Day 1 - December 14th - This morning we meet at our Charles De Gaulle Airport accommodation to begin the tour. As we make our way north our first stop is at Château de Chantilly where he magic of Christmas takes hold. For the occasion, the château is decked out in its finest decorations and offering a magical program. Christmas visits, a horse show, a gourmet Christmas market and a meeting with Santa Clause.Visiting the Château de Chantilly during the festive season is a real fairytale. Whether you're strolling through the gardens, admiring the incredible architecture of this famous monument, or indoors, soaking up the magic of Christmas. We then make our way to Amiens to visit the Amiens Christmas Market, one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in France. You will be able to find plenty to munch on and get your fill for lunch while we are here. Visitors have been coming to the Amiens Christmas Market since 1997 to wander through it's 130 chalets that offer great choices for gift ideas. Craftsmen from France and all over the world will offer a variety of handmade gifts, Christmas décorations and delicious delicacies. We then get checked into our accommodation at Arras before we gather for our Welcoming Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Arras. (B,D)

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Day 2 - December 15th - This morning we make our way further north to Lille. The legend says that Lille was founded in 640 by Lydéric and Phinaert giants, but the first mention of Lille in writing was in 1066. Lille was in turn under Flemish, Burgundian and Spanish rule before becoming French in 1667 during the conquest of the city by Louis XIV. Successive enlargements over the centuries have made it the fourth city of France today. In the heart of winter, Lille sparkles and glows with joie de vivre! With the wave of a magic wand, the city takes on a festive atmosphere and welcomes you to a winter wonderland! The Christmas Market of Lille is the largest of its kind in the Hauts-de-France region and the focal point of central Lille is the large square of Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as the Grand’Place. On Place Rihour, more than 80 chalets teem with gift ideas, nativity figurines, Christmas decorations and festive food. You can find regional specialities here, and you can also find arts and crafts from Russia, Poland, and Québec, as well as products from Native America. After exploring the market, we will stop for Afternoon Tea and then make our way back to Arras to enjoy the Christmas Market which is laid out in the magnificent setting of the Grand’Place, a Flemish Baroque architectural ensemble unrivalled in Europe. A remarkable backdrop with a forest of Christmas trees, where 140 artisans and exhibitors await you in an authentic and festive atmosphere in the heart of this lovely town. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight Arras. (B,L)

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Day 3 - December 16th - This morning we make our way southeast to Reims with a few stops along the way. A gem of Northern France is the medieval city of Laon, the capital city of Aisne department in Picardy. The walled city was built on a sedimentary base of sand, clay and limestone which were readily available in the second part of the 12th century and a magnificent cathedral sits on the top of the hill dominating the view. Laon is divided into two districts (the upper town and the lower town) and a cable car called the Poma links the two. After some exploration we make our way to Soissons where we first have lunch before exploring. Soissons was the former capital of France during the time of the Kingdom of the Franks, but it has a very ancient history dating back before the Ancient Romans, when it was the main settlement for the Suessione people (one of the Gaul tribes in the centuries before the Romans conquered the region). The town has two important monuments: the Cathedral of Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais, and the Abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, as well as various other monuments of buildings of interest, which have contributed to the town being classified as a Town of Art and History. After our vist we make our way to our accommodation in Reims. Dinner and Overnight Reims. (B,L,D)

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Day 4 - December 17th - This morning we make our way south of Reims to the town of Chalons-en-Champagne, the capitol for both the Marne department and the Champagne-Ardenne region and another City of Art and History. It has been an active regional trading centre since Roman times, 2000 years ago, due to its position on a major trade route. This role continued and flourished during the Middle Ages when it became an important centre for the wool trade. Criss-crossed by rivers and canals, it has earned the nickname "Little Venice" and the essence of its past can be seen in both its rich civil and religious heritage: half-timbered houses, beautiful civic buildings, abbeys and convents, churches and an internationally renowned cathedral. We will also stop in Épernay, a town nestling amidst vineyards and steeped in Champagne culture. As we stroll down Avenue de Champagne we will stop for Afternoon Tea before visiting Château Comtesse Lafond where we are invited on a journey where the elegance of the champagnes will rhyme with the majesty of the place. We then make our way home to explore the Christmas Market and streets of Reims. Ideally situated on the forecourt of the famous cathedral, the Reims Christmas market has become over the years a significant event with 145 chalets gathered on the Parvis of the Cathedrale where the magic of Christmas will amaze you with a plethora of street lights, illuminations, animations for children, concerts, Nativity scenes, gourmet food stalls, a funfair, and much more! The Christmas Market is open until 8:00 to better take advantage of the illuminations. Dinner on your own. Overnight Reims. (B,L)

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Day 5 - December 18th - This morning we make our way to Metz, a charming provincial city in the Lorraine region located on the east side of the Moselle River, between Nancy and Luxembourg. Famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral and its surprising German Imperial District, the town is also known for being the base for the recently-opened Pompidou Centre. We will have Afternoon Tea with the star of the show, Quiche Lorraine. Then we get into the spirit of the festive season and enjoy the warmest of welcomes as we visit the Christmas markets on Metz’s six main squares. We will take in the ice sculptures at the Frozen Fairyland, then warm up cold hands around a hot spicy drink or mulled wine. The illuminations will chase away the dark winter days, and traditional treats like the merry-go-round, or a walk through the magic forest will bring out your holiday spirit. You will also want to take the opportunity to stock up on gastronomic Christmas essentials at the city market hall. We then get checked into our accommodation before gathering for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Metz. (B,L,D)

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Day 6 - December 19th - This morning we make a journey north to Luxembourg and Luxembourg City. As the festive season approaches, the city of Luxembourg is transformed into a winter wonderland that plunges its visitors into the heart of the Christmas magic. A magical world waiting to be discovered during a guided tour! Christmas decorations, craft products, toys, clothes, jewellery, confectionery, food and drink, rides (Ferris wheel, miniature train), concerts, workshops and shows... there's something for everyone, from the traditional to the more unconventional. We will learn all about the past and present of the Christmas traditions of Luxembourg while on our guided tour. After our tour we will stop for lunch and then you will have some free time in the city before we make our way back to Metz. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free in Metz. You will find the lights and illuminations in the town centre far more illuminating after the sun goes down! Overnight Metz. (B,L)

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Day 7 - December 20th -  This morning on our way to Strasbourg we will stop in Nancy for their Saint Nicholas Christmas Celebrations. Several markets will be set up throughout the city with their wooden cabins decorated with sparkling garlands. Each with their own special atmosphere, they invite you to stroll through their alleyways to find an original gift idea, share a nice mulled wine and savour gingerbread, take a ride on the carousel or big wheel. An absolute must is the local arts and crafts section, surrounding the magnificent traditional merry-go-round set up in the centre of the village! There will be nibbles to be had all over the market, but for lunch you’ll love the cosy and convivial atmosphere of the Saint Nicholas Gourmet Market! Then we visit Saverne, an important gateway for trade, dating back as far as Roman times, due to its position at the end of a pass through the Vosges mountains. The importance of the town was further reinforced when the Bishops from Strasbourg established their homes here. A walk through this lovely town will reveal  pretty streets lined with medieval steep-rooved houses and half timbered buildings in the historical centre. In the centre of Saverne is the Place de la Licorne (Place of the Unicorn). The association between unicorns and Saverne dates back more than a thousand years and relates to a legend that a unicorn dipped its horn in the waters here and thus conferred them with therapeutic powers. Then on to Strasbourg to get checked into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Strasbourg. (B,D)

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Day 8 - December 21st - As we are half way through the tour today will be entirely at your leisure in Strazbourg. You will want to take in the Christmas Market that in 1570 was very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe took place, then called the "Christkindelsmärik" (market of the Infant Jesus). Since this time, Strasbourg has continued the tradition of a traditional, authentic, warm and generous Alsatian Christmas and these are all the reasons why "Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas" continues to enjoy repeated success. It's a chance for everyone to explore Strasbourg at the end of the year, with its iconic landmarks such as the Place de la Cathédrale and the Place de la République, and to admire the unique decorations and magical atmosphere of the Christmas capital. Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. Have a lovely day and get rested up for the second half of the tour. Overnight Strasbourg. (B)

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Day 9 - December 22nd - This morning we take in the Obernai Christmas Market, where the gourmets go as a haven for foodies! In a fairytale setting, almost forty chalets take up residence in front of the Belfry for the greater delight of your taste buds. Here, expect nothing but delicious treats. And while tasting the spice bread, foie gras, bredele and Christmas beer, you’ll have the ideal opportunity to meet producers and craftspeople who will take great pleasure in sharing their passion and know-how. Whiffs of spice bread and wafts of mulled wine delicately fill the streets. And it has to be said, the real star of the Christmas market is that typical Obernai mulled wine - concocted with white wine and simmered to perfection in a huge cauldron. Its unique flavour is another essential element in the magic of a true Alsatian Christmas! Then we make our way back into the Strasbourg for Afternoon Tea and then a visit to Cathedral de Notre-Dame, known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe. The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. Although the Cathedral is beautiful in every way , it is a climb up the tower to look down on Strabourg that is the highlight of the visit. Dinner and Overnight Strasbourg. (B,L,D)

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Day 10 - December 23rd - In Alsace, the end of the year has always given rise to some amazing winter rituals. The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg brings these traditions to life with a look back at how decorations have changed over the centuries. Fir trees are decorated with apples and communion wafers, as in the Middle Ages, or with more modern blown glass balls. Wreaths and woodland creatures from the Celtic or Germanic traditions also take over the fortress. The pleasures of the table are not forgotten either, with an exhibition evoking festive tables from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. For families and children, there are many activities to get into the Christmas spirit: a meeting with Saint Nicolas, workshops to make decorations, wreaths or stained glass windows, a dramatised tour which we will experience first. Then we make our way further south where we experience the magic of Christmas in Colmar. First of all,  there is the ambiance of the Old Town, illuminated and decorated like a fairy tale: a historic setting made magical by the Christmas illuminations which, in this festive period, blend harmoniously with the wonderful lighting designed to enhance the town’s heritage, and lay a soothing aura of light over the centre of Colmar. Overnight near Colmar. (B,L,D)

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Day 11 - December 24th - Christmas Eve Day! Located in Franche-Comté (Eastern France), the town of Montbéliard – well known for its hospitality- turns into a pure enchantment few weeks before Christmas. During the time of Advent, Montbéliard revives the tradition of Württemberg and organizes a Christmas market like no other with 160 lovely stalls full of authentic and high quality items. Taking a stroll down the illuminated streets, the visitors may taste the delicious gastronomic products from Montbéliard and France, marvel at the variety of art and crafts, dance to the music and the sound of choral songs. With exceptional decorations made of a unique fabric in Alsace, festive lighting and many animations, Mulhouse is definitely THE place to live the Christmas magic.The distinctiveness of the Christmas market of Mulhouse comes from its link to its rich industrial textile history. For this 27th edition, the star will be of course this particular fabric.Connecting authenticity and tradition, this fabric is however constantly renewed with originality and each year, a new and exclusive Christmas fabric dresses the whole city for that time of the year. In the Alsace, Chrismtas is celebrated primarily on Christmas Eve with a Festive Christmas Eve Dinner called le Réveillon de Noël. Dinner and Overnight near Colmar. (B,L,D)

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Day 12 - December 25th - Christmas Day. In France December 6th is Saint Nicholas Day as he is the Patron Saint of Children and credited with the very first Christmas Stockings. So Children in France generally get their stockings on this day and then open gifts on Christmas morning. I've had a word with Saint Nicholas however, and he has agreed to deliver Christmas Stockings to each of you on Christmas morning. It will be a very leisurely morning of seeing what Samta has brought you, a late breakfast, followed by exchanging gifts and then a late lunch. We will visit all day with lots of idle chit chat, a walk on the hotel grounds and taking in the more of the beauty of our wonderful Alsatian Christmas. Overnight near Colmar. (B,L)

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Day 13 - December 26th - This morning we discover the pretty imperial town of Kaysersberg, on the Alsace Wine Route, where you will be charmed by its authentic heritage! Kaysersberg surprises by the charm of the medieval sites around the Ste Croix church (Romanesque portal, a carved altarpiece: a masterpiece rarely equalled) and the fortified bridge dominated by the castle (remains of the former free city of the Décapole). Its strategic position reawakens the memory of the old Roman road which linked the Alsace to the Lorraine. Kaysersberg is considered one of the most charming cities in Alsace, with its paved streets and half-timbered houses. After lunch we will visit Riquewihr, situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace. This medieval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. For centuries this magnificent town has managed to combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines, from where it gets its nickname "The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards". It has managed to preserve its authentic character behind its city walls, which are now besieged only by the vines. Dinner Overnight near Colmar. (B,L,D).

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Day 14 - December 27th - This morning we start our journey back toward Charles De Gaulle. Along the way we will stop in Remiremont, to the south of Vosges, at the gateway to the Hautes-Vosges. Remiremont is known for its Saint-Pierre Abbey Church, which dates back to the year 620 and is one of the oldest churches in France. Remiremont is also home to an Abbey Palace built at the request of the Abbess Anne-Charlotte de Lorraine, daughter of Duke Leopold I, in the 18th century. It is a popular tourist destination, renowned for the beautiful natural environment of the Vosges, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage. We then make our way to Épinal nestled alongside the River Moselle for lunch. Épinal consists of two separate districts on either side of the Moselle: on the right bank is the historical quarter, and on the left bank is the new town. In the thousand-year-old historical centre, you will find the charming Place des Vosges lined with Renaissance arcade houses, including the Bailiff's house built in 1604, the basilica, the covered market and the Chapter Museum. A Historic Monument, the Basilica of St. Maurice, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, has been a place of pilgrimage for a long time. Its architecture is a blend of several styles: Gothic, Champenois and Burgundian. We then make our way through the Parc des Roches and to our accommodation at Chaumont. Dinner and Overnight Chaumont. (B,L,D)

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Day 15 - December 28th - This morning we make our way further west with a first stop at Troyes, the gateway to Champagne and Burgundy and situated along the Seine River. Troyes is best explored on foot, so we will take a stroll along the Ruelle des Chats (the lane of cats) – the narrowest street in the city – and wander past the colourful timber-framed houses that adorn the historic centre, before exploring its medieval-inspired gardens and secret courtyards. We will also visit the Place de l'Hotel-de-Ville, the main square in the town centre, and along the bustling Rue Emile Zola before stopping for a Champagne Afternoon Tea. Dinner and Overnight near Charles De Gaulle Airport. (B,L,D)

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Day 16 - December 29th - This morning we return you to the Charles De Gaulle Aiport for your journey home.

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La Couronne Hotel and Restaurant