Christmas markets to visit on the starry canvas

Mulled wine and the smell of cinnamon, small chalets and big trees... The traditional Christmas markets have been cancelled, so it's on the web that you should go to get your stars in your eyes. To facilitate online ordering, craftsmen and designers from our regions have unpacked their sacks and put together a virtual display of beautiful, gourmet, sustainable, original and made in France gifts to put under the tree. All you have to do is click, close your eyes and, we're sure, the magic of Christmas will happen...

Connected, but traditional, in Alsace

It is in Alsace that Christmas traditions are celebrated with the most fervour from 25 November and the first Sunday of Advent. In Strasbourg, the Christkindelsmärik, Europe's oldest Christmas market dating back to 1570, is not on the agenda this year, nor are the Christmas markets in the beautiful surrounding villages. But that's no problem... To stock up on "bredele", gingerbread, "christstolles" and other delicacies, almost all of them have come up with the idea of receiving their visitors online. So, welcome to the digital versions of the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, Obernai, Bouxwiller or Munster, with their small houses and well-stocked stands. The one in Kaysersberg, one of France's favourite villages, has been reinvented as Noël Authen'clic with 18 craftsmen and over 700 gift ideas. You click... and it's almost as if you were strolling between the little chalets, on the cobblestones of the Arsenal courtyard, the church square or the Town Hall.

OFF Strasbourg Market (External link)
Kaysersberg Christmas Market (External link)
Made in Alsace (French website) (External link)

Ethical and solidary in Nantes

We agree to celebrate Christmas against all odds, but on condition that we support local employment, short circuits, artisanal creations, artistic recycling, ethical and solidarity-based initiatives.... And if we find an original gift, we'll have ticked all the boxes! In Nantes, L'Autre Marché, an initiative of the Ecossolies cooperation and social innovation centre, has always been a committed Christmas market. This year, it is online that craftsmen, creators, producers and entrepreneurs from the region are bringing their common values to life. In its digital version, the Other Market loses none of its extra soul or its friendly diversity. Cosmetics, decoration, groceries, leisure and culture, zero waste, fashion and cooking... You'll find finds that combine consumption and commitment. Plus the possibility of opting for bicycle delivery, by the Coursiers Nantais cooperative. We vote for !

Les écossolies - L'Autre Marché (French website) (External link)

In the company of designers with Lyon Can Do It

In the final stretch before Christmas and desperate to find that little original gift that will make a splash? Wrap yourself in a cosy blanket and come and surf online. At the Lyon Can Do It Christmas market, you'll be in good company, even virtual. Their names are All In Sweet, Dimmelo, Fabulabox, La Maison Lucette, Magel, or Teresa Lou Atelier... And they are all designers from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. On the website, in the WhatsApp catalogue and in the Christmas Instagram shop, they offer you to pick from their selection of beautiful ideas. Leather goods, small stationery, illustrations, accessories, decoration, clothes, jewellery, delicacies... Everything is handmade, local and with passion. Do you want more? Then dive into the well-stocked bag of French designers on the brand new Merry Click Mas website.

Lyon Can Do It (French website) (External link)

Sustainable and zero waste in Roubaix, Hauts-de-France

Handcrafted products, local creations, recycled objects, responsible gifts and made in France, only. Since its creation in 2016, the Sustainable and Zero Waste Christmas Market in Roubaix, in the Hauts-de-France, has kept its promise. In the chalets set up in front of the beautiful Piscine museum, people are preparing for the festive season while taking care of the planet. Even though it has been dematerialised, the 2020 edition, with around fifty exhibitors, is keeping up the good habits. At the Atelier Iceberg, Noémie's organic and vegan soaps, handcrafted in Roubaix, take care of the details: fair trade coconut oil and organic cotton bags woven in the Vosges. The Lille-based designers Coco Pistache are giving an eco-friendly twist to their collection of colourful and durable table linen and beewraps. And at Monsieur Lucette, you can find socks made in Hauts-de-France from recycled materials and sold individually. Because it's much more fun to see life in a different way.

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