Although lavender, poppies, and leisurely lunches with rosé at poolside tables are the typical draw to Provence, Christmas Markets—Les Marchés de Noël—are another wonderful reason to visit this region. Okay, it is cold but the sun is bright, the relaxed pace prevails, and the spirit of Christmas warms your heart. The Christmas markets of Alsace are the most famous in France and probably the most authentic since that region neighbors Germany where such markets are thought to have originated way back the Middle Ages. Evidence suggests that the first Christmas Market took place in 1434 in the German town, Dresden. Antique Postcard of the Market of Dresden in 1881 Photo: Genealexis Today, the tradition can be found all across France. The largest markets, not surprisingly, are in Strasbourg and Paris, but dozens and dozens of other French cities and villages offer beautiful markets (that are less crowded) and filled with culinary delicacies, arts and crafts, and performances true to their respective regions. In Provence, some of the larger cities—notably Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Aubagne, Avignon, Marseilles, and Nice—commence the season in November but most wait until after the Feast of Saint Barbara (Sainte Barbe) on December 4 to [...]