I always love visiting towns during the Christmas season, and even in the South of France they are all dolled up. Every year, I try to go and see three of my favourites: Montpellier, Béziers and Narbonne. I hope this article will inspire you to go yourself if you’re around. If not, it might help to virtually bring some Christmas sparkles to you from the South of France.
Montpellier
In Montpellier, the city is covered in a winter glow from November 28 to December 31. A giant Christmas tree decorates the Place de la Comédie, and many little ones decorate the maze-like little streets of the historic centre. This year, most festivities are located on the Promenade Royale du Peyrou, like the merry Christmas market. Numerous local artists and crafters sell their unique goods at about 100 stands. Even the Château d’Eau is set in the spotlights with cheerful illuminations. This is also the place where children can post their letter to Santa Claus in a special postbox. Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 14h30 to 16h30, the kids can meet Santa Claus, and you can read the full program here.
Office de Tourisme, 30 Allée Jean de Lattre de Tassigny
Béziers
Every year, it is a big surprise how Béziers dresses up for Christmas. The city takes great care in transforming the historical city centre into a Winter Wonderland. You can visit the decorations and illuminations from November 22 till January 5. They are mainly scattered around the Place Jean Jaurès, including a giant Christmas tree at the feet of Paul Riquet’s statue. While admiring the beautiful twinkling lights, you can warm yourself at one of the food stands along Les Allées Paul Riquet or find the perfect gift to put under your tree. Of course, music and parades will cheer up the city centre. And you might even sing along to Christmas carols with a traditional banda! On top of that, the musical fountains at the Place Jean Jaurès will change colours and tunes to fit the seasonal fun, a funfair lands at the Place du 14 Juillet, and more. Here you can read the complete program.
Office de Tourisme, Place du Forum
Narbonne
From November 29 to January 4, charming Narbonne turns into a magical Christmas destination during ‘Les Féeries de Noël’. This includes a joyfully decorated Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and the beautifully shimmering Passage de l’Ancre that leads to the cathedral. Get yourself a cup of mulled wine or hot cocoa at the lively Christmas market on the Cours de la République while the kids have a ride at the small ice rink. Across the water at the Cours Mirabeau, a funfair adds to the joy. This year, a large dear illuminates the place in front of the Palais des Archevêques. And when night falls, all the lights shimmer and shine even more. Narbonne has also organised other events, which you can read about here. And ‘Père Noël’ is present daily (apart from Mondays) at the Cour de la Madeleine, you can check online when he’s there.
Office de Tourisme, 31 rue Jean Jaurès
