French Christmas

It's now 23rd November and Christmas Market Season is officially under way!

Germany claims the origins of the Christmas market, but with its strong historical ties to its neighbour to the east, it's not surprising that the Alsace region also takes the tradition very seriously.

We visit two Alsatian markets, firstly at the large town of Colmar, and then at the village of Kaysersberg.

The Colmar market takes place at various locations around this beautiful town. There's a decent spread of gift stalls, as well as plenty of opportunities to taste some vin chaud, cremant (sparkling wine of the region) and saucisson.

One of the most famous parts of Colmar is known as 'Little Venice', due to the canal snaking through rows of colourful half-timbered houses. Unsurprisingly this area is very popular with international tourists*, and a nearby ferris wheel (pricey, but worth it for the views) adds to the festival atmosphere.

*Today is actually Thanksgiving Day but as we gather from some American visitors we chat with, it's increasingly popular to avoid the chaos around this time in the US and take a vacation - something we're not averse to with regards St Patrick's Day to be honest....

As evening draws in, additional lighting bathes the town in more colour, while the market gets its official launch from the town mayor.

Nearby Kaysersburg is another Alsatian village full of character, with beautiful architecture and almost labyrinthine narrow streets. Its Christmas market pales in comparison to that of Colmar, but has a calmer, more relaxed feel to it.

It's time to bid adieu to France for now, as we head eastwards across the Rhine (Rhein?) and into Germany!