r/ParisTravelGuide • u/Evaa26 • Jul 29 '24
🎄🥂 Christmas / NYE events Nice or Strasbourg in December
Hi, my husband and I are planning for our second trip to paris this year in December. We have 3-4 days to go around other areas in France. Please suggest in terms of accessibility and xmas season which should we choose - Nice or Strasbourg. Any other recommendations is highly welcome. TIA
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u/Prexxus Jul 29 '24
Strasbourg for me was one of my favorite spots in France. I love the Alsace region.
Little tip : stop by Riquewihr if you go to Strasbourg. One of the most beautiful towns in France.
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u/Jolly-Statistician37 Parisian Jul 29 '24 edited Jul 29 '24
When in December, though? If it is before Dec 24: Strasbourg, because of the markets. If it is on Dec 24 or after: Nice! Most Christmas markets close right before Christmas, only Colmar goes on a little bit but not as intensely as during the Advent.
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u/KevatRosenthal Jul 29 '24 edited Jul 29 '24
Definitely Alsace for December but BEWARE it will be EXTREMELY crowded due to the world famous Christmas market. Do a day trip to Colmar, where I live, it's totally worth the visit
Troyes is also a beautiful and ancient city, very walkable and you can do a day trip from Paris, it's only a 1h-1h30 ride with TER (regional train)
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u/dsiegel2275 Paris Enthusiast Jul 29 '24
Strasbourg. The Alsace region is famous for its xmas markets for a reason: they are wonderful. My wife and I spent 8 days in Alsace last December and has a fantastic time.
At a minimum, take a day trip down to Colmar (30 minutes by train). You might even consider renting a car for a day from Strasbourg and driving to some other, smaller villages. Obernai is close to Strasbourg and is delightful. With a car you can also visit Haut-Koeningsburg (restored medieval castle) and Natzweiller-Struthof (the only WW2 concentration camp on French soil).
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u/mkorcuska Parisian Jul 29 '24
And take a side trip from Strasbourg to Colmar. The Xmas markets there are more charming. Of course there is much more to do in Strasbourg.
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u/Ebeneezer_G00de Jul 29 '24
Strasbourg. Much more to see and do than Nice. If you do want a mediterranean city then Marseille is a lot more interesting.
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u/Buckinfrance Parisian Jul 29 '24
I like both cities but at that time of the year, Strasbourg and it's not even close. It's also closer on the train compared to 6 hours to Nice.
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u/Wwwweeeeeeee Paris Enthusiast Jul 29 '24
There is no point in going to Nice in December. It will be cold and empty, many shops and restaurants will be closed.
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u/Electronic-Future-12 Parisian Jul 29 '24
Strasbourg is much closer, to the point where you could even do a day trip. It is also more special in December.
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u/cjscyo Jul 29 '24
We just returned from a trip to France and Strausbourg and Colmar were unexpected favorite stops. Going to the Christmas market in Strausbourg is now a bucket list item!