French Christmas Markets | Winter 2025/26
French Christmas Markets | Winter 2025/26
$1365
French Christmas Markets | Winter 2025/26
7 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Paris, Tours, Dijon, Strasbourg, Reims
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWFCA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of the French Christmas Markets on this enchanting winter tour for 2025/26. Begin your journey in the heart of Paris, where you'll sail down the Seine and learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. Explore the festive Christmas markets in Tours, Dijon, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Reims, each offering unique delights and holiday cheer. Discover the medieval charm of Dijon and the breathtaking Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Indulge in champagne tasting in the renowned Champagne Region and enjoy guided tours in each city. Travel in comfort with coach transportation and stay in cozy accommodations throughout your journey. With included meals and plenty of free time to explore, this tour promises a festive and unforgettable holiday experience in France.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
We’ll kick off our cheerful celebrations here in the sparkling City of Love. You’ll be greeted with festive displays in every nook and cranny. Tonight, we’ll cruise over the Seine to see Paris in all its glory. But not before grabbing dinner. Just you, your crew, and buzzin’ good vibes.
Day 2: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
No better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by smelling like cinnamon & pine (and everything nice). This morning, we’ll visit a French perfumery. Then, you’ve got free time to check out all the pretty markets here. We'll regroup this evening to visit the most spectacular theatre in all of Paris - and she'll be beautifully decorated this time of the year.
Day 3: Paris To Tours Via Château De Chambord
Location: Tours
Accommodation Name: Ibis Tours Centre Gare (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll leave the twinkling lights of Paris to find ourselves in France’s breathtaking Loire Valley. Lucky you! December is the BEST time to visit this wonderful Chateau. Expect surreal sights of decked up halls, decorated trees, and wonderful illuminations. This evening is reserved for tasting your way through Tours’ Christmas markets. Oh, and we're staying right in the centre of town. So, explore as late as you like!
Day 4: Tours To Beaune Via Dijon
Location: Dijon
Accommodation Name: Greet Hotel Beaune
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a short n’ sweet stay in Tours, we’ll take the eastern road to Dijon where even more medieval charm (and mustard) awaits us. First things first - your Trip Manager will show you all the highlights of town. Wondering what to do with your free time? Just follow the owl symbols etched into the walls of the most famous monuments here.In the late afternoon, we'll drive down to Beaune. Drop your bags at the hotel of this beautiful walled town before we head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Beaune To Metz Via Colmar & Strasbourg
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Campanile Metz Talange (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Goodbye Beaune. Today we’re visiting two of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe!On our first stop today, you’ll be greeted with vibrant Christmas markets & cobblestoned streets. You have some free time to take it all in before we head off to stop two. You guessed it - even more Christmas markets await us here. You’ll have the chance to join for a festive food walking tour to explore Strasbourg’s unique French-German cuisine. Bellies full, and souls satisfied - we’ll get cosy at our hotel in Metz.
Day 6: Metz To Reims Via Champagne Region
Location: Reims
Accommodation Name: Ibis Centre Reims
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning, sleeping beauties! If you can pull yourself outta your cosy, cosy bed - we have a bubbly day ahead of us.Christmas in France is incomplete without champagne. Luckily, we’re right here in its hometown, where you’ll have the chance to try the fizzy goodness at a classic champagne house. Dreamy Reims is where we’ll have our final round of Christmas markets exploration. Stroll the streets with your Trip Manager on an orientation tour before joining us for a warm & wholesome farewell dinner.
Day 7: Reims To Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
It might be our final day out here. But we promise, these 7 days of France’s festive charm will stay with you forever. If you’re hitching a ride with us to Paris, hop on for one last coach journey of this trip. And that’s it for now, folks. After a week of French food & festivities, it’s time to say au revoir. Don’t worry, there are plenty more merry destinations to explore. Maybe Germany's markets next time?
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 2 dinners and 6 breakfasts.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel, Ibis Tours Centre Gare, Greet Hotel Beaune, Campanile Metz Talange, and Ibis Centre Reims.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are provided in Paris, Tours, Dijon, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Reims.
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Christmas Markets
Visits to Christmas markets in Paris, Tours, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Reims are included.
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Perfume House Visit
A visit to a Parisian perfume house to learn the art of fragrance is included.
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Château de Chambord
A visit to the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is included.
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Champagne Tasting
Champagne tasting at a classic champagne house in the Champagne Region is included.
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Transport
Travel in style and comfort with coach transportation, ensuring a seamless journey from Paris to Tours, Dijon, Beaune, Colmar, Strasbourg, Metz, Reims, and back to Paris.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Paris are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Paris: What could be better than sailing down the Seine with the Contiki crew, taking in all the chic Paris landmarks? Sign us up!
- Paris: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a Parisian perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
- Tours: We'll tour the Christmas markets in Tour where you'll have the chance to pick up delicious goodies. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
- Dijon: Your Trip Manager will show you around the beautiful town of Dijon - the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. Expect lots of art and architecture from the Renaissance & medieval eras.
- Colmar: Welcome to one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe! We'll stroll by the canals and check out the illuminated markets in town.
- Reims: If you were a French royal, you'd be crowned right here in Reims. Today, we'll check out the medieval architecture of this town. Plus, your Trip Manager will tell you all about the pivotal role it played during Roman times and WW1.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides coach transportation, ensuring a seamless journey from Paris to Tours, Dijon, Beaune, Colmar, Strasbourg, Metz, Reims, and back to Paris.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 2 dinners and 6 breakfasts.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Ibis Paris Porte D'Orleans Hotel, Ibis Tours Centre Gare, Greet Hotel Beaune, Campanile Metz Talange, and Ibis Centre Reims, or similar accommodations.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, guided tours are provided in Paris, Tours, Dijon, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Reims.
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Is there an opportunity to visit a perfume house in Paris?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a Parisian perfume house to learn the art of fragrance.
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Will there be a chance to taste champagne during the tour?
Yes, champagne tasting at a classic champagne house in the Champagne Region is included in the tour.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from Paris are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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