Where to go · FESTIVE TASTINGS IN FRANCE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 7 festive tastings in France worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Follow a French, English, or Spanish-speaking guide through Strasbourg’s illuminated squares and seven Christmas markets. You’ll hear local holiday traditions, see artisan stalls, and have time to spot bretzels, spaetzle, crepes, and gifts. The two-hour walk ends with mulled wine or hot juice. Groups are limited to 10 people.
“Our guide was a excellent he made the experience 🥰”
At Vins Zeyssolff in Gertwiller, a guide such as Marie or Dorian leads you through a family winery dating to 1850. Taste several Alsace wines, watch a 180-degree film projected onto century-old oak barrels, and finish with kougelhopf, a 37.5cl bottle of mulled wine, and cookies.
“Very unique wine tour and we got to try 7 of their wines. Lots of information provided about the area. Would definitely recommend this. Note that you do need to arrange your own transportation to the winery. Train station is about a 10min walk.”
Join a 90-minute English walking tour from the Grand Palais to the Arc de Triomphe at 5:00 pm. Guide Aladia leads a group of up to 15 through Christmas lights, Avenue Montaigne window displays, Fortwenger gingerbread, a Ladurée macaron, Parisian chocolates, and thick hot chocolate.
“Our Guide Aladia was friendly, knowledgeable and spoke perfect English. She told us interesting stories and showed us historical photos of the places we visited. Everyone was lucky enough to have photos taken by her for our memories to be treasured for the future. She was well organized at the Fortwenger and Maison du Chocolat for our tastings. The light shows were breathtaking! Merci beaucoup! I highly recommend this tour and our Guide! She made the whole tour so enjoyable! Merci a vous, Debra”
Join Strasbourg native Céline for a three-hour Christmas market and food walk through central Strasbourg. In a group of up to six, you’ll visit five or six carefully chosen stops for Alsatian sweets, savory bites, and drinks, with local traditions, shopping tips, and guaranteed seating along the way.
“Celine is an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable about the food, traditions, and history of the city. We tried many different types of food and saw many christmas markets. Would highly recommend this tour.”
Meet at Au Péché Vigneron in Gertwiller for an English-language introduction to Alsace wines, a tasting, and a 180-degree film projected on old oak barrels. The 2.5-hour visit ends with a seasonal meal featuring soup, foie gras, an Alsatian main course, and kougelhopf, plus gifts of mulled wine and gingerbread.
“Magnifique endroit avec des hôtes très accueillants et que dire des vins.... sublimes, on a goûté 8!”
At ZEYSSOLFF winery, an English or French speaking guide leads you through Alsace sparkling, red, rosé, dry, and sweet wines. You will see oak barrels from 1850 still in use, watch a 180-degree cellar film, and finish with mulled wine, gingerbread, and Kougelhopf.
“Degustazione eccellente, accompagnata dalle spiegazioni di una guida ben preparata e gentile. I vini alsaziani sono ottimi al palato e il tour si conclude con assaggi di dolci tipici e omaggio di una bottiglia di vin brûlé a scelta.”
Meet Linda or another English-speaking One Journey guide near Notre Dame for a one-hour holiday walk. You’ll hear the cathedral’s story, see restoration displays, visit the bouquinistes, taste seasonal treats, and get practical tips for shopping at Square René Viviani’s Christmas market. Samples are included, but extra purchases cost more.
“Linda was a wonderful guide! Incredibly knowledgeable and loved her sense of humor. Highly recommend this tour.”
Pick a market, a sleigh, a stage or a river.
