The French Alps are a real-life winter wonderland with their lofty peaks, picturesque chalets with snow-covered roofs and twinkling lights adorning the streets. After an invigorating day on the slopes, enjoy traditional carols in local churches and visit local artisans to look for festive treasures, then tuck into a hearty fireside fondue. It’s all just a short flight away…
A real celebration
In all French Alpine resorts, Christmas is celebrated with a magical festive atmosphere. La Clusaz has put on its ‘Pestacles du Père Noël’ for the past 20 years, the largest family street art festival in the mountains with magicians, storytellers, musicians, artists and dancers performing spectacular shows.
Get cosy!
Nothing beats returning to the chalet and its roaring fire after a long day out on the snow. Swap ski boots for slippers and hunker down with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of vin chaud – this might be the only Christmas après-ski you need.
Home from home
Make the Alps a home from home for Christmas. Pick up handcrafted decorations from local markets and enjoy adding the finishing touches to your 'sapin' (Christmas tree) or mantelpiece. Don’t forget 'santons', little clay figurines used for a nativity scene.
Santa is coming to town
For most children, Christmas means one thing: presents! And they’ll love spending it in France, as Père Noël (French Father Christmas) traditionally visits on the eve of the big day. Leave your shoes and slippers by the fire just in case… they could be filled with extra treats.
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities
All staff in the French mountains are doing their utmost to ensure you experience an unrestricted and hassle-free holiday, and are at your disposal from the very first steps of your booking.
You can stay with friends or family, at your second home, in a gîte or a holiday rental without exceptions
Health measures apply to guarantee guest safety in all shared accommodation, hotels, holiday villages, campsites, inns and heated establishments.
Accommodation hosts will provide you with all the useful details concerning the protocols put in place at the time of your reservation. Some may offer a video call to answer your questions, or a dedicated online FAQ area.
An online check-in service has been developed to minimise waiting times at reception, especially in tourist residences
Many accommodation hosts are reviewing cancellation conditions to offer more flexible stays.
For more details on the measures in place in French ski resorts, click here.
Further information for your family skiing holiday: - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourism - Savoie Mont Blanc Tourism - France Montagnes - Isère Tourism
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
