Christmas trees: Popular varieties in France and what you should expect to pay

Christmas trees are on sale around France, with Nordmann firs the most popular over Norway spruces or artificial models. Here is how much they cost and where you can buy them.

Many families will rush to buy a Christmas tree on Saturday (November 30), however some shops started selling them mid-November.

The vast majority will purchase Norway spruces (epicéas) and Nordmann firs.

Norway spruces are the ‘classic’ Christmas tree for many due to their pleasant smell and sparse, light green branches that are easy to decorate. 

However, they lose their needles quickly once brought indoors. People looking to purchase a Norway spruce are typically advised to wait until mid-December to ensure that the tree still has some needles on it by Christmas.

Their average price was €25.40 in 2023.

Bin, forest? How to dispose of your Christmas tree legally in France

Nordmann firs have dense foliage, strong branches and dark green needles, which are waxier than those of Norway spruces. 

They are also more resistant to being moved indoors, and as such popular with families who decorate early.

Their smell is less pronounced than Norway spruces, making them a good choice for people with allergies. 

Their average price was €32.80 in 2023.

Other less common varieties include the blue Colorado spruce (epicéa bleu) or the Noble fir (sapin noble).

Read more: Gardening in France: French history and care of Christmas trees

Alternatively, artificial trees, which can be reused every year, are available in all shapes and sizes. The average price of an artificial tree was €49.60 in 2023.

Real trees can be purchased at garden centres, hypermarkets, many supermarkets, or directly at growers. Artificial trees can be found in hypermarkets, certain supermarkets or ordered online.