Paris La Defense, photo: Franziska Eckert

Paris adopts a German tradition

The earliest Christmas markets date back to the late middle ages and have their origin in Germany. The Dresden "Striezelmarkt"  is said to be the oldest Christmas market and was first held in the 15th century. The Bautzen Christmas market and the Vienna "December Market" are supposed to be even older dating back to the 13th century. It was in 1570 when the Christmas market tradition found its way into Alsace, France's easternmost region bordering Germany.

A few years ago several major European cities started their own Christmas markets. Some of those Christmas markets attempt to follow the German tradition by inviting German traders and offering German goods. Popular features of German-style markets are Nussknacker (carved nutcrackers), Räuchermännchen (Christmas smoking men), Gebrannte Mandeln (candied, toasted almonds), Lebkuchen and Magenbrot (both forms of soft gingerbread), Christstollen (a sort of egg bread with candied fruit), German sausages and Glühwein (hot mulled wine). 

In contrast to the centuries-old Christmas markets in the Alsace region (in Strasbourg, Sélestat or Colmar) which clearly show a German influence, Parisian Christmas markets have established a tradition of their own. 

Paris' biggest Christmas market located at  La Defense features such French favorites as Foie Gras and Magret de Canard Séché from the Périgord, Jambon Sec from Bayonne, Confit de Canard from Gascogne and Cassoulet from Languedoc. For more "traditional" German-style foods stop by the booth from the Alsace region and try some Choucroute and Macarons. Lovers of German sausages or Glühwein will enjoy sausages from Toulouse and Strasbourg with vin chaud traditionnel.  

More exotic Christmas tastes will be found at a couple of booths from the French overseas departments such as La Réunion, Martinique or Guadeloupe. Here you can taste some local specialties such as Rougail Saucisse, Colombo de Poulet, Samoussas or Fruit Punch. In addition to food, the market features crafts people from all over the world offering exotic handmade gifts for last-minute shoppers.

The Christmas market in Paris-La Défense is open until December 27, Sunday through Friday, 11am-7:30pm,  Saturday 9:30am-8pm. Esplanade de La Defense, 92800 La Defense.  Métro : Grande Arche de la Défense