10 days at Christmas - recommend me a European trip rather than go to Scotland

[MrPG]

As the above title, tentative plan was Scotland over the festive period but I'm keen to explore other ideas as that's quite a bit of driving and fuel.
Rugby to the Cairngorms would be 7.5hrs and 670km. Portsmouth is 2.5 hrs and Newhaven 3 hrs.
So for lets say 2000km/1200 miles where would be good?
Quite keen on trying Newhaven as this would probably our main route soon when we stop work and I get my discount next year and it seems good value.
Would prefer to avoid Dover or the Tunnel if possible due to traffic.
I've suggested Paris but this has already been dismissed. We like being outdoors, walking, beaches, wine, beer, food. Somewhere with some life/atmosphere.
We're usually outdoors most of the time, we have enough gear. We have diesel heating, heated waste and enough lithium so off grid is not an issue.

Thanks

Paul

 

[Minxy]

I've not been but Germany seems to be a good place over Christmas due to all the markets etc that go on there.

 

[orridge]

Alsace or the Mosel can be good at that time of the year, combining some walking with visits to Christmas markets. We did Han Sur Lesse, Baden Baden, Strasbourg, Alsace and back easily in that time frame.

Or the chateaus of the Loire Valley if more your scene.

 

[suavecarve]

If I had 10 days I would be popping over to Gravelines, Bruges, Arras, Amiens Lille and having a couple of nights at each of those and enjoying the Xmas markets. Numerous other ones within an hour of Calais. (Appreciating you want to try Newhaven but still cheaper and quicker from Dover if going to these places)

 

[Itsmcb]

I'd rather sit in traffic for two hours and use the tunnel than sit on a ferry for two hours in the channel in the winter. Odds are against a smooth crossing

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[marrod23]

I second Germany around Xmas time it's beautiful