It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Montpellier

The South of France isn’t really known for its winter traditions and I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect much from our little city in the South. So it’s been a wonderfully pleasant surprise to find it come alive in a completely different way since the temperature has fallen.

When we came back to Montpellier from London this time I noticed a change in the place. The outdoor tables had been brought in and all those sunny terrace restaurants had become cosy indoor caves all throughout the old town. It suddenly had a different feel to it and I loved it. Then, the lights started going up and they started putting little wooden cabins along the esplanade in the centre of town. These were home to a winter wine festival before they were transformed into our very own Christmas markets. Now we’re about to go to Germany on a tour of the Christmas markets there (ridiculously exciting) but currently I love the festive feel that’s come to Montpellier. The South of France is great in winter! Who knew?

Opéra Comédie Montpellier all lit up

Les Hivernelles – The Christmas Markets

Vin chaud aka mulled wine

While wandering we tried two types of mulled wine, a red that was just spiced but not sweetened and white wine which was delicious – I think they must have added lemon and honey to it and I couldn’t help but think this would be a way better drink to have next time I have a cold… “Honey I’m sick, mull me a wine, will you?”

Place de la Comedie by night

This weekend we’ll be seeing Paris in winter and then off to Germany for more festive cheer. Also, it’s my first time trying to photograph at night so I spent a lot of time faffing with settings and I still have a bit of work to do there.

Is your town bringing your holiday spirit to life?

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