Christmas spirit in

Christmas spirit in Riquewihr Bretzels in Kaysersberg Kugelhopfs and Christmas cookies at Boulangerie Levain After a guided tour of the village to discover its history, we had plenty of time to visit the shops and Christmas market stalls hosted in little wooden chalets. It’s not a huge market, but it’s very authentic with some great arty, crafty gifts. There are vendors offering spiced vin chaud (mulled wine) and Bretzels, and I stumbled on the fabulous boulangerie Levain, 2 Michelin Star chef Olivier Nasti’s sourdough bakery in tiny rue de Tir. A finalist for best bakery in 2025, seek it out for the most delicious kugelhopfs and Christmas cookies. will come skipping along with shopping bags full of gingerbread! Back on board, though we’d only known each other for 24 hours, guests who came from America, Britain, Canada and France, bonded over dinner and chatted about the day’s activities. Colmar Riquewihr Riquewihr gives Kaysersberg a run for its money in the fairy-tale-pretty stakes. With undulating vineyards running right down to its wonky cobblestone streets, medieval houses and mansions, wineries, and gorgeous little gift shops galore, including a year-round Christmas decoration store - which gives you a clue as to why this village is a festive mustsee - they take Christmas seriously here! Strolling the pretty streets of Riquewihr Christmas market Riquewihr After a guided tour, there’s plenty of time to discover the Christmas market which is big and full of unique and fabulous things that are hard to resist, from exquisite decorations to clothes, toys, artisan made products, and if you’re feeling peckish - great steaming bowls of sauerkraut and sausages. There’s also time to wander the twinkling courtyards and alleyways. In this charming, authentic village, you can’t help but imagine Hansel and Gretel Colmar 32 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 33