Where to go for Christmas? 5 inspiring destinations

1. Megève, the alpine jewel of the festive season

Megève, the chic resort of Haute-Savoie, displays all its charm at Christmas. Under the snow, the medieval streets are lit up with tinsel and converge on the village's large fir tree, decorated as a luminous landmark in the heart of winter. Now a ritual in its own right, the fir tree is huge, perfectly decorated and illuminated every year with a real sense of staging. The enchanting atmosphere appeals to children and adults alike. Between skiing, snowshoeing, reindeer sleigh rides and visits to the Christmas village, there's no room for boredom in Megève.

Where to stay? Les Fermes de Marie, Megève's kid-friendly hotel

Les Fermes de Marie, built from genuine alpine chalets, is the perfect embodiment of the mountain soul. Just an eight-minute walk from the village center, this Megève hotel features nine elegantly interconnected chalets, combining weathered wood, exposed beams and open fireplaces. During the festive season, the magic of Christmas extends to the decor: fir garlands, candles, subdued lighting and the scent of spruce create a gentle atmosphere, perfect for recharging your batteries after a day on the slopes.

For relaxation, head to the mountain spa La Ferme de Beauté, a cocoon of well-being with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and treatments inspired by mountain plants. At dinnertime, it's time for gourmet pleasures: six restaurants in Megève offer Savoyard flavours in fondues, raclettes, tartiflettes and more refined creations.
What's more, this is the ideal address for families: the Hameau des Enfants welcomes the little ones into a playful world, with creative workshops, games and entertainment for unforgettable mountain celebrations.

Les Fermes de Marie
70 rooms, from 1,330 euros per night, breakfast included
163 chemin des Épis, 74120 Megève
Website

2. Venice's enchanted winter

December is undoubtedly one of the best times to escape to Venice. Temperatures remain mild, alleyways are quieter, and the City of the Doges is enveloped in a fairytale atmosphere under the Christmas lights. The squares light up, the canals are reflected in the glittering garlands, and the air fills with the scent of roasting chestnuts. The city is home to several Christmas markets, including Campo Santo Stefano, where you can find Venetian crafts, Murano glass decorations and local specialties. Between two vaporetto rides, you can skate in the Campo San Polo square, enjoy a mulled wine in a trattoria, or attend a Christmas concert in one of the Baroque churches.

Where to stay? Nolinski Venezia

Just a few canals from Piazza San Marco and the La Fenice theater, the Nolinski Venezia stands out with its colorful façade and majestic entrance, a true tribute to Italian elegance. Designed by architects Lecoadic & Scotto, this five-star hotel in Venice is a perfect blend of heritage and modernity: marble colonnades, terrazzo floors, listed Murano glass sconces and original woodwork interact with contemporary furnishings and a selection of ancient and modern works of art.

The five-storey hotel-spa in Venice boasts 43 rooms including 13 suites, with remarkable ceiling heights and refined lines that combine comfort and elegance. For a wellness break, head for the myBlend spa, where the treatment suite and gold pool offer a unique experience, with panoramic views over the rooftops of Venice.

Nolinski Venezia
43 keys, from 786 euros
Calle Larga XXII Marzo, Venice

3. Where to go in December: Marrakech, sunshine just a flight away

Just a 3h30 flight from Paris, the Red City is undoubtedly the best escape for a sunny break in the heart of winter. Days are mild in December, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 22 degrees, ideal for strolling through the medina without the summer crowds and admiring the palaces and riads decorated with garlands and lanterns. Marrakech's Christmas markets and souks offer a colorful spectacle: copper crafts, pottery, jewelry, textiles and spices fill the air. Visitors can vary their pleasures from strolls in the Majorelle and Menara gardens to camel rides in the palm grove.

Where to stay? La Villa des Orangers

At the foot of the Koutoubia, between the Royal Palace and Place Jemaâ El Fna, La Villa des Orangers stands out in an elegant 1930s building, transformed into a charming relay under the aegis of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux label. This 5-star hotel in Marrakech combines tradition and modernity with refinement: its interiors are adorned with precious carpets and objects carefully sourced from across Africa, while the garden, adorned with orange trees and a vast swimming pool, provides a serene setting for the 33 rooms, suites and villas in warm Moroccan hues.

The Spa des Mille et Une Nuits, faithful to Moroccan bathing rituals, offers hammams, scrubs and body treatments provided by a Kessala, for a unique sensory experience. As for the gourmet restaurant, nestled by the pool, it invites you on a culinary voyage between East and West.

La Villa des Orangers
33 rooms and suites. Prices from 514 euros
6 rue Sidi Mimoun, Medina, Marrakech

4. Deauville, a chic Christmas on the Côte Fleurie

For a warm, chic Christmas, head for Deauville, the pearl of the Côte Fleurie in Normandy. With its sandy beaches, famous illuminated boards and elegant villas with colorful facades, the town is transformed into a winter picture postcard. During the festive season, the famous Deauville racecourse is decked out in a thousand lights and offers a host of activities for young and old alike: ski simulator, make-up workshops, seasonal delicacies, huge glittering Christmas tree and, of course, the long-awaited meeting with Santa Claus. The streets also come alive with Christmas markets and ephemeral boutiques featuring local crafts and original gift ideas.

Where to stay? Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy

In the heart of Deauville, a stone's throw from the beach, the casino and the Deauville-La Touques racecourse, the hotel Barrière Le Normandy impresses with its magnificent half-timbered Anglo-Norman façade. The hotel in Deauville goes all out for Christmas: golden garlands, sparkling chandeliers, illuminated fir trees, pine and chocolate scents, mailboxes for Santa Claus, and a dedicated team ready to grant the wishes of young and old alike.

On the gourmet side, the Barrière x L'Éclair de Génie Advent calendar offers 24 delights to savour every morning. The Belle Epoque restaurant in Deauville offers festive dinners orchestrated by renowned chefs, accompanied by brunches and tea times to prolong the enchantment. Between the open fires, the Kid's Club, the spa and the indoor pools, Le Normandy lives up to its reputation by creating stays where luxury goes hand in hand with true conviviality.

Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy
271 keys, from 470 euros
38 rue Jean Mermoz, 14800 Deauville

5. Madrid, Spanish Christmas

The capital is decked out in a thousand lights, illuminating the Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol and emblematic squares, while Christmas markets abound with handcrafted decorations, typical sweets and surprises for young and old. Ephemeral ice rinks, street shows and Christmas concerts create a warm atmosphere, while department store windows vie with each other in imagination to fill passers-by with wonder.

Where to sleep? Brach Madrid

This Madrid establishment plunges travelers into a unique universe where French elegance blends with the warmth of Spanish culture. Its 57 rooms and suites, as well as the living spaces, evoke a soft nostalgia thanks to a refined vintage decor: warm woodwork, patinated leather, pottery and basketry create an atmosphere that is both chic and welcoming. For a wellness interlude, Brach Madrid's spa, La Capsule, offers treatments by myBlend and Clarins. As for the restaurant, designed by chef Adam Bentalha, it invites you on a gustatory journey to the heart of the Mediterranean, with sun-drenched products and spices carefully selected from producers.

Brach Madrid
57 keys, from 507 euros
C/ Gran Via, Madrid
brachmadrid.com