I must clearly be getting old, because this year I am kind of rejoiced by the little surge of Christmas markets that is taking over Bologna. It must be because they are quite small in size and graciously assembled (most of them), but I’m welcoming them so much that each of them will have its own micro-post.
Let’s begin with the most pretentious stylish of them all, pompously lovingly called French Village. No more than a dozen of stalls, all of them shaped like little mountain houses, all wood and vin brulé. And with your cup of hot wine in your hand, you can have a little stroll under the majestic plane tree of this late XIX century’s square (quite a view in this mostly medieval city), lazily looking at the shelfs selling spices, Dijon mustards, lavender soaps, waffles and éclairs (the latest aren’t very easy to find in town: if you’re a fan of the “bign蔑s French cousin, then this is for you).
People working in the neighborhood (quite a stylish crowd: designer shops’ clerks, lawyers, suits etc) like to hang out here for lunchtime, having some very rich and fattening nourishing French recipe from the food kiosk and sipping vin brulé before they get back to work.
And if you’re wandering “Why the hell should I visit a French market in Bologna”, you’re right, but just remember that both history and dialect of this town have a French influence. So open your eyes, your mind but especially your mouth, and get yourself a nice éclair. Until December 21.
Flaneur in Bologna 
This weekend is the big Christmas market weekend in Utrecht. Lots of gluhwein, poffertjes, oliebollen, and markets in multiple squares and streets. My favorite one is the “hand-made” market with some truly talented artists and craftspeople selling their work. I’ve found a couple of great artists through that market. I’m looking forward to checking out the Bologna markets next year.
Utrecht’s market actually seems really nice! And gezellig 🙂 Markets aren’t Bologna’s best thing I must say, but the overall Christmas atmosphere makes up for it. Well, so far at least. Let’s wait for the week before the actual celebration and everyone is hysterical 🙂
My one and only trip to Bologna was during Christmas/New Year, so it does hold fond memories, with all of the lights and a particularly magical evening in Santo Stefano as the snow started to fall.
Oh wow, snow on Santo Stefano. Romanticism 🙂