Christmas & New Year Tours in France
4.5 stars on(7,892 reviews)- Choose from 50+ France tours
- 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Christmas & New Year France tour packages
Compiled by
SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - BOTTICELLI
- Tailor-Made Private France Tour to Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley, Daily Departure
- Tailor-Made Best France Tour with Daily Departure
- Bonjour Paris: A City Break Getaway
- Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
- Christmas in the Bordeaux region
- Christmas in Provence and the Rhône Valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas in Provence and the Rhône Valley
- Prestigious Christmas Eve in Paris & The Canal Saint-Martin (port to port)
- Rhineland Christmas on the Romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise) - MODIGLIANI
French Christmas traditions come alive with midnight mass at Rouen Cathedral and festive markets. A special Christmas Eve dinner aboard MS Botticelli features regional wines. The decorated Martainville Château and onboard Christmas presents highlight this Seine Valley celebration.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,130
France transforms into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets in Le Marais and holiday splendor at Versailles Palace. Norman cuisine awaits in Grandcamp-Maisy alongside evening-lit Loire Valley châteaux.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Caen, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy Beach, Tours, Amboise Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
- US$8,799
Holiday cheer fills Star Champs-Elysees and Novotel Amboise during this French winter tour. Christmas markets near Notre Dame, Versailles' decorated halls, and seasonal wine tastings in Bordeaux's Medoc region create festive memories.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Amboise, Bordeaux Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From
- US$12,239
Holiday magic fills Paris with festive market visits and seasonal decorations at iconic sites. Hotel Novotel Tour Eiffel serves as base for illuminated Seine River excursions and Versailles Palace's seasonal splendor.
Duration 4 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Omega Tours From
- US$1,109
Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The food was plentiful and delicious, and the wine seemed to flow endlessly, adding a wonderful touch to every meal.”
Nicole, traveled in December
The magic of French Christmas unfolds at Rouen Cathedral's midnight mass and aboard MS Renoir's festive dinner. The holiday-decorated Martainville Château welcomes visitors, while Honfleur shows off its winter charm. A special Christmas Eve celebration features traditional French cuisine and selected wines.
Duration 5 days Destinations Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Paris Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,332
A French Christmas cruise from Bordeaux aboard MS Cyrano de Bergerac offers festive delights. Regional wines accompany holiday dinner, midnight mass at Bordeaux Cathedral inspires, and Saint-Emilion's medieval town beckons. Holiday entertainment and Christmas presents add joy.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bordeaux, Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne, St Emilion Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,902
Lyon's illuminated districts set the stage for evening cruises and festive gala dinners. Midnight mass in Avignon and nougat tasting in Montélimar complement Christmas Eve celebrations aboard MS Camargue II.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lyon, Montelimar, Viviers, Avignon Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$923
Illuminated cruising through Lyon sets the tone for Christmas in France. MS Camargue II hosts festive dinners, while Avignon offers midnight mass. Montélimar's nougat makers and decorated Rhône Valley complete the holiday experience.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Avignon Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,319
MS Deborah hosts a French Christmas with special holiday menus and wines. Paris transforms festively from Palais Garnier to Place Vendôme, with Christmas Eve celebrations at Quai d'Austerlitz and holiday markets throughout.
Duration 4 days Destinations Paris Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,452
Duration 3 days Destinations Strasbourg, Colmar, Breisach Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$604
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in France
We had an absolutely fantastic time with Crosi Cruise! The food was plentiful and delicious, and the wine seemed to flow endlessly, adding a wonderful touch to every meal. The staff were amazing—friendly, attentive, and always ready to make us feel at home. The smaller number of passengers created an intimate, welcoming atmosphere where we quickly felt like part of a close-knit community. We cherished every single minute of the journey and can’t wait to book another trip. Highly recommend!
Christmas in the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise) - RENOIR (from Les Andelys to Paris)
- Christmas on the Loire (port-to-port cruise)
Amazing food and service, overall good value. Unfortunately for us, the currents were too strong to sail often, due to heavy rain, so had to stay in Nantes for most of the time
- Paris and Versailles
The package offers excellent activities in Paris including two excellent excursions that you cannot do alone. (or it would be very expensive) One of the excursions is a full day Paris Highlights including with Louvre (in-person guide) Museum, Eiffel Tower (until second floor but the guide helps you to get the ticket to go upper floors) Seine cruise etc. The second excursion is a half day tour to Versailles Palace. The guide Evelyne was a professional guide speaking English with a charming French accent. The Hotel Perreyve's is absolutely well located hotel close to Luxembourg Gardens in St. Germain district, 10 min. walking distance to all tourist attractions. The only inconvenience is that the rooms were like coffins. Unfortunately in the city center of Paris most of the hotel rooms are small. But we liked it and it is a part of French chaos. The communication with tour operator Eskapas, before and after the trip, was excellent. We highly recommend this tour.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in France
What are the best destinations to visit in France during Christmas & New Year?
France's holiday season transforms its cities into festive destinations. Paris leads with the Eiffel Tower's light displays and decorated Champs-Élysées while Strasbourg hosts one of Europe's largest Christmas markets. The Loire Valley châteaux dress up in holiday decor. Bordeaux combines wine experiences with Christmas markets and upscale stays at places like the InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel. The medieval streets of Rouen come alive with traditional celebrations. Nice offers a different take on the holidays with Mediterranean charm and lit-up Promenade des Anglais. River routes on the Seine and Loire are popular choices with companies like CroisiEurope offering stops at decorated riverside towns.
What unique Christmas traditions will I experience on a French holiday tour?
French Christmas traditions run deep in local culture. Visitors can join "Messe de Minuit" (Midnight Mass) in historic churches like Notre-Dame de Rouen explore the "Marchés de Noël" in Strasbourg and Colmar and see Lyon's "Fête des Lumières." Hotels like Le Meurice Paris keep traditions alive such as children leaving shoes for Père Noël. River cruise companies include regional customs in their programs. In Provence travelers can take part in the "13 desserts" tradition while special Christmas Eve "Réveillon" celebrations let visitors spend time with local families.
How different are New Year celebrations across various French regions?
French regions welcome the New Year in distinct ways. Paris centers on the Champs-Élysées where the Arc de Triomphe becomes the focus of midnight celebrations. The French Riviera cities of Nice and Cannes put on formal dinners at venues like Hotel L'Interlude before fireworks light up the Mediterranean. Provence mixes wine and tradition at places like the Novotel Amboise. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The New Year's celebration in Nice was incredible with fireworks reflecting off the Mediterranean and the whole Promenade des Anglais turning into one big party."
What special Christmas Eve dining experiences are available in France?
Christmas Eve in France centers on food and celebration. Bordeaux's river cruises serve special dinners with wine pairings and offer trips to midnight mass. Restaurants near Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral prepare traditional "Réveillon" feasts. The Pullman Bordeaux Lac hosts holiday galas featuring regional dishes. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our Christmas Eve dinner in Bordeaux was outstanding featuring local wines and traditional French holiday dishes creating an unforgettable celebration."
What weather should I expect during Christmas & New Year in France?
Winter weather varies across France. Paris sees temperatures of 3-8°C (37-46°F) with possible snow. The French Riviera stays mild at 12-15°C (54-59°F). Strasbourg and Colmar drop to 0-5°C (32-41°F) setting the mood for Christmas markets. Visitors should bring warm clothes for the north lighter layers for the south. A TourRadar traveler noted: "December in Paris was chilly but the festive atmosphere made it magical especially when light snow fell during our Christmas market visit."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in France?
Holiday tours in France need early planning. Most travelers book 6-12 months ahead. Data shows people reserve river cruises like CroisiEurope's Loire Valley Christmas tour an average of 635 days in advance. Alsace Christmas market tours and Paris luxury hotels often fill up a year before. Companies like AmaWaterways report their Christmas and New Year Burgundy cruises typically book 4-8 months out showing the high interest in festive season travel.
More about France
Northern FranceSouthern FranceIle de FranceProvenceNormandyChristmas & New YearFrance Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest 10 Day France Itineraries 2025/2026 (with Reviews)Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2025/2026 (with Reviews)Weather in France in 2025/2026What is the best time to visit France in 2025/2026?