Published 1 / 12 / 2022 Reading time: 5 min
December is barely ringing when all we think about is Christmas! Christmas trees, decorations, Christmas markets and meeting Santa Claus… This is the program for many of us in December. In my eyes, the magic of Christmas is not only the mountain of gifts at the foot of the tree, it is also and above all the preparations that surround the celebration. I suggest you dive right now into the Christmas spirit, the Roannais is adorned with 1000 lights to put stars in your eyes.
Open your eyes wide
Towns and villages light up and put on their winter coat and light. The magic of Christmas begins there, a stroll through the illuminated and decorated streets. Look up and marvel at the sparkling decorations on every street corner.
It's Christmas, it's high time to relight the stars.
Guillaume Apollinaire
The essential: the Christmas markets
For me, there is no before Christmas without Christmas markets. And you will have the choice, many villages organize a market combining local producers, craftsmen and animations. I advise you to note in your diaries the 2 main markets in Roannais:
Christmas market in Roanne
A dozen chalets take over the Place du Marché and offer delicacies or gift ideas. In the center of the market, I am always amazed by this sumptuous decor. The eyes of young and old shine in front of the enchanted bubbles, welcoming decorations and automatons in a marvelous universe. The market place is a prime location for this Christmas market in the heart of the city. An ideal break during your shopping session!
Christmas market in Charlieu
The beautiful historic city becomes the moment of 2 weekends a magical city: music, illuminations but above all the Christmas market enliven the small town.
To the sound of barrel organs or Christmas fanfares, I like to stroll among the chalets offering all kinds of original gifts. Tasting a mulled wine with Christmas spices and seeing your children pose with Santa Claus represents for me the real magic of Christmas!
Fantastic animations
Destination Christmas – The magic of reindeer
Did you know that Santa Claus has 9 reindeer for his sleigh? These emblematic animals are in the spotlight this year at the tourist office. From December 10, discover a magical universe in the land of Santa Claus' 9 reindeer. And so that this party always remains an unforgettable moment, animations are organized:
I also invite all the children to show us their drawing talent during a drawing competition offered from December 10 to 31 at the Tourist Office.
Christmas Fest
The magic of Christmas resonates every year throughout this enchanted period thanks to Christmas Fest in Roane. The Christmas village and its market are like a center of sweetness and magic with shows, illuminations, decorations. Young and old will all be charmed by the enchanted parades strolling through the city centre. I would gladly try out the new skating rink in the center of the Place du Marché, set up from Friday 9 December.
Who says Christmas, says papillotes!
I no longer present the flagship products of the store Revillon, Place Georges Clémenceau in Roanne. Indeed, nationally known wrappers are a Christmas staple… A Christmas without wrappers is like Santa Claus without his reindeer! A tradition on all Christmas tables, it's a little taste treasure with the joy of discovering the secret message inside the packaging.
100% Roanne gifts
We're not going to lie to each other, the magic of Christmas is also the pleasure of giving to loved ones. I love thinking about the perfect gift for the person in question. Come on, because I always share my tips, I give you my top 5 original 100% Roannais gifts to find at the Tourist Office shop.
Top 5 100% Roannais gifts
- Gift boxes getaways in Roannais – A choice of 4 different boxes from 50 to 150 € for all tastes,
- Gourmet gifts – New for 2022, gourmet gifts filled with local delicacies. I have a soft spot for the “Dinner with Friends” box set at €45,
- Marcel Roannais – Offer a must-have in Roanne fashion: the Marcel. A 100% local design at €39,
- The Pralus chocolate pyramid – No Christmas without chocolates! For amateurs and connoisseurs, this pyramid is not only pretty but it offers all the flavors of the different origins of chocolate – 18.50 €,
- Fabricathe tea – Tea blended in Roannais! Find all kinds of flavors and since we love Roanne, offer the “Roanne” mug to drink a good Christmas tea – 9.70 €.
As you will have understood, this period is essential for me. I've already put on my Christmas carol playlists, and I can't wait to be able to decorate my interior. Christmas preparations and festivities are a real cure for gloom. So, don't hesitate to return, just like me, quite quickly to “Christmas” mode and take advantage of all these ideas to spend time with those who are dear to you. Believe in the magic of Christmas!
