Looking to get away for the festive season? Discover 6 destination ideas accessible by train for a dream Christmas by the sea, in the mountains, in citybreak mode and even in London.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
A seaside Christmas in La Rochelle
Why not get off the beaten track this Christmas? Enjoy the sea air on the Atlantic coast!
Head for La Rochelle, easily accessible by train. For Christmas, each neighbourhood is decked out in its finest illuminations and decorations to dazzle you.
If you're new to the city, this is the perfect opportunity to climb into a horse-drawn carriage and set off through the historic quarter, wrapped up in a thick blanket. All you have to do is admire the magic of Christmas that unfolds before you as you discover the history of La Rochelle!
A snowy Christmas in Alpe d'Huez
Who hasn't dreamt of Christmas in the snow, cosy by the fire in a chalet right in the middle of the mountains? It's a lovely picture that can easily come true at Alpe d'Huez in Isère! The best thing is that the resort offers activities for all the family.
Sports enthusiasts can ski to their heart's content, while the little ones can have fun in the snow and have a blast on a sledge. After your New Year's Eve meal, don't miss the resort's Christmas fireworks display. Nothing could be more magical!
Getting there: Hop on a train to Grenoble. Shuttle buses will then take you to the Alpe d'Huez resort.
A traditional Christmas in Strasbourg
Strasbourg isn't known as the "Christmas capital" for nothing! For 4 centuries, the town has been renowned for staging the finest Christmas markets in France. It's the oldest Christmas market in Alsace!
Discover the capital of Christmas with its various markets and traditional events... The illuminations, the smell of cinnamon and mulled wine add to the pretty traditional timbered houses of Strasbourg.
This year, the festivities take place from 27 November to 27 December 2024.
A gourmet Christmas in Lyon
There's nothing like an afternoon strolling around the Place Carnot Christmas market to discover the tasty foods of Lyon. Local artisans and producers will be on hand to offer a range of delicious local produce. Then stroll over to the famous Place Bellecour, just a stone's throw away.
If you like to see cities from above, then take a seat on the Ferris wheel. It will leisurely take you to a height of 60 metres and let you enjoy the Christmas illuminations from above. Not to be missed!
A royal Christmas in London
Do you want a different kind of Christmas this year? Then cross the Channel and immerse yourself in the magic of London lit up for the festive season. In the heart of the English capital, you won't find anything more magical than Hyde Park and its Winter Wonderland!
Day and night, the giant park will be decked out in Christmas colours for a month. An outdoor ice rink, incredible snow sculptures, acrobat shows and even rides... What more could you want for family fun on Christmas Eve?
An alternative Christmas in Evian
Do you believe that the magic of Christmas should be environmentally friendly? Head for Évian, in Haute-Savoie, on the shores of Lake Geneva. For the last 15 years, the Christmas village there has been built from driftwood salvaged from Lake Geneva.
From 13 December 2024 to 4 January 2025, the "Fabuleux Village ou la Légende des Flottins" (Fabulous Village or the Legend of the Flottins) will take you on a dream journey to another world. Hundreds of Flottines and Flottins (driftwood sculptures) of all sizes come to life for a free event open to all.
There is no commercial market here, the food and drink is provided by local or organic suppliers, the Christmas tree fairy lights are powered by bicycles and everyone can contribute by pedalling... These joyful evenings bring everyone together to share music and a real street performance.
