Unfortunately, I haven't been to enough European Christmas markets to know whether this one is truly extraordinary, but I really love the marché de Noël in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France.

The little stalls are set up along the Cours Mirabeau, the main street in Aix, as soon as the beginning of December rolls around, and there they stand through the end of the month.

Whether you're looking to buy handmade gifts, drink mulled wine, or just take in the sight of the lights and the crowds, this is a market worth visiting.