Europe for Xmas?

[kluv2cruz]

Any ideas for Europe at Xmas for a 14 y.o. and almost 17 y.o. and 50 y.o. Mom & Dad? Prefer french speaking country to support 2nd language learning at school.

[HostColleen]

Well, your options in Europe are:
France (of course)
Belgium
Luxembourg
Monaco (French & Italian spoken)
Corsica (the island)
Switzerland (one part is deemed French but most Swiss speak all of the languages spoken in Switzerland)

Anyone think I forgot someplace? So do any of those places interest you?
I think Belgium, especially Bruges, might be particularly charming at Christmas, ditto for a little French hamlet in French Switzerland. Switzerland just oozes the warm fuzzies for me round that time, I dunno.......

I LOVE Paris and it's so pretty when decorated but they start decorating it in November and so I've seen that. You'd maybe want to be somewhere in the Alps for Christmas I think.

Anything tickle your fancy?

[London Scot]

I would have thought Brussels rather than Bruges if you're looking for a Francophone experience - Bruges is in Flanders, and although French is spoken there, the prevailing trend is for Flemish. Brussels has the advantage of a good Christmas market, and perhaps more to interest teenagers who, in my experience, tire quickly of a small town like Bruges.
Liege would also give a French speaking opportunity, with the superb Christmas market in Valkenburg (Netherlands) a short journey away.

[raquelle]

I also think Brussels sounds like a good idea. It's a really neat city and there's a lot to do there. If you're thinking of France, Strasbourg is really cute around Christmasstime, especially for the Christmas markets! They are really special.

[makelifehappen]

I am always researching Christmas vacations in Europe and quite like the look of Brussels as well. Sadly though, all the other ones I continue to come up with are based on my love for Christmas markets and culture and may not be so helpful to you.

So~Prague, Germany, England are always in my top 3.

[AGMcGill]

I know I will sound biased because I lived in Strasbourg for a period of time, but Strasbourg is magical at Christmas. There is the famous Christmas fair. Petite France is covered in twinkle lights and street vendors sell hot drinks. Also, Strasbourg is still within train distance of Paris, which is an equally beautiful city at Christmastime.

[catappr]

If you haven't been there yet, you should definitely try Paris - it's unique. There are so many things to see... you can't fully explore the city in two weeks!

[heavens]

I'd suggest Paris as well. It's a very romantic place. I've never been there but I'm sure it's gonna be great.