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10‑Day Christmas Itinerary in France (Dec 2 – Dec 11)

Viewed by 169 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Paris & First Christmas Market

Morning: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfer to your hotel in central Paris and settle in. Take a short walk to the Galeries Lafayette rooftop for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Stroll to the Christmas market at Les Halles, savor mulled wine, and browse festive stalls selling handmade gifts.

Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional bistro near the Opéra Garnier, followed by a leisurely night‑time walk along the illuminated Champs‑Élysées.

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Day 2: Iconic Paris Sights in Holiday Splendor

Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum to see masterpieces and admire the seasonal decorations in the Cour Napoléon.

Afternoon: Explore the Notre‑Dame Cathedral and its nearby Christmas market on the Île de la Cité, then wander the festive lanes of the Latin Quarter.

Evening: Board a Seine River cruise to see Paris’s monuments lit up with glittering holiday lights, ending with a hot chocolate on the deck.

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Day 3: Versailles and Its Winter Magic

Morning: Take the RER to the Palace of Versailles and tour the opulent State Apartments before the crowds arrive.

Afternoon: Wander the Hall of Mirrors and stroll through the palace gardens, now adorned with sparkling Christmas illuminations and a festive market near the Grand Canal.

Evening: Return to Paris and relax with a dinner in the lively Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés neighborhood.

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Day 4: Montmartre’s Bohemian Holiday Charm

Morning: Ascend to the Sacré‑Cœur Basilica for sweeping city views and visit the nearby Place du Tertre where artists showcase holiday sketches.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Moulin Rouge area and enjoy the Christmas lights along Rue des Abbesses, stopping for a crepe at a local stand.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Montmartre restaurant and attend a seasonal cabaret show.

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Day 5: Disneyland Paris – A Fairy‑Tale Christmas

Morning: Travel by RER to Disneyland Paris and head straight to Main Street, U.S.A. to admire the towering Christmas tree.

Afternoon: Enjoy holiday parades, themed rides, and a visit to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle lit with dazzling projections.

Evening: Stay for the spectacular fireworks show over the castle, then return to Paris for a late‑night snack.

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Day 6: Journey to Strasbourg – The Capital of Christmas

Morning: Board a high‑speed TGV to Strasbourg, check into a boutique hotel in the historic centre.

Afternoon: Begin exploring the UNESCO‑listed Grande Île, visiting the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and its famed astronomical clock.

Evening: Wander the illuminated Place Broglie and sample Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée at a festive market stall.

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Day 7: Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets & River Cruise

Morning: Dive into the world’s oldest Christmas market at Place de la Cathédrale, browsing handcrafted ornaments and tasting gingerbread.

Afternoon: Take a guided Ill River cruise to see the city’s half‑timbers houses sparkling with lights, then explore the charming La Petite France quarter.

Evening: Enjoy a concert of traditional carols in the cathedral, followed by a cozy dinner at a winstub (Alsatian tavern).

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Day 8: Day Trip to Colmar – A Picture‑Perfect Christmas Village

Morning: Catch a regional train to Colmar, strolling through its cobblestone lanes lined with timber‑framed houses.

Afternoon: Visit the Christkindelsmärik in the historic centre, where you can shop for glass ornaments and sip spiced wine.

Evening: Return to Strasbourg and relax with a hot chocolate at a café overlooking the illuminated canals.

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Day 9: Return to Paris – Shopping & Final Festivities

Morning: Take the TGV back to Paris, drop luggage at the hotel, and head to the Galeries Lafayette for last‑minute holiday shopping.

Afternoon: Explore the festive decorations at Place Vendôme and the nearby Palais Royal garden, perfect for a winter stroll.

Evening: Celebrate your final night with a gourmet dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower, which will sparkle every hour on the hour.

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Day 10: Departure from Paris

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, taking a final walk along the Seine to soak in the holiday atmosphere.

Afternoon: Transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of a magical French Christmas.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Galeries Lafayette rooftop – 1 hr – €0 (optional coffee €5)
  • Les Halles Christmas market – 2 hr – €20 (food & souvenirs)
  • Louvre Museum – 3 hr – €17
  • Notre‑Dame & Île de la Cité market – 2 hr – €15
  • Seine River cruise – 1.5 hr – €25
  • Palace of Versailles (incl. gardens) – 4 hr – €30
  • Sacré‑Cœur & Montmartre – 3 hr – €0 (donations €5)
  • Disneyland Paris (1‑day ticket) – 8 hr – €109
  • Strasbourg Cathedral & Grande Île – 3 hr – €0
  • Place de la Cathédrale market – 2 hr – €25
  • Ill River cruise – 1 hr – €12
  • Colmar Christkindelsmärik – 3 hr – €20
  • Galeries Lafayette shopping – 3 hr – €0 (shopping budget €150)
  • Eiffel Tower dinner view – 2 hr – €80
  • Transportation (TGV, RER, trains) – 10 hr total – €200
  • Accommodation (9 nights, mid‑range) – – €1,350
  • Meals (average €40/day) – 10 days – €400

Total Estimated Cost: €2,533

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in the Alpine region (e.g., Chamonix) for a snowy mountain experience, or visit the Champagne houses in Reims for a festive tasting tour. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the day trip to Colmar and combine the Versailles visit with a late‑afternoon return to Paris, allowing more leisure time on the final day before departure.

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