This one is about looks first. We picked ten markets where the setting matters as much as the chalets: lit-up half-timbered façades, medieval squares transformed for the season, giant fir trees or streets lined with lights. None of them is here by default; each has a signature you would recognise anywhere.
Our top 10 most beautiful Christmas markets
1. Strasbourg, the capital where it all began
Hard to start anywhere else. The Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik has existed since 1570 and is still the most spectacular in the country. Twelve separate sites, a 30-metre fir tree on Place Kléber, the Gothic cathedral as a backdrop and the Petite France quarter lit up like a film set. Worth seeing at least once in your life.
2. Colmar, the Alsatian postcard
Six markets across the old town, each with its own mood: Place Jeanne d'Arc for food, Place de l'Ancienne Douane for crafts, Little Venice for pure enchantment. The pink, yellow and blue half-timbered houses do the decorating for you. Colmar has an intimate charm that Strasbourg lacks, crowds notwithstanding.
3. Kaysersberg, the village in the know
Voted France's favourite village in 2017, Kaysersberg gathers its Christmas market tightly around the church, the river and the castle ruins. Forty chalets, no more. A genuine atmosphere, with no heavy commercial machine behind it. The one to choose if you steer clear of mass attractions.
4. Reims, with the cathedral behind it
The Reims market stretches 350 metres along the foot of Notre-Dame cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The light show projected onto the Gothic façade is worth the trip on its own. Being in Champagne adds a festive touch: a glass of bubbles in hand in front of one of the finest religious buildings in Europe.
5. Eguisheim, the concentric lanes
Built in rings around its castle, this Alsatian wine village is a maze of lanes that bloom with flowers in summer and glow with lights in winter. The Christmas market sets up on the main square, but the walk along the ramparts is worth as much as the chalets. Allow half a day on foot to see everything.
6. Riquewihr, the medieval jewel box
Another entry on the list of France's most beautiful villages. Riquewihr has kept its 16th-century fortifications intact. The ramparts, the medieval gates and the wrought-iron shop signs send you four centuries back in time. The market stays on a human scale, with around thirty stallholders.
7. Annecy, the Venice of the Alps under lights
The Thiou canal, the arcades, the castle perched above and the lake in the background: few towns can match Annecy's setting. The Christmas market takes over the old town and the banks of the canal. Pair it with a raclette in a bistro in the centre for a full day out.
8. Provins, the medieval town
Provins is one of the rare French towns listed by UNESCO for its entire medieval layout. Over the festive season the upper town lights up and the Christmas market settles on Place du Châtel, beneath the ramparts. Think medieval fair rather than festive kitsch.
9. Aix-en-Provence, the illuminated South
People often forget that Provence does Christmas as well as the East of France. The Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence turns into an avenue of chalets under decorated plane trees. Santon figurines, calisson sweets and the thirteen desserts give the ritual a Mediterranean flavour. Bright, mild, no snow but plenty of sunshine.
10. Bayonne, the Basque market
In the Basque Country, Christmas comes in red and white. The Bayonne market sets up on Vauban's ramparts, overlooking the River Nive. Foie gras, ham, gâteau basque and chocolate (Bayonne has been one of France's chocolate capitals since the 17th century). A warm atmosphere, covered markets, and Basque pelota as a bonus.
How we made this selection
Three criteria came first: the quality of the natural setting (architecture, location), the visual coherence of the installation (lights, staging) and how visitors feel once they are there. We left out markets that go all in on commerce without caring about the look of the place. Feedback from tourist offices and visits on the ground helped us fine-tune the list.
Where to go next
If you are looking for markets that are less crowded but just as photogenic, head for the Alsace wine route, which strings together a dozen villages steeped in Christmas spirit. If children's entertainment matters more to you than pure looks, our family Christmas markets selection will suit you better.