In Barcelona, Catalonia and surroundings have grown lately the villages and Christmas markets that take us just as we step on them in a walk of fantasy. But in France they have long taken this tradition to the next level, and Christmas villages like Les Barcarés, which attracts thousands of visitors to the neighboring country, is an example of this.
That is why we do not tremble to recommend that this Christmas you visit Carcassonne, the great walled town in the south of France that has, just 3 hours from Barcelona, as it has one of the most impressive Christmas markets of our environment.
Thus, the city where Robin Hood was filmed, a real medieval jewel, becomes a branch of Santa Claus where you can find ice rinks, a magic Ferris wheel and many more activities.
When does the Carcassone Christmas market take place?
From December 4 to January 4, 2025, Carcassone is synonymous with Christmas. An ideal time to visit an obligatory village which, at this time of year, is somewhat emptier than in summer, making it ideal to stroll through its narrow streets, sip a hot chocolate and enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
The kick-off of the festivities of Carcassonne will begin, this year, a few days before the popular feast of St. Nicholas, on December 6. It will feature a torchlight procession, starting on Saturday evening at 7 pm, where everyone dresses up in costume.
The agenda of Carcassonne and its Christmas market is extensive and can be consulted on the website of the event. In the Place Carnot the Christmas market displays about thirty stalls from 11 am to 7 pm, but the night is long in Carcassonne, and you can always stay for the weekend, as it is not a city where there are overpriced accommodations.
Ice rink, magic Ferris wheel and even laser game.
In the medieval Christmas village of Carcassone, there is something for everyone. From the outdoor ice rink in Place Carnot, one of the largest in France, to the giant Ferris wheel, which allows you to enjoy the incredible views of the Canal du Midi and the illuminated Ciutadella.
In addition, there are stronger attractions such as the Christmas Tourbillon roller coaster or the Tour Magique, where you can ride while the little ones enjoy the enchanted reindeer and the little horses.
There is also the “Rooftop” with its cable cars, the Christmas “Laser Game”, virtual reality and curling at the Général De Gaulle Square!
How to get there?
From Barcelona you have two options to get to the Christmas village of Carcassone. On the one hand, you can take a High Speed train that reaches the city in just three hours, or go by car, which takes a little longer, 3 hours and 20.
Parking your car there is very easy, as on Saturdays the car park is free of charge. In addition, other subway parking lots in the city, especially extend their opening hours during this period.