The Good Life France Magazine November 2014 | Page 32

Strasbourg – Capital of Christmas

The oldest, held since the Middle Ages, and one of the largest Christmas markets in France, the Strasbourg Chrismas market spreads throughout the city. With more than 300 stalls, this is the place to buy great arts and crafts - glass paintings, marquetry, music boxes, embroidered tablecloths and earthenware pottery. The food stalls will certainly tempt you with spiced bread, kugelhopf cake, berawecka cake, traditional bredle cakes, mulled wine and, of course, foie gras.

Every year, in Place Kléber, a Christmas tree, reportedly the largest in Europe, is decorated with colourful ornaments and shimmering lights. The city is adorned in its most beautiful finery, the houses are richly decorated… At nightfall, the magic comes alive. The windows light up and the streets and squares, all connected by a network of light, give off their different scents amid sparkling decors. The "Carré d'Or" is especially spectacular, such as the rue des Hallebardes, with its magnificent crystal chandeliers. Throughout December, Strasbourg is the most illuminated city in Europe.

From end November to mid-January, details: www.otstrasbourg.com www.noel.strasbourg