Patricia Schultz - Christmas Lights and Holiday Delights: Paris and Alsace

Paris in December reveals the city’s artistic and historical legacy in a distinctive Christmas light. Explore the heart of the Île de la Cité, admire the radiant stained-glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle, discover French masterpieces from the Renaissance to Impressionism, and experience Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte beautifully decorated for the season. Along the Champs-Élysées and Grand Boulevards, festive illuminations and holiday displays add a celebratory glow.

In northeastern France, Alsace embodies a rich history of French and Germanic heritage through architecture, cuisine, and unique local traditions. Half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, and beautifully preserved medieval centers form the backdrop as you explore the Christmas markets of Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Obernai, and Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik — France’s oldest Christmas market, established in 1570. A drive through Germany’s Black Forest leads to Freiburg’s Christmas market.

Enjoy evenings strolling through festive streets and market chalets aglow with shimmering lights, as the aromas of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and spiced gingerbread fill the crisp winter air.

Throughout the journey, enjoy authentic regional cuisine and thoughtfully selected boutique hotels, with each day a delightful discovery of the history, culture, and festive spirit of Paris and Alsace at Christmas.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience France’s oldest Christmas market, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, and festive traditions in Alsace’s medieval towns of Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Obernai; and Freiburg, Germany.
• Enjoy evenings at leisure in the heart of Strasbourg and Colmar, with time to experience the sparkling holiday lights and festive decorations.
• Discover Paris at Christmas — from the Champs-Élysées and Grand Boulevards to a guided visit of the Île de la Cité and Sainte-Chapelle.
• Visit Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte beautifully decorated for the holidays and the 12th-century Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg overlooking the Alsace plain.
• Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, cuisine, and wines of the French Rhine region, where Alsace blends French and Germanic heritage.
• Delve into history and culture with expert guiding throughout the journey with your Conservancy Travel Trip Leader and local specialists.