What if, this year, the festive season happened somewhere else? A gîte all to yourselves, a cosy lounge, a frosty garden and Christmas markets nearby: the Pays de Bray has everything for a simple, warm Christmas. Here are our ideas for two, for friends or for the whole family.
A charming gîte in winter is first of all about quiet. A bedroom upstairs, a slow breakfast, a walk through the frosty countryside, then back to the cosy lounge for hot chocolate and a good book. No schedule to keep: the Pays de Bray is made for unhurried walks, through half-timbered villages or in the forest. In the evening, cook together in the open kitchen, or book a table in Forges-les-Eaux. Come as a couple and the gîte is yours for the holidays: a rare luxury.
With room for up to 10 guests, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large open kitchen (oven, induction hob, dishwasher), the gîte is ideal for Christmas with friends. Everyone brings a dish, you lay a long table and play cards late into the night. The cosy lounge welcomes everyone, and a morning walk in the garden or countryside clears the head. Share out the shopping before you arrive: the shops of Forges-les-Eaux are close by. A New Year weekend works in just the same way.
Several generations under one roof, without having to host at home: that is the promise of a Christmas in a gîte. For children, the enclosed garden, the ponies passing by the window, the toys and books on the landing, and the cosy lounge where little ones can snuggle up with a giant polar bear plush do the rest. On the programme: a trip to a Christmas market, a forest walk with a treasure hunt, and an evening of crêpes or hot chocolate. For more ideas with children, read our top 5 family activities.
According to published announcements, the Forges-les-Eaux Christmas market takes place on 5 and 6 December 2026 at the Halle Baltard and the Théâtre municipal: Saturday 10am–8pm, Sunday 9am–5:30pm, free entry, photos with Santa and food on site. In Gournay-en-Bray, a Christmas market is announced for 6 December 2026. For a bigger outing, the Rouen Christmas market is set up on Place de la Cathédrale from 25 November to 27 December 2026. These dates are those given by organisers and listings: please check them before you go, as they may change.
The cosy lounge is made for winter evenings: blankets, board games, hot chocolate. The Christmas tree goes up in December, and the frosty garden is beautiful at dawn. The fireplace in the lounge is purely decorative and cannot be lit, but the atmosphere is there all the same. Discover our cosy winter stay and the gîte page. As for the Christmas meal, it is yours to cook: the kitchen is fully equipped.
Christmas and New Year dates book early: check availability now. The pool is closed in winter (open May to September). Do your shopping before the 24th: shops close early on holidays. Breakfast can be arranged on request, as can luggage drop-off before arrival: ask when you book. For a group stay or retreat at the start of the year, see our retreats.
No, the fireplace in the lounge is purely decorative and cannot be lit. The cosy lounge is still very warm: blankets, hot chocolate and board games.
Up to 10, in 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.
No, the heated pool is open from May to September only.
Yes: Forges-les-Eaux (Halle Baltard, 5 and 6 December 2026, free entry), Gournay-en-Bray (6 December 2026) and Rouen (25 November to 27 December 2026), according to announced dates. Please check them before you go.
Yes, in an enclosed garden. Please mention it when you enquire.
Dreaming of Christmas at Domaine Majorelle? Check availability or write to us.