Saturday, December 12, 2009

Christmas Markets - 4

Still on my list of Christmas markets to explore are those in the French region of Alsace, about 5 hours away from Brussels. Some of the big ones are in Colmar and Strasbourg. But the smaller ones in Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauville are also listed as worthy of a trip. Click on this link for a map of the recommended ones.

Some other links:

Article in the Times Online, “For Christmas markets with French flair, try Alsace”.

Christmas time in Alsace

Strasbourg

France Mar article on the Alsace markets

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Christmas Markets - 3

IMG_4419

For a trip to a German Christmas market you have a choice between Aachen or Monschau in the Eifel hills. With half timbered houses, cobblestone streets, brass bands I personally think Monschau, although smaller, is the place to go.

IMG_4417

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Christmas Markets - 2

Now if you are already tired of the usual Christmas market, try this Dutch market in Valkenburg near Maastricht for a change. It is an underground Christmas market in a cave system that the Romans mined out. The caves are beautifully lit, this year’s theme is Dicken’s  A Christmas Carol. Arrive early this market obviously gets busy. Two section of the quarries now have a market, the Gemeentegrot and the Fluweelengrot.

IMG_4394