Made plans for the festive season yet? Christmas in France is magical, more traditional and less commercialised than in Britain. Our region of the month, Northern France, includes Paris which is transformed at this time of year, with lights twinkling along the Seine, streets lined with decorated fir trees and Christmas Markets springing up around the city.

I love the idea of renting one of our cosy apartments in Paris for Christmas, shopping for presents in the chic department stores like Printemps for fashion and Galeries Lafayette for exotic foods and wonderful wines. Even outside the very centre, in trendy arrondissements, there are enticing local cafes and oh-so-French restaurants.

I could wander the avenues, feasting my eyes on creative festive lights and tasteful shop windows, then maybe drop into a gallery or museum for some uplifting art and take time out in Notre Dame. Oh, and I’d have to go skating, take a trip on a bateau mouche and browse the Christmas markets for decorations that would grace my temporary Paris home and come out every year afterwards.

For a big family or group Christmas, Northern France is an excellent destination and we have many country houses very close to lovely small towns where the Christmas spirit reigns with a very French, almost understated appeal. Some have fantastic special offers for the Christmas period.

Browse our guides to Northern France and Paris and grab a festive season Special Offer.