Five Things to Do in France and Belgium During Winter
Source: Unsplash
Hi there! Are you ready for Christmas celebrations, delicious foods and maybe some snow? I definitely am! Here is a list of some suggestions of things to do in France and in Belgium during winter.
Wander Around Your Host City
In December, European cities are decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and ornaments. Christmas is a tradition that is taken very seriously in Europe, and French and Belgian cities shine brightly at that time of the year. In addition, in large cities, there are often various winter installations around Christmas time such as ice-skating rinks and Christmas trees. The most impressive I’ve seen is definitely Strasbourg’s!
Still in December, make sure to walk through the main shopping streets to admire stores’ shopping windows. In Paris, have a look at the huge Christmas tree in the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store, as well as the shopping windows of the many luxury stores of the Champs-Elysée. In Brussels, make sure to walk around Avenue Louise and Toison d’Or, you won’t be disappointed! Also in Brussels, you’ll be able to see the Mannekin Pis, one of the city’s main landmarks, all dressed up for Christmas. Definitely a must-see around that time of the year!
Last but not least, French and Belgian cities don’t go back to sleep after Christmas. France and Belgium are lucky to enjoy mild winters, which makes it very pleasant to stroll around cities in January, February or March. It is the perfect time for you to enjoy some delicious local foods such as Belgian’s waterzooi, a chicken and vegetable stew.
Grand-Place, Brussels. Source: Unsplash
Visit a Christmas Market
Do you know what generally takes place in European cities in December? Christmas Markets of course! And lucky you, there are a lot of amazing Christmas markets in France and Belgium. I love them because of their warm and festive atmosphere, and of course because of the delicious winter food that is sold there.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market, in France, is one of the biggest and most impressive in the world. Strasbourg lives up to its nickname of « Capital of Christmas ». I would strongly advice to add it to your December bucket list if you can. It is the perfect place to enjoy a tartiflette, a delicious winter dish made from potatoes, ham and reblochon cheese, or aligot, a cheesy puree, and to try a glass of hot wine.
Belgian Christmas markets are just as beautiful as French ones. If you can, make sure to check Brussel’s Grand-Place Christmas market and its 18 meters high Christmas tree! Still in Brussels, Place Saint-Catherine and Marche aux Poissons’ Christmas Market are also worth seeing. Make sure to have a glass of gluhwein, Belgium’s hot wine, as well as some delicious Belgian waffles and hot chocolate, two of the country’s most delicious specialties.
Here is a list of my top 5 Christmas markets in France and Belgium, make sure to check it out ;)
Christmas Market. Source: Pexels
Explore France and Belgium
Lucky you, winters are quite mild in France and Belgium. In addition, at the exception of ski resorts, prices are generally lower during winter season and places of interest much less crowded. This makes winter a very good time for you to explore your host country.
Belgians have the joke that there is only one season in Belgium: autumn. It is not exactly true, but it represents Belgium’s climate quite well. In France, it’s generally sunnier in the south than in the north, whatever the season.
In Belgium, the city of Ghent is a must-see during winter. This medieval town has a very picturesque look and an enchanting atmosphere. In addition, you should definitely visit the city of Bruges. It is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its hot chocolate, which is certainly one of the most delicious in the world. Thank me later!
In France, I would recommend vising the Falaises d’Etretat in Normandy and the Porquerolles island in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. I believe that these places, which are usually very crowded in the summer, are much more enjoyable during winter.
Make sure to make some researches and look for nice places to visit during winter around your host city. And, of course, do not hesitate to ask me questions on the Living Abroad forum. I’d be happy to answer!
Ghent, Belgium. Source: Unsplash
Take a Trip to the Mountains
It is not possible to speak about winter activities without mentioning skiing!
Did you know that France has the largest ski resort in the world? It is called Les 3 Vallées, includes the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, and has more than 600km of slopes! Two other resorts in the French Alps worth mentioning are Megeve and Chamonix. In the Pyrenees, my favorite resorts are Peyragues, Les Angles and La Mongie. In cities located close from mountains chains, such as Grenoble or Toulouse, it is possible to Skirail tickets which include a train round-trip and a one-day pass to some ski resorts.
Did you know that Belgium also has ski slopes? The main « mountains » in Belgium are called Les Ardennes. They are not as high as the French mountains but they are just as beautiful. Their highest point is called Le Signal de Botrange and is home of a small ski resort. Two other small resorts worth mentioning are La Baraque de Fraiture and La Croix-Scaille, located between Belgium and France.
Whether you like skiing, hiking or any other winter sport, you won’t be disappointed by taking a weekend trip to the mountains, in France or in Belgium
Val Thorens, France. Source: Unsplash
Attend Winter Events and Celebrations
Finally, every year, numerous winter events are taking place everywhere around France and Belgium.
For those of you who like light shows, Belgium in winter is the place to be. Two great examples of light shows are Winter Wonders Sound and Light Show in Brussels and Winter Glow in Bruges, where beautiful light installations are set up across the cities.
A very famous event taking place even winter in France is Nice’s Carnival, which is the biggest in France and one of the most famous in the world. From February 10th to February 26th 2023, more than a million attendants are expected to join the 2-weeks event and watch the parade and its famous Bataille de Fleurs.
In addition, many summer music festivals such as Garorock (France) and Tomorrowland (Belgium) also have a winter edition. This year Garosnow, Garorock’s winter edition, takes place in Les Angles and Luchon-Superbagnères, in the French Pyrenees and Tomorrowland Winter takes place in L’Alpe-d’Huez, in the French Alps. What a great excuse to go to the mountains!
Last but not least, traditions. During your stay in France or in Belgium, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in traditional celebrations such as L’Epiphanie (January) or La Chandeleur (February). During L’Epiphanie, French and Belgians, enjoy a Galette des Rois (King’s Cake). Inside the cake there is a little figurine called « fève » and the person who gets it is crowned « King ». Funny, right? During La Chandeleur French and Belgian people get together to make and enjoy delicious crêpes. What a nice tradition!
Crêpes. Source: Pexels
Grab your coat and your beanie and let’s go!
Please let me know in the Living Abroad forum what is your favorite activity to do during winter. I am sure you’ll have great suggestions that will inspire other members of the forum!
