As you head out in Christmas coats, take a lead from the French and tuck into a nice Vin cuit while you meander through the stalls at your local market. This is a bit like mulled wine and is a great winter warmer but don't have too many or you might give yourself a headache! Save delicate ears from getting wind chapped on those bitter winter days with scarves, wraps and stoles to keep the cold at bay. Tuck in to some delicious flame roasted chestnuts and listen to the sound of accordion music as you get in the festive mood, ready for this big day on your family calendar.
There's not the same frantic rush for Christmas gifts like there is in the UK and if you have time, try to leisurely look around the local stalls and learn a bit more about where your local foods come from. Row upon row of old fashioned ideas like bright juicy oranges pierced with cloves and sweet smelling chutneys for the cheese course on boxing day. While you buy gifts for loved ones you'll also see plenty of regional foods to invite to the dinner table like foie gras and duck breast or even local drinks like pineau or walnut liqueur. These all make for an authentic French Christmas Day and one visiting family will thank you for.
As you wander from stall to stall, you'll find great stocking fillers with pretty lace or embroidered lavender bags and coat hangers or even handcrafted Christmas toys for the children. Once you pick up your Sapin or Christmas tree you can scout around looking for unusual Christmas accessories for decoration. We don't usually get too much rain but make sure you have some snug winter boots on for warmth as you might even end up staying until the evening. After the first of many markets in the run up to Christmas Day, take home your wares, pop up the tree and enjoy wrapping your gifts with a glass of the local tipple in hand.