Montbéliard holds its annual Christmas Festival of Lights with a Christmas market (one of the best in the area), craft fair and many other seasonal festivities. The town is ablaze with lights and decorations during this festive time of the year and attractions include pastry-making workshops for children, chocolate and warm wine tasting and sleigh rides.

About the Market

Montbéliard’s traditional Christmas market is held outside the 17th century Saint Martin Church between 26 November and 24 December. It was a German principality for 4 centuries and has maintained its German heritage of celebrating this festive time of year.

Montbéliard holds an annual Christmas Festival of Lights. Therefore every nightfall the town is held spell bound as it is spectacularly illuminated with thousands of lights. The Montbéliard  Christmas market is a feast of colours, flavours, sights and sounds. You can help yourself to a steaming mug of spicy mulled wine and a piece of gingerbread and admire the lights.

To assist Santa Claus in handing out his gifts to the Children is the fairy Aunt Airie. Also there will be workshops held by the Little Elves where children can learn how to make Advent crowns, lanterns and Christmas biscuits. There is also chocolate tastings, sleigh rides, warm wine tastings and much, much more. A truly festive, magical, Christmas!

Christmas Market Pictures - photographers: Claude Nardin and S. Carnovanni

More About Montbéliard

Montbéliard is in the Department of Doubs in the Region of Franche-Comté, 16km south of Belfort. In the festive month of December, not only is the wonderful Christmas Market held, but every two years there is an exhibition of crazy mechanical vehicles/moveable sculptures. Then on New Year's Eve the creators and their machines fill the streets in a grand procession.

The town of Montbéliard was only made part of France in 1793, previous to this it was part of Germany. Therefore there is a strong Germanic influence, especially found in the architecture of the old town. For instance, constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, the imposing Château des Ducs de Wurtemburg stands. Since is restoration it holds various exhibitions and displays a collection of work by Georges Cuvier. Georges Cuvier was born in Montbéliard and was a famous zoologist whose work paved the way for Darwin.

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Accommodation in Montbéliard

Accommodation in central Montbéliard gets booked fast during the Christmas market period, so search for a hotel in Montbéliard now. Alternatively you may want to try charming rural self catering accommodation near Montbéliard, as during the winter months many holiday property owners allow short stays.

Transport quick facts about the markets:

Free Parking: Champs de Foire, Palo Palo
Pay Parking: Velotte, Place de la Lisèrie, Rue des Halles
Coach Parking: Rue des Tours
Nearest Bus Route: all routes come to the town centre
Nearest Railway Station: SNCF station in Montbéliard (city centre)
Nearest Tram Stop:  no
Nearest Tube Station: no
Nearest Airport: Basel-Mulhouse
Nearest Ferry Port: Calais - 720 km, 6 hours 30 minutes by car to Montbéliard; Le Havre - 675 km, 6 hours 10 minutes by car; Dieppe - 671 km,  6 hours 30 minutes (see our route planner for driving directions).

Getting to Montbéliard

Suggested Travel Routes

Choosing to travel by train to France is a simple option. It’s fast and cost effective and also allows you to enjoy the beautiful French countryside. With a great rail network in place, it has never been easier to get to France by train. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets

As a foot passenger from the UK to Montbéliard:

By Train: you can take Eurostar direct from St Pancras International in London to Paris Nord, then go to Paris East and take the TGV to Nancy, then change to SNCF station for Montbéliard the whole journey will take approx 5 hours. Trains run regularly departing London from 6.30 am and the last return journey 18.15 pm from Nancy, Monday to Sunday. Connections can also be picked up from Ashford or Ebbsfleet. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets

By Plane: as an example, you can fly directly from London (Stanstead) to Basel-Mulhouse which will take you 2hrs 30mins. From Basel-Mulhouse to Montbéliard you will need to take a taxi, bus or train - 87km/50mins by road. Book cheap flights to France.

Taking your car from the UK to Montbéliard:

By Train: take your car on Eurotunnel from Ashford near Folkstone, Kent direct to Calais in France. Journey time is about 35 minutes and the cost varies but is around £55 day trip return for a car and 5 passengers. Calais - 720km, 6 hour 30 minutes by car to Montbéliard.

By Boat: It is usually cheaper to take a car over to France by boat, because the journey takes longer. Operators such as Seafrance and P&O offer regular ferry trips across the channel, with prices ranging from around £30 for a return day trip. Book a ferry to France

The drive from Calais to Montbéliard is 720km, 6 hour 30 minutes.

The drive from Le Havre to Montbéliard is 675 km, 6 hours 10 minutes by car.

The drive from Dieppe to Montbéliard 671 km,  6 hours 30 minutes by car.