[Photo] Paris is bright and bustling with Christmas markets

NDO - The bright lights, the seductive aroma of herbs in copper jars containing hot drinks typical of winter, and the bustling atmosphere of Christmas markets have been on the streets across France for many days now.

For centuries, Christmas markets first appeared in the Alsace region in northeastern France, but gradually spread to many localities across the country and became an annual meeting place for French people at the end of each year. (Photo: MINH DUY)

Christmas markets first appeared in Europe in the 13th century. Strasbourg, located right on the border with the Federal Republic of Germany, was the first locality to organize a Christmas market in France in 1570. (Photo: MINH DUY)

Christmas markets in France are famous for their brightly decorated spaces, with thousands of sparkling lights on the streets, creating a magical and warm atmosphere. (Photo: MINH DUY)

Visiting the Christmas markets, visitors will feel like they are immersed in a culinary adventure. It will be difficult to resist the rich aroma and sweet taste of pancakes, waffles, hot chestnuts... (Photo: MINH DUY)

Nowadays, with the new demands of festival-goers, more modern snacks have also appeared such as cotton candy, potato chips, churros... (Photo: MINH DUY)

Cups of chocolate and glasses of aromatic hot wine are prepared using traditional techniques passed down through generations, warming the hearts of visitors during their nights strolling around the market. (Photo: MINH DUY)

The stalls are full of local handicrafts, offering visitors thousands of choices with unique souvenir items. (Photo: MINH DUY)

From winter accessories such as woolen hats, scarves, thermal gloves, to Christmas decorations that are meticulously handcrafted to decorate the home, they are all highlights in a rich and diverse picture of French culture. (Photo: MINH DUY)

Since the 2000s, Christmas markets have become a unique cultural feature in major cities in France. (Photo: MINH DUY)

The capital Paris, which attracts more than 17 million visitors each year, cannot miss such unique cultural events to promote tourism . The markets are often held at Paris City Hall, Tuilerie Park in the grounds of the Louvre Museum, Concorde Square, on Montmartre Hill... (Photo: MINH DUY)

The Christmas market at Tuilerie Park in the heart of Paris, held for the first time in 2018, is a blend of the typical cultural beauty of traditional wooden houses, with Ferris wheels and some modern games. This is an ideal destination for outings of French families and international tourists. (Photo: MINH DUY)

The most famous is the Christmas market in the city of Strasbourg. In 2022, this locality welcomed a record number of about 2.8 million visitors. (Photo: MINH DUY)

Attracting millions of visitors, Christmas markets have become an unmissable tourist destination for locals and international visitors. (Photo: MINH DUY)

In many localities in France, Christmas markets are often held in the middle of ancient streets, in squares, large parks, in front of churches or in the courtyards of town halls. (Photo: MINH DUY)

With a large number of Christmas markets held annually, France is proud to be ranked second in Europe, after Germany. (Photo: MINH DUY)