastic atmosphere and provide the perfect shopping opportunity. Alongside this enjoy the food and drink stalls which are irresistible with spiced bread, traditional bredle cakes, and mulled wine.
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Great shopping opportunities
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Lille
Head to the Place Rihour in Lille as it is revamped and taken over by over 80 stalls selling everything from food, arts and crafts and other traditional gifts while Christmas carols ring out around you. With a huge, 18-metre Christmas tree in the centre of the market, you can't help but feel the joys of the season. You can even jump on the huge, 50-foot Ferris Wheel and get a stunning panoramic view of the whole city in its festive glory.
Driving distance from DFDS ports (miles)
| - | Amsterdan (IJmuiden) | Dunkirk | Calais | Dieppe | | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- | |Lille | 190 | 49 | 69 |156 |Caen | 429 | 240 | 215 | 114 |Rouen | 247 | 158 | 133 | 40 |Arras | 221 | 73 | 68 |131 |Amiens | 277 | 123 | 99 | 71
Disneyland Paris and Caen
Where better for a truly magical Christmas than Disneyland Paris with its parades, shows and events? The Disney Dreams of Christmas parade includes a firework show as Sleeping Beauty's castle is transformed into a shimmering winter scene. You can meet the big man himself, Santa Claus, at Cottonwood Creek Ranch, and watch Goofy leading a parade of Toy Soldiers in the Christmas Cavalcade, guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for all the family.
Alternatively, why not head to the pretty city of Caen for a Gallic festive break in beautiful surroundings? Traditional Christmas Markets don't come much better, with over 50 stalls selling the famous Santon figurines for Christmas mangers, as well as foie gras, Christmas desserts, art, leather goods and jewellery. Father Christmas will also visit the market to hand out gifts!
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Amiens, Rouen and Arras
Amiens is another big market in the north of France, with 130 stalls selling traditional gifts and food including the famous Amiens Macaroons, a special recipe including Valencia almonds and honey. With merry-go-rounds, an ice rink and a light show set against the cathedral, there is plenty for visitors at this excellent festive market.
Rouen's Christmas Market lies in front of the city's Cathedral. There are two ice rinks and plenty of stalls offering a range of gifts and treats. Arras has a 90-stall Christmas Market, located in the square of the Grande Place. The square becomes a winter wonderland, with red carpets for guests to walk on, plus you can visit Santa's house, perfect if you've got your little ones in tow!
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