Take in the magic of Christmas as you explore these markets, whether located in city centres or in smaller villages. Found in each department of the Pays de la Loire region, they showcase a dreamlike setting and invite visitors to stock up on original gifts.
Christmas market Angers (Anjou)
In historic Angers, the Place du Ralliement gets all dressed up for the holiday period. Opposite the Grand Théâtre, ablaze with the illuminations, the chalets unveil their treasures, which include wooden toys, nougat, glass art, pottery, shawls and more. Stop for a break and sip a mulled wine or even cider! As for the kids, they’ll love the big merry-go-round, as well as the shows and concerts offered on site.
Christmas market Angers: Soleils d’Hivers, as the event is known, takes place 29 November to 30 December 2023.
Christmas market Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
Place Royale and place du Commerce are beautiful settings at any time and at Christmas even more so. Nanites hosts the biggest Christmas market in western France, with the whole city featuring glittering decorations. Around 120 chalets tempt you with gingerbread, garlands and jewellery as well as more unusual creations, such as personalised soft toys, unique postcards designed by artists, origami decorations, offbeat fashion accessories and more. Face-painting and brass bands bring a real fun element to your visit.
Christmas market Nantes: 23 November to 30 December 2023
Christmas market Tuffé (Sarthe)
Tuffé Advent market is set up in an abbey whose walls date back to the 17th century. The event showcases products by local associations as well as carefully-chosen artists, craftspeople and designers. Expect to find paintings, hats, shawls, baskets, wallets made from plant-based leather, ceramics, soaps and more. The stalls are set out inside various parts of the monument, including the splendid dovecote. There’s also a refreshment stall and a gourmet stand. Simply irresistible.
Christmas market Tuffé 2023 TBC
Christmas market Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche (Vendée)
Each year the tiny village of Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche transforms into a giant Christmas market with a magical and authentic atmosphere. It hosts over 100 exhibitors, with local artisans and craftspeople. The Féérie des Santons puts on an astonishing display of miniature villages with beautiful interiors. Don’t miss the animated window displays of local traders, whose clockwork figures are every bit as good as those in Parisian shopping centres.
Christmas market Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche – usually first weekend in December, check website for details.
Christmas Market Laval, Mayenne (Pays de la Loire)
The town of Laval celebrates the festive season with a Christmas market in Square de Boston, so named to celebrate Laval‘s twinning with Boston in Lincolnshire UK. Laval is also well-known for the extravagance of its Christmas lights “Illuminations: Lumières de Laval” which adds a festive atmosphere to the town centre
Laval Christmas Market: End November – end Decemer 2023
Discover more about what to see and do in Pays de la Loire: www.atlantic-loire-valley.com
It might not surprise you to know that mostly – Christmas in France is all about food… so buckle up, or maybe unbuckle your belt, for a fun, festive and foodie podcast: The A to Z of Christmas in France
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