7 Magical Ice Rinks in France to Visit This Christmas to Skate Under the Stars

Is there anything more magical at Christmas than skating on an outdoor ice rink under the stars? Add some of the best cities and towns in France as a backdrop, and you have the perfect setting for festive fun. 

With a daughter who was a competitive ice skater, representing Great Britain, it’s safe to say I’ve seen my fair share of ice rinks.

But these seven ice rinks in France are stunning, from those with backdrops of mountains glistening in snow to an iconic Parisian landmark hosting the biggest indoor rink in the world.

7 Ice Rinks in France Making Christmas Magical

It doesn’t get any better than these rinks and sprinkles a little French Christmas magic onto your travel plans. So let’s find out where these rinks are, when they open, and how you can get on your skates on in France.

Grand Palais des Glaces (Paris)

If there’s one place that captures the spirit of winter in Paris, it’s the Grand Palais des Glaces. Set inside the magnificent Grand Palais, this is no ordinary rink.

You’re skating beneath a glass and steel masterpiece that’s been a symbol of French art and culture for more than a century.

The Grand Palais was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, the world fair that celebrated French innovation and design. Its glass roof, one of the largest in Europe, is an engineering marvel that lets in natural light by day and glows like a cathedral of glass at night.

Over the years, it’s hosted everything from art exhibitions and fashion shows to horse events and national celebrations.

After a four-year closure for restoration, the Grand Palais reopened its doors in 2025 to host the Grand Palais des Glaces once again. Covering 2,700 square meters of ice beneath the soaring glass dome, it’s still the largest indoor rink in the world. 

The rink opens again this year from December 12th, 2026, to January 6th, 2027. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official Grand Palais des Glaces website, and early booking is recommended, as sessions fill up quickly.

You can rent skates on-site, and lockers are available for personal items. I took my husband last year as we were in Paris for the New Year, and it was so much fun.

You’ll find the Grand Palais on Avenue du Général Eisenhower in the 8th arrondissement, just steps from the Champs-Élysées. The nearest metro stations are Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau and Franklin D. Roosevelt. After skating, wander over to the nearby Pont Alexandre III or stop for a drink in one of the cafés that line the avenue.

Annecy – “Noël des Alpes” Outdoor Ice Rink

When it comes to skating with a view, Annecy takes some beating. Set between a glacial lake and the snow-capped Alps, this open-air rink is part of the town’s Noël des Alpes celebration, bringing the magic of the season to life. 

Annecy, known as the “Venice of the Alps” for its extensive network of canals, has a long history of winter traditions. The Christmas market fills the streets with wooden chalets selling local treats, such as raclette, mulled wine, and handmade crafts, while the rink adds a touch of nostalgia that draws locals and visitors alike.

Just imagine skating outdoors with the mountains in view and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air.

The rink is situated in the heart of Annecy, near the lake and surrounded by twinkling lights. Families come during the day, but in the evening, it’s mostly couples and friends enjoying a skate under the stars before heading to dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

This year, the rink opens from November 26, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with daily sessions lasting about an hour. You can buy tickets on-site, though weekends and evenings tend to be busy. Skates are available to rent, and helmets are provided for children.

Annecy is easy to reach by train from Geneva or Lyon, and once you’re there, everything is within walking distance. After skating, stroll along the lakefront or through the cobbled streets of the old town.

The lights reflecting on the water, the laughter from the rink, and the snow-dusted rooftops make Annecy one of the most beautiful places in France to experience winter.

Strasbourg – Christmas Market Ice Rink (Place Kléber)

Strasbourg knows how to do Christmas. As the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France, it turns the city into a glowing maze of lights, music, and festive cheer. At the center of it all is Place Kléber, home to the city’s towering Christmas tree and a seasonal ice rink.

The rink sits in the heart of Strasbourg’s historic center, surrounded by half-timbered buildings and market stalls serving warm pretzels and vin chaud.

You can hear the church bells echoing through the square as you glide across the ice, with the scent of cinnamon and spices drifting from nearby stalls, all in a gorgeous Alsatian setting.

Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates back to 1570, making it one of Europe’s oldest. The rink typically opens from late November until the end of December, closing just after the New Year celebrations.

The rink is open from December 21st, 2026 to January 3rd, 2027. You can buy tickets on-site, and skate rentals are available. Evenings are especially lively, but early mornings offer a quieter experience.

Place Kléber is easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the old town, and the nearest tram stop is Homme de Fer. After skating, it’s worth wandering through the surrounding markets or crossing the bridge to Petite France, where the canals and lights create one of France’s most beautiful winter scenes.

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Toulouse – Place du Capitole Ice Rink (Under the Stars)

Toulouse brings a southern twist to winter. While most people think of the city in shades of pink stone and sunshine, December turns its main square, Place du Capitole, into a festive hub with a skating rink right in the middle.

It’s surrounded by the grand neoclassical façades of one of France’s most beautiful city squares, giving skaters a front-row view of Toulouse at its most atmospheric.

The rink is part of the city’s Christmas market, which fills the square with stalls selling local specialties, such as violet-flavored sweets, cassoulet, and foie gras. The Capitole building itself dates back to the 18th century and serves as the city hall. At night, its façade is illuminated, and the rink below takes on an almost theatrical look. 

The rink operates from November 26th, 2026 to January 3rd, 2027 alongside the Christmas market, offering daily sessions and on-site skate hire. You can buy tickets at the entrance, and lines move quickly except on weekends.

Toulouse is easy to navigate on foot, and the Place du Capitole sits right in the city center. The nearest metro stop, Capitole, opens directly into the square. After your skate, grab a glass of mulled wine or duck confit from a nearby market stall, then find a terrace to enjoy the city lights. 

La Clusaz – Mountain-Village Rink

La Clusaz is a hidden gem tucked in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. This mountain village blends ski culture with local life, and its outdoor ice rink sits right at the heart of it all. Skating here means stepping straight from snow-covered streets onto the ice, surrounded by the peaks of the Aravis mountains.

The rink is smaller than those in the cities, but that’s what I love about it. You’ll hear church bells ring across the valley as children race past in wool hats and mittens.

La Clusaz has been a favorite alpine destination since the early 1900s, long before skiing became a mainstream sport. Its reputation grew thanks to its welcoming spirit and year-round energy.

The rink opens seasonally from October 19, 2026, through April 30, 2027, depending on the weather. Tickets are available on-site, and skate rental is included. The best time to go is late afternoon, when the sun dips behind the peaks, and the lights come on, casting a golden glow across the village square.

La Clusaz is about an hour from Geneva and easy to reach by car or shuttle. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, from the rink to the ski lifts to the local cafés serving hot chocolate and tartiflette. It’s a truly magical alpine experience.

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Chamonix – Les Couches 

Few places in France do winter quite like Chamonix. Known as the birthplace of alpine skiing and host of the first Winter Olympics, this mountain town offers no shortage of ways to enjoy the snow.

But one of its best-kept secrets lies just down the valley in Les Houches. The village’s open-air ice rink captures everything special about this region: crisp mountain air, views of Mont Blanc, and old-fashioned winter fun.

Les Houches ice rink sits in the village center, surrounded by snow-covered chalets and pine trees. On clear nights, you can skate under the stars with the silhouette of the Alps rising above you. It’s a breathtaking scene.

The rink opens each winter from December 19th, 2026 to January 3rd, 2027. Because it’s fully outdoors, the experience changes with the weather; some days are bright and crisp, others softly snowy, but that’s part of its charm.

Tickets can be purchased on-site, and skate rental is available. It’s family-friendly during the day, while evenings tend to draw couples and groups of friends winding down after a day on the slopes.

Les Houches is about ten minutes from central Chamonix by car or bus, and both share the same stunning mountain backdrop. After skating, warm up with a fondue or vin chaud at one of the nearby restaurants that look out toward the peaks. 

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Cannes – Riviera Outdoor Rink

Cannes, in the south of France, is best known for its film festival and red carpets, but in December it takes on a surprisingly festive air. The seaside promenade transforms into a Christmas village, and in the Carlton Hotel’s gardens, a beautifully lit ice rink brings winter to the Riviera.

It’s where palm trees meet fairy lights, and skating happens within sight of the Mediterranean.

The Carlton’s gardens are turned into an elegant festive space, complete with twinkling lights, music, and a cozy atmosphere that feels more glamorous than chilly. The setting mixes Riviera style with a hint of nostalgia, offering something few coastal towns can pull off: a real taste of winter by the sea. 

Cannes first introduced the outdoor rink as part of its Christmas celebrations in 2023, and it operates from early December through the first week of January, tbc for Christmas 2026. Tickets available to both hotel guests and the general public. Skates can be rented on-site, and there’s a small café area serving hot drinks and pastries.

The Carlton stands on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, right in the heart of Cannes. The city is easy to explore on foot, and the Christmas market is only steps away from the rink. After skating, stroll along the waterfront or stop for dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbor.

Cannes in winter feels different from anywhere else in France. Skating under palm trees beside the sea might sound unusual, but that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable.