The best Christmas markets to visit in France 2024

There is nothing like a trip around some Christmas markets to get you in the festive spirit. You don’t need to be tied to only visiting your local markets this year, though!

For something extra special this festive season, why not book a day trip to explore the beautiful Christmas markets of France? Or stay a little longer with our 1-night Christmas market breaks at our ports.

Sail from Portsmouth to Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg or Le Havre. You can be in France enjoying the Christmas markets, shopping duty free on board the ship and back home in the UK - all in 24 hours! An exciting festive day trip to France is the perfect way to celebrate early this year.

The best Christmas markets to visit in Brittany

There are so many beautiful Christmas markets you can visit across the Brittany region this year and, with our sailings into St Malo, you can be at the markets shortly after arriving in France.

St Malo, Ille et Vilaine

Dates: 2 - 31 December

Where: At the foot of the Castle, on the Esplanade St Vincent

Head to the picturesque walls of Intra Muros for a variety of chalets selling food and drink such as delicious cheeses, crêpes and mulled wine as well as arts and crafts and lots of gifts. There’s also an ice rink in the town, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.

Saint Suliac, Ille et Vilaine

Dates: 7 - 8 and 14 - 15 December

Where: In the heart of the village, in the little streets at the foot of the church

Chalets housing artists and craftsmen are perfect for artsy gifts. Musicians, horse-drawn carriage rides and Father Christmas himself add to the festive atmosphere. Be sure to try some of the food - barbecued scallops, soups, doughnuts and other delicacies tickle the taste buds.

Rennes, Ille et Vilaine

Dates: 22 November - 31 December

Where: Mail François Mitterand

This popular market in Brittany's capital has a great atmosphere and a wealth of wooden chalets to discover. The perfect destination for your Christmas shopping, embrace the festivities in Rennes and head to the shopping streets as well as the markets for a fantastic Christmas shopping experience. Be sure to explore the city centre for more festive fun as there’s much to see and do, including an ice rink.

Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor

Dates: 29 November - 4 January

Where: Esplanade de la Résistance in front of the town hall

Charming medieval Dinan is a wonderful backdrop for your Christmas shopping and there are plenty of chalets selling regional gastronomic delicacies and handicrafts. To get you in the festive mood there's also an ice rink and illuminations and a Father Christmas letterbox for children.

Lamballe, Côtes-d'Armor

Dates: 6 - 8 & 13 - 15 December

Where: Held at the historic Haras National de Lamballe (national stud farm)

Les Écuries du Père Noël is an annual Christmas event. Around a hundred exhibitors make this one of the best to visit. The stables are transformed into charming stalls that house craftsmen, artists and local producers. Enjoy equestrian demonstrations, carriage rides and lots of great food and drink stalls for a cup of mulled wine and more.

The best Christmas markets to visit in Normandy

Being able to drive straight from the ferry port means you can explore the many markets of Normandy if you choose a sailing into our Norman ports.

As well as being steeped in the history of the D-Day Landings and home to the beautiful Mont St Michel, Normandy is also full of Christmas markets!

From sampling some of the best French gastronomy to finding festive gifts, the Normandy Christmas markets have so much to offer you. What’s more, all these markets are within an hour-and-half drive of Caen or within a two-hour drive from Le Havre.

Caen, Calvados

Dates: 23 November - 29 December

Where: Place de la République, Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc

Caen's Christmas market has a wonderful selection of gifts and local products in its 60 chalets. Browse the gourmet chalets for fabulous regional delicacies to take home for your festive dinner table. You're sure to find plenty of gifts with stalls selling crafts, jewellery and much more.

Bayeux, Calvados

Dates: 13 - 24 December

Where: Place de la Liberté

Gourmet and artisanal chalets nestle in front of Bayeux's stunning cathedral selling scarves, jewellery, cosmetics, sweets and local products making a wonderful setting for your Christmas shopping. Bayeux’s shops will be open on the Sundays that the market is in town too.

Le Havre, Seine Maritime

Dates: 2 December - 1 January

Where: Place de l'Hotel de Ville

Le Havre's Christmas market is a large market selling everything you could want for Christmas. Illuminations, a Ferris wheel and a chance to meet Father Christmas on his sleigh will keep the little ones entertained! The Parade Blanche attracts thousands every year and is a beautiful Christmas parade that you won't forget.

Rouen, Seine Maritime

Dates: 21 November - 24 December

Where: Place de la Cathédrale

The Rouen Givrée is the place to go if you want lots to see and do with your Christmas shopping. Normandy's capital really knows how to celebrate Christmas! Around 50 traditional wooden chalets selling all kinds of quintessential Christmas gifts and fine local delicacies blend into the environment. The atmosphere here is one that will really get you in the Christmas mood with street entertainment and musicians, a Ferris wheel - and you may even see Santa making an appearance!

Le Pin au Haras, Orne

Dates: 6 - 8 December

Where: The famed Haras National du Pin (national stud farm)

A variety of stalls will be set up in the stables with all kinds of gifts and gourmet produce. Normandy is renowned for its love of horses so this market at one of France's most famous national studs is perfect for horse lovers - there's even the opportunity for little ones to have their first ride on a pony.

Please note, the details of these markets are subject to change. Before making any travel plans, we suggest checking dates.