Christmas is a very special time of year for Francophones around the world. Les marchés de Noël date back to the

Marche Colmar (Alsace)

fourteenth century in Germany, also in what is now known as the German-speaking region of France. The market was first called Le Marché de la Saint Nicolas. As far back as 1434, documentation regarding the Christmas market has been found from King Friedrich II de Saxe. One of the very first of its kind was a “Striezelmarkt” which was named after a dried fruit cake that was sold during this era. Later, during the sixteenth century, a reformation of these markets brought about a change in the market name to “Christkindlmarkt”, or “The Infant Jesus Market”, bringing even more religious reverence to the market’s meaning. These aptly named markets developed in eastern France, particularly in Strasbourg (in Alsace) in 1570.

Given the profound history of these markets, they have become well-known as places to find artisanal treasures, fine food, and festive celebrations. Christmas markets abound throughout France, found in most cities large and small, often on a main street of town or on a central city square. These markets are typically organized by a commune, and they may open as early as the middle of November, running all the way through the beginning of January. In a typical market, visitors may find vendors, Father Christmas, activities for the children and often an evening light show, an illumination of the town or city that takes place around nightfall.

Vin chaud

A typical staple of any good marché is a vin chaud, that hot mulled wine concoction flavored with a bit of orange, cinnamon, star anise and occasionally a bit of ginger. Served in tents or market stands, in shops and restaurants and even street corners throughout France, it is as much a part of the holidays as Père Noël. One can also find those delicious honey-and-spice cakes known by their Alsacian name of lebkuchen, often dipped in chocolate or powdered sugar, another tradition from the northeastern part of France.

Christmas markets are steeped in rich, historical traditions and unusual gift items, giving the visitor a perfect reason to make a December trip to France.

With a week left to go before Christmas, for those of you who are still scratching your heads for ideas for gifts, here are a few suggestions to give a French touch to your Noël.

1. French music: how about the First Lady’s new album? Carla Bruni’s “Comme si de rien n’était” is soft and easy listening, or for a different style, try pop singer ZAZ, (album of the same name) whose sassy original sound has taken France by storm. Both available on Amazon.
2. The best French umbrella made in Cherbourg: Available in different colors and styles, designed to totally protect from wind and rain, made in the Normandy seacoast town that starred in the 1964 film Les Parapluies de Cherboug. www.parapluiedecherbourg.com.
3. Escape to France vicariously every month with the stunning France Calendar 2012. 14 glossy photos of different towns and cities across the country. Days and months in both languages; French school and public holidays noted; forward planner for 2013. www.gbmags.com/calendar.
4. A subscription to France Magazine (www.francemag.com) or France Today (www.francetoday.com) to keep up with French life and style every month; available in both online and in print format.
5. Signature French cocktails: try a French martini made with the incomparable black raspberry liqueur crafted at the Château de la Sistière in the Loire Valley. Mix 15 ml of Chambord, 50 ml vodka, 60 ml fresh pineapple juice. C’est merveilleux! www.chambordonline.com
6. Or try Armagnac, the oldest brandy distilled in France. Originating in the 15^th century, this unique eau de vie is produced through a single distillation of white wine and then left to age in oak barrels. www.armagnac.fr. Mix a Christmas cocktail: 50 ml Blanche d’Armagnac, 1 kiwi, liquidized; 1 TBL spoon honey; 2 spring mint (including stems). Pour over crushed ice, garnished with slice of kiwi. Mmm, c’est si bon!
7. You can’t go wrong with a film starring one of France’s most popular actresses, Audrey Tatou: Venus Beauty Institute (1999); Amélie (2001); Dirty Pretty Things (2002); Priceless (2006); Coco Before Chanel (2009; Beautiful Lies (2011). www.amazon.com.
8. Gift a week’s vacation in the south of France! Reserve time at a private furnished townhouse with sweeping views of the Gorges du Loup near the French Riviera or an apartment in the quintessential Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence. www.greatfrenchrentals.com
9. Alphabet chocolates from St-Rémy-de-Provence. Specialty chocolatier Joël Durand sends you the flavors of Provence—almond, lemon, orange, thyme, rosemary, chestnuts, honey, violets, even olvies—crafted into each letter of the alphabet and six punctuation marks. www.chocolat-durand.com.
10. Any of the delightful gifts available from the boutique of the newly renovated Orsay Museum. www.boutiquesdemusees.fr

Group tours to Paris inevitably include a must-see visit to the Eiffel Tower, synonymous with the city of Paris. It is the most visited landmark in the world with nearly 7,000,000 people from every corner of the globe each year. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, who won the bid out of 107 bidders, and built in 1889 for the Universal Exposition to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, the iron-clad structure attests to its roots in infrastructure technology during the 19th century. It stands a whopping 324 meters high (1063 feet), with three levels, at a total weight of 22,000,000 pounds (10,100 tons).

A 360 degree, panoramic view of Paris is seen from the Eiffel Tower. The tower is illuminated in the evenings, and it sparkles with breathtaking vibrancy for 10 minutes every hour on the hour until 1:00 am each evening.

Each of the three levels offers a slightly different perspective overlooking Paris, each with a different admission price. The first level is 190 feet above the ground, the second- 380 feet, and the third- 900 feet. The first level is open and currently undergoing renovation, while boasting boutiques, restaurants, and even a cinema showcasing the history of the Eiffel tower. For visitors with children aged 6-10, a kid-friendly host named Gus helps these little tourists to learn about the Tower’s history. The second level offers 3 souvenir shops, and places to eat, including the well-known, modern and chic, “Jules Verne” restaurant. Reservations highly recommended. The third level shows a wax-figure reconstruction of Eiffel’s office. At the summit there is also a champagne bar, and interesting facts about La Tour Eiffel, such as how much paint is used every seven years to repaint the tower (60 tons).

The best views from the tower can be seen after dark, when the City of Lights shows its finery. Views of the city are often clearer and better defined without the haze of the daylight, and the lines of people waiting to go up are less long. Overlooking the Iena Bridge on one side and the beautiful Champs de Mars on the other, the Tower is the background setting to the most beautiful display of fireworks

Fireworks near the Eiffel Tower

display every national holiday, the 14th of July. A stroll along the Seine River invariably keeps the Tower in view. One of the nicest images of it is from the Mirabeau Bridge, where once can capture both the Tower and the miniature Statue of Liberty, which is posted on the Grenelle Bridge.

The Eiffel Tower is an incredible feat of architecture. Initially expected to last a mere 20 years, it has stood for more than 120 years, and has become the symbol of France/ Hours: every day from 9am to 11pm, and until 12 midnight during the summer. Metro stops: Bir-Hakeim, or Alma; Trocadero; RER-C Champs de Mars. Take a virtual tour HERE.