The Christmas markets of Brittany – where Christmas doesn’t come more impressive

When it comes to atmospheric and ‘Christmassy’ European towns, Brittany’s St Malo certainly takes some beating. Its Christmas market dominates the festive presence of the town with about 30 chalet style stalls selling anything from home-grown gastronomy to Christmas presents of all shapes and sizes.

Local crafts are demonstrated on the streets, the ambiance augmented with Christmas carols being sung in the background. If you are really lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of Father Christmas stopping by, spreading yet more Christmas cheer among St. Malo residents and visitors.

The Alpine-style Christmas market is held in the grounds of the Chateau de La Briantais, a magnificent chateau built in 1850 on the site of a seventeenth century manor. After visiting the market taking a walk along the top of the old city walls is a must. The views from this elevated position are simply splendid, casting the eyes well out to sea and invoking imagines of the French Corsairs leaving the port on a fair wind and attacking the English and Dutch ships for plunder.

The St Malo Christmas market runs from December 20 – 29 and would make an excellent stop off point as you disembark the ferry before commencing your onward journey into Brittany and perhaps beyond.

If the festive excitement of St Malo isn’t enough then just over the other side of the tidal estuary lies the swish town of Dinan. It has to be said that while most towns and villages have lights and illuminations on at Christmas some towns go the extra mile and put on a display that is so extravagant, it becomes famous for its Xmas lights. The flamboyant illuminations of Blackpool might immediately spring to mind but when it comes to legendary Christmas lighting, Dinan even gives Blackpool a run for its money.

Roundabouts are emblazoned with great pyramids of lights and the trees on the pavements become festooned with dazzling illuminations. Lights hang above the streets and cling to monuments and shop fronts – there’s no denying its Christmas in Dinan.

A festive trip to the charming Breton town of Brest would also be an eye-opener. This up-market naval town has a fantastic Christmas market which runs from November 29 until Christmas Eve. All the usual local delicacies are for sale and there is a small train for the kids with Santa Claus on-board.