Hi
Has anyone been to France over the. Christmas period?
Where did you go? Was there much open?
Thinking about going away for Christmas as we don’t really like Christmas that much anymore so not bothered about festivities- more worried about what’s open!
We went to France one year in October half term and a lot of stuff was closed!
Worst case we drive to Spain but world prefer France!
And no we’re not flying anywhere we have two spoilt dogs who I won’t leave behind!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
What about Strasbourg, it has a Christmas market. Has a campsite listed on here open all year.
In fact, any city destination will probably be good.
Just had another thought. There is a seaside town near Nice called Cagnes sur Mer, we used to visit most years as part of our summer expedition, but the site we used near Antibes closed. We thought we might try Camping Hippodrome at Villeneuve Loubet, next door to Cagnes and not listed on here but since Covid we've changed our itinerary and don't come this way.
One advantage of this place is that there is a railway all along the coast so easy to visit other towns
France and Spain being catholic dominant take their religious holiday very seriously, and my advice would be to be prepared for not a lot that will be opened for business, and check for dates of their holidays during this period.
DK
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Depends what type of things you mean being closed?
We have done Spain and Portgual for Christmas. We found the biggest celebrations were for Christmas Eve and 12th Night (Epiphany). Through out restaurants and cafes were open, some great carnival type nights at Epiphany.
We tried France once but way to wet and cold so we hopped further down into Spain.
Would say most resorts in all 3 countries have a winter type feel with cafes etc.closed but towns that have an all year round population less so.
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 22/9/2025
France and Spain being catholic dominant take their religious holiday very seriously, and my advice would be to be prepared for not a lot that will be opened for business, and check for dates of their holidays during this period.
DK
Moved to France 7 years ago we've found - certainly round this part of the Dordogne - that the power of the Catholic church is nothing like 20 years ago.
Can't remember driving into a village with a small roadside cross displaying "heures des messes" for years. Local churches share a priest so most get one service a month if that instead of 3 or 4 every Sunday.
Most big supermarkets open til 12 on Sunday - only days everything shuts - apart from restaurants and bars - are Christmas Day and May 1.
We're off on 21/12, but only sleeping in the van for a couple of nights each way, for overnight stops. For the bulk of the festivities, we'll be shacked up in the guest room at our son's Landes home, being hosted by his wonderful French wife, and her local family members.
Other than the odd small supermarket top-up and obvious morning boulangerie visit, we'll need little else for the journey each way.
I've yet to sort out the overnight stops... and appreciate open camp sites will be few and far between... but if we have to cope on facility-less aire(s) then so be it. Wet wipes it will be!
Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 02/10/2025
We're off on 21/12, but only sleeping in the van for a couple of nights each way, for overnight stops. For the bulk of the festivities, we'll be shacked up in the guest room at our son's Landes home, being hosted by his wonderful French wife, and her local family members.
Other than the odd small supermarket top-up and obvious morning boulangerie visit, we'll need little else for the journey each way.
I've yet to sort out the overnight stops... and appreciate open camp sites will be few and far between... but if we have to cope on facility-less aire(s) then so be it. Wet wipes it will be!
Our very first Xmas away from home. Mega excited!
You might be all right using aires on the autoroutes - which have facilities 24/7. Late on you will likely find a bay near the shops etc which are staffed all night. Other people on here have said park up by the lorries.
Never read a report in the regional paper "Sud Ouest" of people being robbed using aires for overnighting.
Mucker, , there are some campsites open all year which might help you - depending on which channel crossing you are using and which route you intend to take.
If you're in France over Christmas and near a Carrefour supermarket you might be able to pick up a very reasonably priced Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve (ordered in advance) - if memory serves 5 courses - 3 hot (need reheating - oven / microwave) - 2 cold - for under 25 euro a head.
We've had it for the last 3 years and will order again this year - saves a lot of faffing about and washing up.
I'll keep an eye out for ads / brochures etc and will post anything I find.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: France at Christmas
via mobile 21/9/2025 at 9:21pm
