Boulogne-sur-Mer: For one weekend only, but this Christmas market more than makes up for it with loads of charm in the perfectly preserved Medieval upper town. Elves, Santa, petting zoo, light show – this is a super family Christmas event. Stroll around the ramparts, pop into the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica and check out the quirky shops in rue de Lille for great present buying opportunities from antiques to violet scented ink…
19-20 December www.tourisme-boulognesurmer.com
Top tip: Rue de Lille is lined with restaurants, squeeze into the tiny bar called the Vole Hole in the city’s oldest building.
Le Touquet: Chic seaside resort loved by Parisians and savvy British tourists. It bursts into festive mood with 25km of twinkling lights. The Christmas market is for one weekend, held in the lovely covered art-deco market, a listed monument. There are lots of bars and brasseries to enjoy a celebratory meal to suit all budgets, and for some festive indulgence head to the Michelin starred restaurant Le Pavillon at the Westminster Hotel.
Lights from 27November to 30 December; Christmas Jazz Festival (dates in December); Marché de Noel 12-13 December. www.letouquet.com
Top tip: Beussent for hand-made chocolate and Arts et Gourmand for traditional marshmallow.