It’s time to bundle up warm again, bring out your hats, scarves and gloves! Not everyone enjoys the winter season, but honestly, what’s not to love? Cities come alive with enchanting lights and Christmas decorations, and you can score delicious hot chocolate with cream, often in delicious seasonal flavours such as hazelnut or even pumpkin spice. If you are in need for a bit of travel inspiration for this winter, have a look at what France can offer you this year – you won’t be disappointed.
Romantic Paris
A visit to Paris is never a bad idea – the City of Love has something on offer each season. Although some main attractions might be closed over winter, there is one big plus of visiting Paris in autumn and winter time: it’s low season! This means you won’t have to battle enormous crowds of like-minded tourists, airfare prices are down and you can see a different side to the city. Although Paris might not hold its annual Christmas Market this year, the shops will still have their decorations up and you can enjoy the amazing foods on offer in the French capital.
Amazing Skiing & Snowboarding
One thing that France can offer only in winter is phenomenal skiing opportunities. The French Alps are a great destination from the UK as you can either drive there or use one of many budget airlines that fly to the Alps. Take your pick from resorts like Meribel, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne and many more. For great deals on ski holidays in France, browse tour operators such as Mark Warner to score great deals on accommodation, flights, transfers and meals. For a great beginners’ resort, look into visiting Meribel; for a more advanced area, book yourself into a hotel in ski resort Tignes.
Visit Nice
Nice enjoys its own little microclimate which means that temperatures average around 10-15°C in winter months. The city centre and main attractions won’t be overrun with tourists, so you can enjoy the city at a slower pace like the locals. If you time your visit right, you can bag yourself an amazing bargain during the state-regulated winter sales. From department stores to boutique, you will be able to get some Christmas shopping done in style. Bring a warm coat and you will be able to enjoy nice walks on the beach, finished by some lunch at one of three beachside restaurants that remain open throughout winter.
Visit a Festival
You won’t be blamed for thinking there might not be many events and festivals on in winter months. However, you will be amazed to find that many cities and regions host a wide variety of festivals at the start of the New Year. How does a citrus fruit festival sound to you? The Lemon Festival in Menton takes place each February and has been described as having a carnival atmosphere. There will be orchestras, dancers and folk groups as well as fireworks – all in the celebration of citrus fruit.
