France: Christmas Markets

Location: Europe
Duration: 7 Days
Price: From $8,995
Activity Level:

France: Christmas Markets

Location: Europe
Duration: 7 Days
Price: From $8,995
Activity Level:

Level 1 – Easy Pace

Designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and time to savor the scenery, our Easy Pace adventures offer a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.

On a Easy Pace trip, you might:

  • Walk or engage in continuous activity at a gentle pace for up to 3 hours on occasion 
  • Participate in diverse activities and adaptable itineraries allowing you the freedom to relax at your hotel as desired
  • Enjoy cultural immersion which may include navigating stairs or cobblestone streets and/or flat safari environments

Overview

Discover the magic of French Christmas Markets along the Alsace Wine Route. This magical 7-day adventure blends French and German influences, offering a unique holiday experience. Based in Strasbourg, explore picturesque villages like Obernai, Colmar, and Eguisheim, each with its own enchanting market. These markets offer a feast for the senses, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, local crafts, and traditional holiday treats. Savor traditional Alsatian meals, enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef, and tour cultural landmarks like the Lalique Museum and Sélestat. Wine enthusiasts will love the Alsace Wine Route’s vineyards and excellent white wines. The trip concludes with a day in Germany’s Black Forest, visiting Baden-Baden and the serene Mummelsee lake. Join fellow AdventureWomen for a festive, fulfilling journey!

Main Attractions

Explore Enchanting Christmas Markets

Delight in the festive atmosphere of Obernai, Colmar, Eguisheim, and Strasbourg, where charming Christmas markets offer everything from hand-crafted arts and crafts to traditional Alsatian gourmet treats, mulled wine, and foie gras.

Discover the Alsace Wine Route

Wander through picturesque villages, scenic vineyards, and medieval architecture, experiencing the charm and beauty of the Alsace Wine Route.

Immerse Yourself in Alsatian Culture

Enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef, savor local culinary delights, sample exquisite wines, and tour the renowned Lalique Museum, all while residing in luxurious comfort.

Map highlighting travel routes from France to Germany, featuring Strasbourg, Obernai, Colmar/Eguisheim, and the Lalique Museum. Inset shows regional location in Europe.
An elderly person in a beige coat and black hat examines ornaments on a decorated Christmas tree at an outdoor market.
A person holds a partially eaten waffle dusted with sugar. In the background, there are people and brightly lit market stalls.
A decorated Christmas tree stands in front of a charming, timber-framed building adorned with festive garlands and ornaments on a cobblestone street.
People serving food into bowls, wearing aprons and using spoons, in a collaborative cooking setting.
An elderly person in a beige coat and black hat examines ornaments on a decorated Christmas tree at an outdoor market.
A person holds a partially eaten waffle dusted with sugar. In the background, there are people and brightly lit market stalls.
A decorated Christmas tree stands in front of a charming, timber-framed building adorned with festive garlands and ornaments on a cobblestone street.
People serving food into bowls, wearing aprons and using spoons, in a collaborative cooking setting.

Itinerary

Illuminated archway with "Strasbourg Capitale de Noël" in blue neon lights, festive decorations, and lights adorn a wet street lined with buildings at night.

A Festive Start in Strasbourg

Arrive at Strasbourg Airport (SXB) by 1 PM. A group transfer from the airport to your hotel will be provided when most guests arrive. The exact transfer time will be determined closer to departure. Each person is allowed one checked bag and one carry-on for the group transfer. If you have additional luggage, please contact your AdventureWomen Trip Manager to discuss alternative arrangements. Private transfers at other times are available for purchase. If arriving by train, it’s just a 12-minute taxi ride from the station. You can easily get a taxi right at the train station to take you to the hotel. Enjoy a delicious 3-course welcome dinner with drinks, perfect for connecting with fellow travelers and sharing stories.

Meals dinner
An assortment of cookies displayed on trays, including pumpernickel, croq soleil, and sablé pretzel chocolat, with labels on a red cloth.

A Holiday Fairyland in Sélestat and Obernai

Explore Sélestat, a charming town with medieval architecture and the UNESCO-listed Humanist Library. Wander its bustling markets and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Drive the picturesque Alsace Wine Route, stopping for a delightful lunch on your own. In the afternoon, visit Obernai’s Christmas Market, featuring 40 chalets with local treats, wine, jams, and unique mulled wine. Discover artisanal crafts and festive decorations against the backdrop of Obernai’s illuminated historic buildings.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Your hotel in Strasbourg’s historic center is the perfect base to explore nearby restaurants. Your guide can recommend great dining spots.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Colorful half-timbered houses with various pastel hues line a street. Bright flowers are in the foreground, adding to the vibrant scene.

Enchanting Colmar and Eguisheim

Embark on another captivating day along the Alsace Wine Route, starting in Colmar. Wander through its narrow, colorful streets and the enchanting Little Venice, with picturesque canals and half-timbered houses. Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Christmas Market, filled with wooden chalets selling local foods, handmade ornaments, and crafts, all under twinkling lights. After a traditional lunch, head to Eguisheim, a medieval village just 3 miles from Colmar. Discover its charming streets, half-timbered houses, and authentic Alsatian crafts like pottery and glassblowing. Eguisheim’s market has been awarded the “Villes et Villages de Noël” label for its authenticity and traditions. Explore traditional foods and Alsatian wine at the chalets. This evening is at your leisure.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Interior of a cathedral with a vaulted ceiling, ornate organ, and colorful stained-glass windows.

Lalique Treasures and Culinary Delights

Embark on an exclusive guided tour of Strasbourg, savoring the region’s culinary delights. Indulge in kugelhopf, aromatic gingerbread, tangy sauerkraut with Riesling, creamy local cheeses, and exquisite French pastries. Lunch is included in this gourmet adventure. Between tastings, explore Strasbourg’s historical heart. Wander through the picturesque quarter “La Petite France” and marvel at the Gothic grandeur of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Cap off the day with a boat tour offering unique canal views of the European capital. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A picturesque winter scene of a quaint town with half-timbered houses by a canal, dusted with snow. A bridge and decorated railings are visible under a clear, twilight sky.

Strasbourg: A Feast for the Senses

Start your day with a visit to the nearby Lalique Museum. Marvel at over 650 pieces of exquisite jewelry, perfume bottles, vases, and chandeliers, showcasing Lalique’s evolution from goldsmith to glassmaker. After exploring the museum, enjoy a delicious lunch at Château Hochberg, where Chef Barberis crafts a refined menu inspired by seasonal local products and his global travels. Return to Strasbourg for a memorable culinary experience under the expert guidance of a talented Alsatian chef, who welcomes you into her home in “La Petite France”, Strasbourg’s historic neighborhood. Explore “emotional cuisine,” a unique concept blending three artistic dimensions: a passion for cooking, poetry, and painting. Conclude this immersive experience with a delightful tasting session, savoring your creations transformed into a high-quality dinner and associated beverages (wines, crémant, saké, and soft drinks).

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A scenic view showcases a statue on a building's rooftop in the foreground, with a hillside town featuring trees and a church spire in the background.

Nature and Culture in Baden-Baden, Germany

After breakfast, explore the Mediterranean-like nature of Baden-Baden, Germany, a cultural, thermal, and green town located just 50 minutes from Strasbourg. Discover its rich cultural heritage and indulge in lunch at a typical restaurant. Wander the scenic Black Forest route, taking in spectacular landscapes and vistas.

Reach the shores of Mummelsee glacial lake, a true gem, and enjoy a gourmet break savoring local cuisine. Return to Strasbourg for a farewell dinner with your AdventureWomen friends, reflecting on cherished memories and celebrating the conclusion of an amazing journey.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Outdoor market display with lanterns, decorative metal spheres, and wooden items on a fenced platform, set against a backdrop of trees and evening lights.

Depart from Strasbourg

Depart Strasbourg Airport (SXB) today after 11 AM. A group transfer to the airport will be provided timed for when the majority of guests are departing. The exact transfer time will be determined closer to departure. Private transfers at other times are available for purchase.

(If you leave by train, the hotel is about a 12-minute car ride from the Strasbourg train station. You can easily get a taxi to the train station from the hotel.)

Meals breakfast
Charming village scene with colorful half-timbered houses lining a narrow canal, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers under a partly cloudy sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Outdoor courtyard dining area with stone flooring, wrought-iron chairs, tables with tablecloths, and warm lighting. Tables are set with lanterns and flower pots along a rustic wooden balcony.

Hôtel Régent Contades

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Ill River in the historic heart of Strasbourg, the Hôtel Régent Contades is a refined 4-star boutique hotel that perfectly blends Belle Époque elegance with modern comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, the hotel offers a charming and luxurious stay just a short stroll from Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed Grande Île and the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral. The thoughtfully appointed guest rooms feature classic French déco and plush bedding. If you’re craving some quiet and relaxed time, the hotel also features a spa where you can spend some time getting pampered.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, hair dryer, minibar, safe, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

What People Are Saying

I hope to be one of those amazing women that I have met on past AW trips who have traveled extensively with the organization. It’s so fun to travel with just a small group of women. It’s also great to hear all about the other places they have gone and the other adventures they have had.

What People Are Saying

It’s difficult to capture the essence of an AW trip in words. You’re visiting amazing places and seeing amazing things and doing exciting things, but you somehow manage to also immerse yourself in the local culture and get an authentic experience. Add to that the almost instant comradery that forms within the group and you have the recipe for a one-in-a-lifetime incredible journey.

What People Are Saying

Traveling with a small group of like-minded women has been an absolute joy, as we share laughter, adventures, and unforgettable dining and cultural experiences together. It’s amazing to explore new places with women who appreciate the similar activities and interests, making every moment even more special.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Dec 5, 2026 Dec 11, 2026
Space Available
$8,995
Standard Double
$8,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single
$10,995 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive in Strasbourg, France (SXB) on Day 1 by 1:00 PM.

Departure: Depart from Strasbourg, France (SXB) on Day 7 after 11:00 AM.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Two glasses of wine, water and one warm beverage for lunch on days 2, 3, 4 and 6
  • All ground transportation, including one group transfer on arrival and departure
  • English-speaking tour leader throughout the trip
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking water to refill personal bottles

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and items of a personal nature
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Gratuities

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.