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The smell of warm chestnuts, the beauty of Christmas lights, Little Santa Claus who resonates in every Christmas Market…
Like every year, winter rears its ugly head and brings with it the magic of Christmas. And if you're not a fan of the cold (of Tino Rossi), rest assured, the winter snow will make you forget its temperature during your snow fights. And this year, the holidays will be even more exciting, F'Lo-Cars gives you its word! We take you with us to 5 unusual destinations in our beautiful country France.
And since we're so nice, here's our early Christmas present: Little Santa Claus, when you come down from the sky, with your toys by the thousands, don't forget your little shoes!
Is that okay, do you have it in mind? So here we go!
Going skiing for Christmas
Every year, the magic of Christmas makes a comeback, and as the big children that we are, we look forward to it for different reasons: the meals bringing the family together, the smiles of the children in front of their presents under the tree, the hot chocolate, the carpet of snow that forms outside and the battles that follow…
And to enjoy these, there's nothing like going on vacation to the French mountains! Whether you go with family or friends, the mountain offers a multitude of activities: skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, raclette, hiking...
Christmas in the Alps
Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe with its 2,300 meters above sea level. It is also the largest ski area in the world. Enough to flourish and show off your talents as a king of skiing! And because the magic of Christmas makes things even more extraordinary than they already are, a Sámi village is set up every year, to the delight of the children. On the program: a meeting with Santa Claus and his bag full of gifts! Children will even be able to see Rudolph's red nose and leave with their eyes full of stars.
Little Lapland
Lapland remains, without a doubt, the flagship destination for skiing this year. And yes, you are not dreaming, our wonderful country, France, also has its Lapland. It is located in the Ariège Pyrenees to be precise! Located between Foix and Toulouse, little Lapland is a dream for little (and big) children with its Nordic activities: dog sled rides, hiking, tobogganing, snowshoeing, skijoring...
Maybe you’ll even see Santa Claus?
Going to the beach for Christmas
Perhaps snow and mountains are a little too cliché for your taste? This is understandable... The mountains are not the only possible Christmas destination, head for the beaches, palm trees and the sun! France is not the Maldives, of course, but it has what it takes to make you spend a (almost) warm Christmas... As long as you stay near the fireplace.
The island of beauty
Corsica is a country proud of its traditions and customs. Very Christian, Christmas is part of it. The best known of these is undoubtedly the Rocchiu, the Christmas pyre lit in front of the village church. “U piattu di u puvarettu”, does that mean anything to you? It’s about putting an extra plate at the table in case someone knocks on the door… Nice Corsicans, right?
As for activities, mixing the beach and skiing is possible on the island of beauty! Corsica has four small ski resorts, the opportunity to make your most beautiful descents with a view of the sea. Watch where you are going...
Bon Natale!*
* Merry Christmas in Corsica.
Nissa la Bella
Nice is transformed into a real fairy tale for the Christmas holidays! The coastal town lights up and vibrates in Christmas colors and Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais are adorned with light projections on their buildings, fir trees, garlands...
Be sure that you won't see palm trees with Christmas decorations every day! Those who are cold will also be happy to learn that the winter temperatures of the Côte d'Azur remain very mild thanks to the southern sun. You will also have the chance to discover Nice differently without its large summer crowds for parties. We still advise you to leave your swimsuit in the closet, except for the most daring.
Discover the Christmas markets in Alsace
The Christmas markets in Alsace remain unmissable. Lights on every street corner, its warm and authentic atmosphere, the delicious hot chestnuts, the scent of spices and cinnamon or even its wooden chalets housing various artisans bringing the magic of Christmas to life. But also from Munster near certain chalets, to the delight of cheese fans. Christmas markets are real hell for our figure but a treat for our taste buds and our pupils. Between magical decors and traditional meals, the Christmas markets in Alsace are sure to give you stars in your eyes.
The Little Venice Christmas markets in Colmar
Colmar is an essential city in Alsace that should not be missed during your trip for the end-of-year holidays with its 6 Christmas markets, each more breathtaking than the last! Located in the heart of the historic center of the city, discover the warm atmosphere of the chalets, in the enchanting decor of decorated and illuminated half-timbered houses. A real waking dream! When it comes to market themes, don’t be jealous, there is something for everyone:
The gourmet Christmas market, Place de la Cathédrale
The Christmas market at Place des Dominicains
The Christmas market at Place de l’Ancienne Douane
The Artisans Christmas market
The Children's Christmas market, Little Venice district
The Place Jeanne d’Arc market
Strasbourg: The Capital of Christmas
Capital of Alsace, capital of Christmas… Strasbourg is THE must-see Christmas city! Strasbourg is known around the world for its unmissable Christmas markets. Millions of travelers rush every year to wander the aisles of its markets. Such success that markets are exported all over the world and even to New York, the city that never sleeps! Strasbourg is not just one market, it is several markets spread across the city with different themes. A success that did not happen overnight. Christmas markets have existed since 1570 in Strasbourg. 554 years to perfect and refine the most beautiful and largest Christmas market in the world. An art, a history and customs that have endured over the years with continued success.
F'Lo-Cars car rental to travel the markets for your Christmas vacation in France
Alsace has many typical Christmas markets. If you plan to visit the region and stock up on specialties, F'Lo-Cars has a genius idea: the rental car. Ideal for traveling through Alsace and discovering its enchanting landscapes during your Christmas vacation in France!
Take advantage of one of the F'Lo-Cars agencies to collect and drop off your vehicle easily and wherever you want.
So, shall we embark?
The City of Lights: Paris
For the end of year celebrations, why not go on a trip to the country's capital: Paris! The City of Lights lives up to its name at this time of year, as it is adorned with its most beautiful illuminations. Each Parisian district is imbued with the magic of Christmas, through different activities:
Christmas lights on the Champs Elysées
The animated automatons in the windows of Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann
The fir trees of Place Vendôme
The ice rinks in the Trocadéro gardens or the Champs Elysées Christmas village
The Christmas markets and their delicacies in La Défense and the Tuileries
And for an enchanted Christmas, take advantage of your visit to Île-de-France, at the Marne-la-Vallée TGV station to go to Disneyland Paris. The park celebrates Christmas every year and offers a special show for this occasion. Mickey puts stars in our eyes.
Would you like to discover Ile-de-France for a weekend? So come and rent your rental car in our F'Lo-Cars agencies!
Christmas at the castle
To experience a real fairy tale, the Loire castles are a true paradise to experience an unforgettable fairy tale! From Chenonceau to Chambord, via Amboise, the castles of the Loire surpass themselves to make you spend a magical and unforgettable Christmas.
Go back in time to the Middle Ages, and enjoy the many themes specific to each castle, and immerse yourself in the grandiose and warm atmosphere of French festivals. If Cheverny promises a “magical Christmas”, the Château d’Amboise presents “Christmas through the centuries”. For foodies, head to Azay-le-Rideau with its “gluttony” theme. Various sweets will be made available during the visit to the old building. We have already made our choice.
Need a royal getaway? The 8 most beautiful castles of the Loire await you!
Do you have any questions? F'Lo-Cars answers it!
Where to sleep during the Christmas holidays?
Have you made your decision? You are going on a trip to celebrate Christmas! But where to spend the night?
No matter which destination you choose, hotels offer the most flexibility to book at the location(s) of your choice. Whether in the resorts, at the beach, in Alsace, Paris or the Loire, hotels open their doors for the holidays. You will only have to leave your luggage there. However, it is preferable to book your stay in advance, for several reasons:
You may be able to benefit from more advantageous prices.
This time of year is very touristy. Booking in advance allows you to be sure of getting the hotel you want. Particularly if you are celebrating Christmas as a family with children or a baby, it is preferable to be able to choose the hotel with the appropriate services.
How to leave for the Christmas holidays?
There are different ways to reach the place of your stay for the Christmas holidays. Train and plane are regularly chosen forms of transport. The easiest thing is to choose the car! And not just any vehicle: the F'Lo-Cars rental vehicle. The rental car offers more flexibility in your travels and can be less expensive, especially if you want to visit different places during your stay.
To do this, nothing could be simpler: our website is at your disposal to find your rental car!
Where to go for the Christmas holidays?
We offer you a short summary of our best ideas for celebrating Christmas and choosing your favorite destination:
Go skiing : the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Vosges… No need to go far to enjoy the warm atmosphere of skiing for Christmas.
Go to the beach : on the Côte d'Azur to discover Mediterranean cities like Nice, Marseille, Cannes... There may be no snow, but Christmas at 15 degrees is nice! And if you are attracted by the islands, there is one waiting for you very close by: Corsica.
Going to a European capital : European capitals bring out their best assets for the end-of-year celebrations. But for us, there is no point in going to London or Berlin when we have the City of Lights in our country : Paris! The city is full of Christmas activities, from illuminations to the decorated windows of Galeries Lafayette and nearby DisneyLand Paris.
Alsatian Christmas markets : symbols of Christmas, Alsatian markets are an opportunity to mix festive atmosphere and delicacy.
The castles of the Loire : their medieval decor adds an authentic atmosphere to Christmas.