Europe

11 French Cities With Lighten Up Facades Not to Miss This Christmas, According to Explore France

Many cities in France are especially beautiful during the night time but now that Christmas is approaching, there are some specific cities that no one who loves this holiday shouldn’t miss.

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While some regions celebrate Christmas in a traditional way, some others have added artistic and scripted lighting and 3D facades of some of the most beautiful monuments, making the Christmas shows simply stunning, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

Here are the best cities to visit this Christmas in France if you enjoy architecture, art and beauty.

1. Lyon

The city is Paris’ dispute for the title of city of light. Lyon has had an inviting tradition since December 8, 1852, when the residents would light up their windows with a candle – with this practice later starting the Festival of Lights.

This event brings together for four days some of the most talented lighting designers, videographers, and graphic and visual artists, making the city a place of wonder with surprising and luminous installations.

2. Angers

No one knows how the city will look until Santa Claus arrives in the garden of the Mail, where he will get the mayor’s keys to the city, marking the beginning of the Christmas celebration. The locals as well as tourists can’t wait to see the colourful projections on the facade of many buildings such as the Saint-Maurice Cathedral.

3. Rennes

This year, Rennes is offering a new Christmas show projected on the facade of the Hotel de City, with a jukebox provided to spectators to sing the Christmas carols.

Other illuminations in this destination include those in the streets and squares of the city, including the Place du Parlement de Bretagne. See you on December 16!

4. Lake Annecy

This destination is situated near the Alps, where the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard is transformed into Santa Claus’s caste where the youngsters and seniors gather to celebrate the magic of Christmas. The castle will be lightened up with illumination on its facade, set as video mapping.

Many Christmas activities are held in this place during the end-of-the-year holidays, including workshops, ice rinks, guided tours, performances and a craft Christmas market.

5. Nancy

Place Stanislas in Nancy is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, also been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for almost 40 years now. The spot is open from November 18 until January 3 and in between, it hosts monumental facades such as the Legend of Saint Nicholas and the patron saint of Lorrain, making the eyes of the attendees spark with joy.

6. Toulouse

Its Christmas markets have 100 chalets and all of them point out towards the pink city and at Place du Capitole. After that, we recommend you head to Place Wilson to enjoy some time at the sparkling Goudouli fountain and many illuminated Christmas trees in Allees Jean Jaures.

7. Epernay

The capital champagne every year presents its “Habits de Lumiere”, starting from December 9, with sound and light being presented in the facade of the Town Hall. The champagne houses shops are transformed into fun bars during this time of the year but we highly recommend you consume bubbles in moderation.

8. Amiens

Notre-Dame d’Amiens cathedral, which is known for being a masterpiece of Gothic art, will be worn in beautiful colours during the Christmas time and end-of-the-year holidays.

Throughout all of December, a 50-minute sound and light are covered o illuminate the facade of the building while some other visitors might even enjoy the Christmas market, which has no less than 120 artisanal chalets.

9. Biarritz

Starting on December 17, the main monuments in Basque County will lighten up, in which many shows will be projected to be enjoyed by spectators.

Many of these monuments and buildings include the Rocher de la Vierge, the Casino via the Port-Vieux as well as the Town Hall.

10. Bordeaux

In this city, you won’t only find Christmas in the city centre but in many other spots, including parks such as Bordeaux Park. The city’s park with 28 hectares will be hosting the lantern festival this winter, where more than 500 sculptures illuminated with LED lighting are exhibited. This is a one-hour nocturnal walk to escape and explore interesting facts about humankind and its links to nature.

11. Montpellier

From the Fabre Museum to the Arc de Triomphe, passing by the Opéra Comédien, the Prefecture, Saint-Pierre cathedral or the Peyrou promenade, many monuments and places you should not in Montpellier will have art shows to check out for a weekend. In addition, the Coeur de Ville in lights will mark the start of the Christmas illuminations and 15 artistic sound and light projections will be shown.

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