France in December – All in One Guide For a Perfect End to the Year

A beautiful destination with picturesque landscapes, exquisite cuisines, history and of course how can we forget about lots of cheese and wine!! This is France – one of the most loved places by tourists, Have you ever wonder about France under cold, cosy weather? How amazing this place of love would look in winters, France in December with Christmas and new year as a bonus is a must to visit and explore. 

So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down and have a look, to plan a perfect trip to France in December.

Weather in France in December

Winter in France tends to be cold with occasional icy rain depending on the region you visit. The average high temperature tends to be 7.3°C (45.1°F) and average low temperature tends to be 3°C (37.4°F), although a bit cold and cosy but still perfect time to visit. Although, the first few weeks of December are considered off-season which gives you the benefit of lesser tourists, no queues and even cheap flights.

What to Pack for France in December

Well, before heading on any vacation be prepared in advance for items you might be needing. So, here are some must items to pack in your bags for France in December –

• Warm coats and some extra clothes (not to get cold and cough there!!!),
• Sweater or cardigans (easy to overlayer),
• Wool hat, warm scarf (No compromising fashion!),
• Umbrella – That can withstand wet, gusty days (It can rain though!),
• Pack a good pair or two of waterproof shoes (perfect)
• Carry your ID, Passport and other important documents in your backpack (Important).

Also read – 9 Best French slang words you should know while visiting France.

Places to visit & Things to do in France in December

1. Paris – it’s obvious, isn’t it?

Paris is a highly visited destination in the world. Christmas market popping up all over, an entire city in lights, plenty of excuses to eat cakes and chocolates and above all drink a lot of wine. The first two weeks of December is off-season for tourist which can be highly beneficial for you to interact with locals, cheap flights, no crowd for sightseeing, whereas last two weeks are highly active because of Christmas and New Year.

• Average High Temperature – 7.3°C (45.1°F)
• Average Low Temperature – 3°C (37.4°F)

Things to do in Paris in December

1. Admire Paris from Eiffel Tower

Eiffel tower is one of the highly recognized and most visited world attractions. It is the tallest structure in Paris which offer a breathtaking view of Paris. Having Lunch with Eiffel Tower in the view is so pleasing!

• Address – 5 Avenue Anatole, France
• Ticket costs may vary accordingly

Also read – Eiffel Tower in Paris – The Incredible Iron Lady

2. Explore art in Montmartre

It is a charming hillside neighbourhood with a mind-blowing view of Paris. It is a place where world-famous artists for example Van Gough and Picasso who lived and worked in Montmartre. The beautiful streets are filled with art and artists. You will also find Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Paroisse Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, and small vineyards to explore.

3. Take a bakery tour in Paris

Exploring the city and not having food!! Does not sound right. Paris is famous for its bakery items and your visit will go in vain if you do not have a lot of cakes and chocolates. The whole world admires the food of France and attracts people a lot.

• Must try –  Choux à la Crème, Puit d’Amour, Pistachio and Chocolate Escargot, Le Mussipontain, Pomme de Terre, Mont Blanc, this list just won’t end!!!!

2. Bordeaux – Wine, Wine, and Wine

A perfect destination for all the Wine lovers out there. A beautiful city with museums, vineyards, historic heritage and offers you fun and relaxing vibes. Bordeaux looks perfectly amazing in December and you must include it in your itinerary.

• Average High Temperature – 10.8°C (51.4°F)
• Average Low Temperature – 5.4°C (41.7°F)

Things to do in Bordeaux in December

1. Head to the Pyrenees for adventure

Take advantage of your time in this astonishing city in December – Hiking and skiing in the Pyrenees range of mountains can be an amazing and lifetime experience. So, some wine can wait and have some adventure done right.

Also read – France Travel Guide – Explorez la France!

2. Drink a lot of wine

What are you in Bordeaux for? Wine and Wine. Visit the most famous red wine district in Bordeaux, Médoc. People in France drink around 60 bottles per head in a year. So, what are you waiting for? Cheese?

• Must try Red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Must try White wine – e Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc

3. Admire Cathédrale Saint-André

A Roman Catholic church, unique for its architectural style is a must-visit in Bordeaux. This site is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Address – Place Pey Berland, 33000 Bordeaux

3. Lyon –  City of Lights

The third-largest city in France offers you many UNESCO historic architecture sites, culture, secret passageways, and amazing food. Since a lot to explore, Lyon can be a great choice.

• Average High Temperature – 7.1°C (44.8°F)
• Average Low Temperature – 1.6°C (34.9°F)

Things to do in Lyon in December

1. Visit Fourviere district for some history

Above the Saone river is the Fourviere district, a charming and popular area to visit. Basilica de Notre – Dame de Fourviere, vast Roman ruins, and much more.

• Distance from Lyon – 2.2 km via Montée Saint-Barthélémy

Also read – 8 best things to do in Lyon for an amazing holiday experience

2. Experience Festival of lights in Lyon

Festival of Lights is celebrated to show gratitude towards Mary, Mother of Jesus. It is celebrated on the 8th of December every year. Every house shows its gratitude by lighting candles and keeping them on a window. Lyon looks spectacular at this festival.

• Date – 8^th of December – 10^th of December

3. Look at the whole city in Mini World Lyon

An animated miniature park located 15 min downtown Lyon. Visitors can discover four miniature worlds full of fun and interaction. Nighttime comes around every 20 minutes and in every hour a really small festival of light takes place which is so epic to experience. Small streets, fun animation, and lots of small people is a fun attraction.

• Address – Pôle du Carré de Soie, 3 Avenue de Bohlen, France
• Timing – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Strasbourg – History calls you

Strasbourg in December is wonderful and have its charms. You can walk down the streets and enjoy architecture with a blend of French and German influences. And you know what some portions of this city is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

• Average High Temperature – 5.5°C (41.9°F)
• Average Low Temperature – 0.8°C (33.4°F)

Things to do in Strasbourg in December

1. Explore The Grande Île – UNESCO world heritage site

It is an island in the historic centre of Strasbourg. This site is registered under the UNESCO world heritage site. In other words, include visiting “The Grande Île” in your itinerary is a must.

Also read – Travel to Strasbourg in France

2. Shopping from Strasbourg Christmas market

December is all about Christmas and shopping. The biggest Christmas market since 1570, takes place every year from the last week of November to the last week of December. A perfect opportunity to grab, so what are you waiting for??

• Address –  29 Rue de la Nuée-Bleue, 67000 Strasbourg

3. Have Tarte flambée anytime

It is a thin bread dough with toppings like – cheese, bacon, mushrooms, etc. It is much like Pizza but in rectangular pieces. Very tasty food to try so, do not forget to have it.

• Some restaurants suggestions – Les Sales Gosses, Binchstub Restaurant, Au Brasseur , La Fignette.

FAQs For France In December

So, do not waste your time!! Plan your vacation to France in December and discover it, as France has everything for everyone. Take a look at the Pickyourtrail website that provides you with amazing France tour packages and options to customise your France vacation. Hoping to see you drinking a lot of wine with cheese!

Also read – Castles in France: Top 7 most beautiful places to visit