Paris to Bruges & Brussels Christmas Market 2 Days Tour

The Paris to Bruges & Brussels Christmas Market 2 Days Tour offers a festive escape into the holiday spirit, traveling from Paris to two of Europe’s most enchanting cities in Belgium. Priced for a 2-day experience, it is operated by BackTrip, which boasts a high 4.9-star rating. The tour combines visits to the iconic Bruges Market Square and the sprawling Brussels Christmas markets, making it ideal for those craving a festive, cultural, and culinary adventure.

This tour starts from Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, close to the Line 12 Metro Exit, and features a small group size of limited to 14 participants. It is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian, ensuring clear guidance throughout. With a flexible cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, the tour offers both convenience and peace of mind.

While the tour provides a comprehensive view of Belgian holiday markets, it’s important to note that it is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or young children under one year old. The experience is best suited for those eager to explore festive markets at a relaxed pace, enjoy local foods, and capture memorable holiday photos.

Key Points

• Two-day tour starting from Paris, focusing on Christmas markets in Bruges and Brussels
• Visits to Bruges Market Square and Simon Stevin Square, featuring festive chalets, a tall Christmas tree, and medieval architecture
• Extensive Brussels markets, spanning over 200-250 wooden chalets across key historic squares
• Evening highlights include the Grand-Place sound-and-light show and the large Christmas tree
• Local Belgian foods such as mulled wine, Belgian hot chocolate, waffles, and roasted chestnuts
• Small group size limited to 14 people, with multilingual guides in English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian

You can check availability for your dates here:

Bruges Market Square: A Fairy Tale Setting in the Heart of the City

The Bruges Market Square, or Markt, is the focal point of Christmas festivities. Here, festive wooden chalets line the square, sparkling twinkling lights illuminate the medieval guild houses and the iconic Belfry, creating a scene straight from a winter storybook. A large Christmas tree adds to the charm, and vendors offer holiday treats, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.

The market atmosphere feels lively yet cozy, perfect for strolling at your own pace. The traditional wooden chalets often sell artisan goods, including handmade ornaments, lace, and wooden toys. Visitors can indulge in Belgian specialties like crispy waffles, spiced speculoos biscuits, and roasted chestnuts, all served from charming stalls that add to the holiday warmth.

This stop is especially scenic during the evening when the lights and medieval buildings are beautifully lit, enhancing the fairy-tale ambiance. The Belgian hot chocolate and mulled wine are popular choices to warm up after exploring the market stalls.

Simon Stevin Square: A Cozy Spot for Unique Gifts

A short walk from the bustling Markt leads to Simon Stevin Square, a quieter, more intimate Christmas destination. Here, you’ll find small craft stalls selling handmade ornaments, local artisanal products, and lace. This market offers a more personal shopping experience, making it ideal for finding original gifts or souvenirs.

The stalls focus on craft goods and local specialties, giving visitors the chance to take home something truly original. The atmosphere is relaxed compared to the larger Markt, allowing for leisurely browsing and chatting with vendors.

Food and drinks at Simon Stevin Square include mulled wine and Belgian hot chocolate. The artisan stalls often highlight craft goods, with many items perfect for holiday gift-giving or keepsakes from the trip.

Brussels Christmas Markets: A Festive Trail Across the City

The Brussels Christmas markets spread across multiple historic squares, creating an expansive festive trail throughout the city center. Over 200-250 wooden chalets are set up from the Grand-Place to Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons (Vismet), Place de la Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, and Place de Brouckère.

Each square offers a unique holiday experience, with lights, decorations, and festive displays. The Grand-Place stands out with its 17th-century guildhalls illuminated during the sound-and-light show each evening, transforming the historic architecture into a dazzling spectacle. A giant Christmas tree and life-size nativity scene complete the picturesque scene perfect for photos.

Additional attractions include a large Ferris wheel at Place Sainte-Catherine, offering panoramic views of the sparkling markets, and a covered ice rink at Place de Brouckère, where visitors can try curling lanes or enjoy festive rides like Santa’s reindeer carousel.

Festive Delights and Local Food in Brussels

The Brussels markets are a feast for the senses, with delicious street foods like Belgian waffles, often topped with chocolate or whipped cream, and mulled wine or warm jenever to keep warm. Roasted chestnuts and traditional sweets further add to the holiday flavor.

Several chalets serve winter dishes like raclette or hearty mountain-style foods, especially in the evening hours. The artisan chalets marked with quality labels sell handmade crafts, local products, and holiday-themed packaging, making for perfect souvenirs or gifts.

Throughout the markets, street performers, choral performances, and creative workshops create an authentic local feel that sets Brussels apart from typical tourist spots. The lively, festive atmosphere captures the energy of an European capital celebrating Christmas in style.

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Logistics: Meeting Point and Comfort Tips

The tour departs from Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, accessible via Line 12 Metro Exit, with nearby bus stops (N43, N143, N147). The meeting point coordinates are 48.89674758911133, 2.3639938831329346. The group size is limited to 14, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Travelers are advised to bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera to capture the festive scenes. A credit card and cash are recommended for purchases and meals. The tour includes round-trip transportation, with no mention of specific vehicle details, but the small group format suggests a comfortable coach or minibus.

The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year. Participants should be prepared for walking on cobblestone streets, especially in historic areas.

The Experience Provider: BackTrip’s Trusted Service

BackTrip, rated 4.9 stars, ensures a professional and friendly experience with knowledgeable guides. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, making it a safe choice for spontaneous planners or those with flexible schedules.

The tour is designed for small groups, fostering a more intimate atmosphere and personalized guidance. The multilingual guides enhance understanding of the markets’ history and traditions, adding depth to the festive exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Paris to Bruges & Brussels Christmas Market Tour

This 2-day holiday tour offers a well-rounded experience of Belgium’s best Christmas markets, combining the fairy-tale charm of Bruges with the vibrant, lively Brussels festive scene. It provides a good mix of sights, local foods, and cultural festivities, making it especially suitable for holiday enthusiasts.

While the pace is comfortable and highlights key markets and attractions, the inclusion of free time at each location allows for personal exploration and shopping. The small group format and multilingual guides add to the overall value, making this tour a reliable choice for those wanting an organized yet intimate festive getaway.

Travelers who love Christmas markets, Belgian treats, and historical cityscapes will find this tour an enjoyable, memorable way to celebrate the holiday season abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire tour lasts 2 days.

Where does the tour depart from in Paris?
It departs from Porte de la Chapelle, near Line 12 Metro Exit.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, guidance in multiple languages, and visits to markets in Bruges and Brussels. Specific food and souvenirs are paid for individually.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for babies under 1 year or individuals with mobility impairments.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 14 participants, providing a more personal experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, camera, and cash or credit card for purchases.

Does the tour include any cooking or tasting activities?
The tour features opportunities to enjoy local food and drinks at the markets, such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, waffles, and roasted chestnuts.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or using non-folding wheelchairs.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby