Europe’s Christmas markets elicit thoughts of Germany or Austria, hot mugs of gluhwein and sausages sizzling on grills in tiny wooden houses. But it’s not just Germany and Austria that have Christmas markets worthy of a trip to Europe. France puts on her festive holiday best too, and though Strasbourg is home to France’s most famous Christmas market, it’s the Annecy Christmas Market that we love attending.
The alpine town in the Haute-Savoie, a department of France’s Rhone Alps region, couldn’t be more picturesque. Medieval Annecy was built on a series of canals branching off of Lake Annecy and each Christmas, traditional wooden chalets line the canal between the Church of Saint François de Sales and the Palais de l’Île.
With the scent of pine and vin chaud (mulled wine) in the air, the feel of the crisp mountain air on your cheeks and the sight of the snow-capped Alps hugging Lake Annecy, there’s hardly a more festive and storybook-like setting. It’s impossible not to immediately be in holiday spirits as you eat and shop your way through the wooden chalets.
Many of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets, where the demand from the millions of visitors that descend for the short four weeks that these holiday villages pop up, now have mass produced products for sale from the wooden chalets. The Annecy Christmas Market, though, remains a place for local producers from the Haute-Savoie to sell their handicrafts and products. You’ll find a little bit of everything like leather gloves, wool hats, hand-knitted sweaters, hand-crafted blankets and more. Don’t expect much in the way of Christmas trinkets like nutcrackers, nativity scenes and Christmas pyramids, though.
There is an overwhelming amount of food at French Christmas markets and Annecy definitely doesn’t disappoint in that department. The famous French joie de vivre often involves eating, and that’s one of our favorite parts of Christmas markets too.
I think the Haute-Savoie is one of the best regions in France when it comes to cheese and saucisson (cured sausages). This is the region that borders Switzerland and they’ve put their own spin on the famous Swiss fondue, which is called raclette. Like fondue, the cheese is melted and served with potatoes and cured meats. Unlike fondue, you can get raclette in individual portions at the Annecy Christmas Market. It’s a must try!
And forget those pretzels you get in the US at sporting events that are served with a little plastic cup of gooey melted orange cheese. Go for a reblochon pretzel! It will be the pretzel that changes your life. No, really. I’ve not had as good a pretzel ever since.
We can never resist coming home with loose leaf teas, salami, cheese and chocolate. Well, the chocolate usually doesn’t survive the night. But the other things can be wonderful treats for yourself for later and do make unique gifts for the foodie in your life. And yes, Americans can carry home cheese, saucisson, chocolate and teas – just be sure to pack them in your carry-on.
Of course, you can’t leave the Annecy Christmas Market without trying a mug (or two…or three) of vin chaud. This is the French version of gluhwein, or mulled wine, and in France it actually comes in both red (traditional) and white. We usually prefer the red, but white is always nice in the Haute-Savoie too. Or just try one of each!
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Lolo says
How adorable!! I’ve always wanted to go to Annency but never thought about them also having a Christmas Market!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It’s really charming in winter! And if you ski, Lake Annecy Ski Resorts are fantastic. Chamonix also isn’t too far away.
Tamara says
I did this last year around this time, such great memories! Annecy is one of my favourite places on the planet 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
How fun! We were also in Annecy for Christmas last year. It’s such a cute town and awesome skiing nearby.
Fiona says
I LOVE Annecy, but I’ve only ever been there in the Summer. I should have guessed the Christmas offering would be good!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
So far, we’ve only been there in winter. But we just heard about the amazing festival and fireworks show in August and we’re hoping to attend next year.
Anne says
This is a bit spooky. Only today I was thinking I’d love to go to Annecy at this time of year. It’s stunning in the summer so I can only imagine!
Laura says
We have just moved to London, and one of the things I’m most excited about is having great Christmas markets during the holidays, and gluhwein! This town looks really charming and the market makes it even more so.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Annecy is very charming! It’s actually quite easy to reach from London via a flight to Geneva. And if you’re a skier, there is the nearby Lake Annecy Ski Resorts, which are fantastic for a winter holiday.
Carrie says
Mannnnn… what I wouldn’t give to be able to eat and drink my way through this market! 😉
Rosemary says
Great write up. I enjoyed hiking in Annecy a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the town and the food. I can only imagine how it all comes together for Christmas. What a fun Christmas market….and totally with you, easy to have several glasses of vin chaud!!! Enjoy the wonderful Christmas season in France.
Mar Pages says
I need one of those metal characters to dress up my wine bottles. They’re adorable. I’ve seen them around but never knew where to get them. That vin chaud must have been amazing in the wintery weather.
Liz says
What a beautiful time of year to visit! Would love to go one day!
Francesca says
I agree, France’s Rhone Alps region is so picturesque! I adore France. I went to 3 Christmas markets there and would love to visit the one in Annecy one day! Those saucisson look really interesting!
Natalie says
What a great list for anyone who goes to the Christmas market in Annecy! I lived in Germany for a couple of years, so it’s cool to see a famous French Christmas market and what they eat there. I’m sure it’s absolutely beautiful with all of those mountains surrounding the city!
Indrani says
This makes me feel Christmas is the best time to visit any place! I have been in Athens during Christmas and it has been an unforgettable experience. Enjoy yours in France!
Trisha Velarmino says
Annecy is lovelier during Christmas. It has an awesome Christmas market. Reading your article, I can feel how Annecy can make me feel great to put me in the holiday spirit. Also, cool place for Christmas shopping. Happy Holidays!
Claire says
First of all thanks a lot for sharing this delicious information. Actually, I’m planning to go on a ski holiday next year with my family and I must say this is really great as well as helpful info for me. Thanks for sharing.