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THERE ARE FEW BETTER WAYS TO GET IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT With the end of year celebrations just a few weeks away, Christmas markets are taking place in regions all across France. Here are some

of our suggestions for a visit. BORDEAUX At the heart of the city, Bordeaux Christmas market is a beautiful place to walk with your family – the carousel is a must see. This year, more than

a hundred exhibitors will set up shop in the small wooden chalets of the market, where you can stock up on a multitude of original gift ideas. ANNECY In Haute-Savoie, the Annecy Christmas

market will start this Saturday, November 25. Stalls will be set up in the city centre on the Town Hall square, while the Santa Claus village is at the Square des Martyrs de la Déportation

(Bonlieu). Santa will make appearances on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. ROUEN In the heart of the historic city, Rouen’s Christmas market will be held on the square in front of the

cathedral until December 24. In an enchanting setting, around fifty small white huts adorned with garlands will offer a variety of products, for festive and friendly celebrations. LILLE

Decorations, comfort food and plenty of lights – that is what you can find at Lille Christmas market which opened on Wednesday (November 22). Situated at Place Rihour there are some 90

exhibitors from multiple regions of France, as well as _Le chalet de la solidarité_ where charities will take turns to raise funds for their cause. PARIS LA DÉFENSE There are a number of

Christmas markets in the greater Paris area, but the Paris la Défense market is the biggest with more than 200 stands to explore. Authentic stalls offer a wide variety of gift products, as

well as specialty foods from Alsace, the region where the tradition of Christmas markets in France began. NICE In the heart of Place Masséna, 45 chalets with a wide range of products await

at Nice Christmas market. For the adults a stage area will host ‘after work’ evenings with DJs throughout December, while children can meet Santa at his grotto in Jardin Albert 1er, not to

mention enjoy the Ferris wheel and rides. GRENOBLE The Christmas market in Grenoble opened its doors on November 23. Located on Place Victor Hugo, it will be open every day until December

24. Several concerts are scheduled, as well as workshops and storytimes for children. Santa Claus will be present on weekends and Wednesdays. READ ALSO CHILDREN IN FRANCE CAN WRITE TO FATHER

CHRISTMAS VIA LA POSTE