Nothing gets you into the Christmas mood like a Christmas market, so this year, why not treat yourself to a long weekend away in France, discovering traditional gifts, gastronomic delights, and unique presents that you won't find at home.
Walk through Winter Wonderlands of wooden chalets, illuminated Christmas trees and streets covered in glittering Christmas lights and decorations, whilst sipping a vin chaud (the French equivalent to Glühwein) to keep you warm!
Here are just a few that are close to us at La Vieille Ferme...
Marché de Noël & Marche Artisan, Mur-de-Bretagne
19 November 2017 From 12:00 - 18:00. Free admission Traditional Christmas market held at the Hippodrome des Bruyeres (D48) There will be approximately 40 stalls selling a variety of gifts and food. Food and drink stalls are also available on site.
Marché de Noël, Nantes
24 November to 24 December 2017 Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 20:00; Friday to Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00; Sunday: 11:00 – 20:00. Free admission Nantes has for several years been the biggest Christmas market in the west of France, with 120 stalls full of local delights, and diverse musical and entertainment acts. Taking place on two of the city's main squares, the Place du Commerce and Place Royale, each square has its own unique atmosphere.
Marché de Noël, Theix-Noyalo
25 & 26 November From 14:00 – 20:00 on Saturday; 10:00 – 19:00 on Sunday. Free admission Organized by the Twinning Committee of Theix-Sahlenburg, with the participation of a German delegation that sells German products directly from Sahlenburg. There will be displays by the Bagad, En Arben and Danserien Rhuys, and the Circles of Theix and Noyalo. Free concert on Saturday evening in the Church of Theix. Numerous attractions and of course Santa Claus!
Marché de Noël, Rennes
26 November to 25 December 2017 Daily, 10:00 – 20:00. Free admission The Marché de Noël in Rennes is located in the Place du Parlement - right in front of the beautiful 17th century Parlement de Bretagne building. The air is filled with spicy smells from the vendors selling mulled wine as you wander around the market, where artisans sell their designs, and you can buy traditional gifts like carved wooden toys, fine lace scarves, jewellery and delicious local foods.
Christmas craft market, Rennes
1 December to 24 December 2017 From 10:00 – 19:00 (except on 24 December: closing at 16:00). Free admission The Christmas craft market is organized by the Renn'arts Association and brings together 44 designers from the west of France, giving you an opportunity to find original gift ideas for Christmas. Located on Place Hoche, in a large marquee, this is on at the same time as the original Rennes Marché de Noël, so you can kill two birds with one stone.
Marché de Noël, Montauban-de-Bretagne
2 & 3 December 2017 Saturday: 14:00 – 20:30; Sunday 10:00 – 18:00. Free admission
The 9th annual traditional Christmas Market takes place at the front of the town Hall (Rue de Beaudouin). Approximately 60 stall holders will be selling a variety of goodies and gastronomic delights.
Marché de Noël, Saint-Avé
2 & 3 December 2017 Saturday: 15:00 – 20:00; Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00. Free admission The 2017 Christmas market is located in the Salle Pierre Le Nouail (Rue de la 5 August 1944). It has approximately 70 exhibitors, selling a range of gifts and edible items.
Marché de Noël, Saint-Nicolas-du-Pélem
10 December From 10:00 – 18:00. Free admission Located in the Place du Kreisker, Saint-Nicolas-du-Pélem, this Christmas Market has around 80 exhibitors, not to mention plenty of activities throughout the day, along with food stalls.
Marché de Noël, Pontivy
15, 16 & 17 December 2017 Daily from 10:00 – 19:00. Free admission The 20th Annual Christmas Market in Pontivy, held in the town centre, is open daily, with approximately 80 exhibitors. As an added bonus, you get to discover beautiful historic Pontivy at the same time.
Tempted? Then why not book our gite, and come visit some of these great markets, whilst also taking the opportunity to see what else this part of Brittany has to offer.