Christmas Shopping in France

Christmas shopping trip to France has emerged as a popular activity during winter vacation among tourists. Thousands visit the country to buy the best from the numerous Christmas shopping markets in the country. Christmas shopping in France has allowed the Christmas markets to flaunt goods used on this special eve. The rising number of makeshift markets during Christmas

in France offer variety of choices for customers.

About Christmas shopping in France

Christmas shopping in France often begins by the end of November and lasts until December 24. It starts with the setting up of colorful Christmas markets in the cities of Paris, Brittany, Avignon, and Lille have gained prominence over the years. The most interesting buys during Christmas Eve in France are fruits, vegetables, garments, shoes, household goods, and electronic gadgets. There are also items for interior decorations sold widely in these markets.

Top Christmas shopping markets in France

Paris hosts some of the notable shopping stores on Christmas. Having a vibrant nightlife, Paris attracts a considerable number of tourists every year. The departmental stores of Peintemps and Galeries Lafayette sell exclusive Christmas goods for fun and decoration. There are variety of cake toppings and sausages that you can buy to make a special dinner. Another hotspot in the city during this time is the Les Marches de Noel market. This traditional market sells unique Christmas dí©cor every year. Other markets for Christmas shopping in Paris include Champs Elysees that would remain open from November 9, 2011 to December 24, 2011. For purchasing arts, crafts, baskets, and silk wall hangings, at a reasonable price, visit the market that is located close to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The market is accessible by public from December 20th, 2011 for four days.

The list below includes the popular places for Christmas shopping in France.
Paris Christmas Market Festival
Disneyland Paris Christmas Market
Arras Christmas Market (Pas-de-Calais)
Date: 26 Nov - 24 Dec 2011

Menton Christmas Market (Alpes-Maritimes, Provence Cote d-Azur)
Date: 11 December - 06 January 2011

Chartres Christmas Market (Eure-et-Loire, Loire Valley)
Date: 30 Nov - 27 Dec 2011

Lille Christmas Market (Nord, Nord Pas de Calais)
Date: 24 Nov - 30 Dec 2011

Colmar Christmas Market (Haut-Rhin, Alsace)
Date: 25 Nov 2011 - 2 Jan 2011

Amiens Christmas Market (Somme, Picardie)
Date: 26 Nov - 31 Dec 2011

The Strasbourg Christmas Market 2011
Date: 27 November - 31st December 2011

Calais Christmas Market (Pas-de-Calais)
Date: 3- 19 December, 2011

Christmas shopping markets in France- timings

The supermarkets remain open past their usual timings in the Christmas season. The Calais super market has an extending working hours from 8:30 in the morning to 10 at night. On the pre-Christmas Sundays, the shops in the city center of Paris remains open. The French towns are also not an exception.