The French Edit is back for its fourth edition! This month, we’re diving into the magic of French holiday traditions—exploring the best Christmas markets to visit in France, sharing festive recipes, and more!
La fête des lumières:
 |
Did you know? One of the most iconic events in France takes place every December in Lyon: La Fête des Lumières (The Festival of Lights). This stunning celebration honours the city’s tradition of lighting candles in windows to thank the Virgin Mary for her protection during the plague. The tradition, which began in 1852, has since grown into a breathtaking citywide spectacle. Today, the event features dazzling light installations and projections on buildings, streets, and public spaces, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Combining art, history, and festive cheer, La Fête des Lumières is truly one of the most unforgettable events in France.
Roast Turkey with Chestnuts recipe:
|
Looking to try a new recipe or host a French-inspired Christmas dinner? You can’t go wrong with Roast Turkey with Chestnuts—a classic and iconic dish in French holiday traditions. Perfect for impressing your guests and bringing a taste of France to your table!
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (about 10 pounds)
- 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) chestnuts
- 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) sausage meat
- 1 cup (225 g) bread
- 2/3 cup (15 cl) milk
- 3/4 cup (20 cl) crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1/2 cup (125 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- 4 shallots, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup (5 cl) cognac
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3.5 pounds (1.5 kg) small potatoes
- 2/3 cup (15 cl) broth (chicken broth cubes work great for convenience)
Preparation:
-
Make the stuffing:
Soak the bread in the milk. Melt the butter in a skillet, and sauté the chopped shallots until softened. Add the sausage meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Squeeze the soaked bread to remove excess liquid, then stir it into the skillet. Add chestnuts, thyme, parsley, cognac, salt, and pepper, and mix well. -
Stuff the turkey:
Carefully stuff the turkey with the chestnut mixture, then seal the cavity (check inside first to avoid any surprises!). Rub the turkey with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. -
Prepare the roasting dish:
Place the stuffed turkey in a roasting pan. Add the bay leaf, a few dollops of butter, and pour in the broth around the turkey. - Roast the turkey:
- Start by roasting in a cold oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour. Baste with pan juices occasionally.
- After an hour, increase the temperature to 340°F (165°C) for another hour.
- For the final hour, raise the temperature to 400°F (210°C), allowing the turkey to crisp up and brown.
-
Add the potatoes:
About 30 minutes before the turkey is done, add the small potatoes to the roasting pan with the turkey and let them cook in the pan juices for the final 30 minutes.
Serve this delicious, festive dish alongside some simple greens, and you’ve got yourself a French-inspired holiday feast that’s sure to impress! Enjoy!
What to buy to your French friend:
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift to impress a French person in your life? We’ve got some ideas that are sure to make their eyes sparkle!
 |
Raclette Grill:
If you ask a French person about their favourite meal, they'll likely say raclette—especially those from the mountain regions. This classic dish involves melting cheese on a raclette grill and enjoying it with cold meats and potatoes. It’s a cosy, interactive meal that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings, creating a warm, festive atmosphere for family and friends.
 |
French Cookbooks:
A cookbook is always a thoughtful gift! Choose one by a renowned French chef, filled with traditional recipes that your recipient will treasure and use for years to come.
|
Cheese Board:
The French are passionate about their cheese, so you can't go wrong with a stylish wooden cheese board. It's a perfect gift for anyone who loves to indulge in a selection of fine cheeses.
 |
French Pharmacy Products:
Many French expats miss their favourite pharmacy products, and they can be hard to find in Australia. Luckily, they can find most of these iconic brands—like Embryolisse, SVR, Biafine, Nuxe, Caudalie, and L'Occitane—at French Beauty Co. Whether it’s skincare, fragrance, or makeup, these products will bring a little piece of France back into their lives and warm their heart with nostalgic memories.
 |
Macarons:
These sweet treats make a delightful and charming gift! But be careful which ones you choose, as the French are true experts when it comes to macarons. For the best, go for iconic brands like Pierre Hermé or Ladurée—Ladurée is easier to find in Australia, but both will make a perfect, authentic gift.
 |
French Wine:
For the wine lover in your life, a bottle of French wine makes an excellent gift. If you’re looking to splurge, go for a rich, full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape. For a more affordable yet equally enjoyable option, a Côtes-du-Rhône will delight without breaking the bank. Both are classic choices that showcase the best of French winemaking.
Christmas markets you need to visit:
If you're lucky enough to spend Christmas in France, be sure to visit some of the country’s most famous and magical Christmas markets, especially in the Alsace region, known for its festive charm and picturesque settings. Here are three must-see markets that truly capture the spirit of the season:
 |
Colmar Christmas Market:
Colmar, often called one of the most beautiful towns in France, is a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Its mediaeval streets, half-timbered houses, and canals provide the perfect backdrop for a traditional Christmas market. With over 6 different markets spread across the town, you’ll find everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious seasonal treats like spiced mulled wine and Alsatian pastries. The warm glow of the festive lights makes Colmar feel like a fairy tale come to life.
 |
Strasbourg Christmas Market:
Known as the "Capital of Christmas," Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. Dating back to 1570, this market offers an authentic and magical atmosphere. The grand Place Kléber is home to a towering Christmas tree, and the historic town centre is adorned with lights and decorations. The market stretches across several locations, offering a wide variety of artisanal gifts, festive foods, and regional delicacies, including choucroute (sauerkraut) and bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies). Don’t miss out on the spectacular light displays and the chance to experience the city’s unique blend of French and German Christmas traditions.
 |
Mulhouse Christmas Market:
Smaller but equally enchanting, the Mulhouse Christmas Market in the heart of the Alsace region offers a more intimate experience. With over 150 stalls set up along the charming streets, this market is famous for its beautiful decorations and festive atmosphere. Here, you can find handcrafted gifts, local Alsatian wines, and artisanal treats. Mulhouse is also known for its focus on sustainability, so many of the gifts and decorations sold here emphasise eco-friendly materials and handmade craftsmanship. It’s a great place to soak up the Christmas spirit in a slightly quieter, less crowded setting.
Traditional French movies to watch during the holiday:
If you're spending Christmas in Australia but want to experience the magic of France through film, we’ve selected three iconic, traditional French Christmas movies that will transport you straight to the heart of French holiday celebrations. These films capture the spirit of the season—whether it’s heartwarming moments, dark humour, or family drama. Here are the French Christmas classics you need to watch:
|
Le Père Noël est une ordure (Santa Claus is a Stinker)
Released in 1982, Le Père Noël est une ordure is a cult classic French dark comedy that flips the script on traditional Christmas cheer. Directed by Jean-Marie Poiré, this film follows a group of eccentric, misfit characters working at a helpline on Christmas Eve, whose lives become chaotic when a man dressed as Santa Claus shows up, along with a troubled woman and her strange requests. The film is a humorous and absurd take on the holiday season, filled with sharp wit, unexpected twists, and an offbeat portrayal of the holidays that will have you laughing out loud. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves irreverent humour and doesn’t mind a bit of Christmas chaos.
 |
Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas)
Joyeux Noël (2005), directed by Christian Carion, is a poignant and moving film based on the true story of the Christmas Truce that occurred during World War I. The film portrays the remarkable moment in December 1914 when soldiers from the French, German, and Scottish armies laid down their weapons and shared a peaceful, heartfelt Christmas together on the frontlines. The film’s powerful story centres around the soldiers’ shared humanity in the face of war, and the brief yet beautiful truce that allowed them to celebrate the holiday together, despite the violence around them.
 |
Un Conte de Noël (A Christmas Tale)
If you're looking for a more dramatic and complex take on the holidays, Un Conte de Noël (2008), directed by Arnaud Desplechin, is a French family drama that captures the tension and emotional depth of a holiday family reunion. The film follows the Vuillard family as they gather for Christmas at the home of their matriarch, Junon (played by Catherine Deneuve), who is battling cancer. Over the course of the festive days, family secrets, old wounds, and long-buried grudges come to the surface, all while the family struggles to reconcile their differences and heal old rifts. Despite the tension, the film also explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the complexity of family dynamics.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this special edition of The French Edit and that it’s inspired you to embrace some delightful French traditions, whether it’s indulging in delicious festive dishes, exploring iconic holiday films, or discovering unique gift ideas. As we wrap up this edition, we want to take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, love, and moments of joy with those you cherish.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the heart of French holiday spirit. We look forward to bringing you more curated content, inspiration, and French-inspired experiences in the new year. Until then, enjoy the magic of the season, and we can’t wait to see you again in the next edition of The French Edit!
Bonnes fêtes et à l'année prochaine! (Happy Holidays and see you next year!)