Reims, Champagne-Ardenne
Champagne is perfect to toast your friends and loved ones at Christmas and Champagne the region is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Christmas celebration.
The 'World Nativity Scene Route' is an astonishing collection of crib scenes of all shapes, sizes, materials and origin, from hand-knitted scenes to historic hand-carved figures, all with their own unique charm. The cribs are on show throughout December in and around the churches of 46 towns and villages between the coronation city of Reims, Epernay capital of Champagne, Châlons-en-Champagne and the historic town of Fismes.
Many of the towns and villages taking part also have a programme of fabulous Christmas illuminations, festivities and events, such as Christmas markets, exhibitions and concerts.
The full programme, including the dates and times of the animations can be found online at www.noels-de-champagne.com
Reims: Christmas Market (‘Le village de Noël’)
The Christmas market at Reims is the biggest in the region and amongst the largest in France with 135 chalets offering a range of gourmet products, arts and crafts and creative gift suggestions. What makes this special is that it’s held in the tree-lined, beautifully illuminated and decorated pedestrian streets around Place d’Erlon and offers spectacular views over the city from a Ferris Wheel.
Details and information: www.champagne-ardenne-tourism.co.uk