Any of the main cities in Normandy are easily accessible from Paris, as there are frequent services.
Normandy is the region of France located to the north west of Paris situated between the English Channel and Brittany. It was once controlled by Britain (though firmly in French hands since the 13th century save for a few British controlled Channel Islands off the coast), although there remains a Norman influence here that gives the region a slightly different cultural feel than other parts of France.
It is a mostly agricultural area where much of the country’s dairy is produced. Cattle breeding, cider production and fishing are also all important industries that help define this lush and beautiful region of France.
Bayeux Tapestry
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This small Norman city welcomes large numbers of tourists to see the immense embroidered cloth known to the French as “La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde”. It is 230 foot long and one of the largest and most detailed in the world depicting the events leading up to the Norman invasion in 1066.
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The town of Bayeux itself is also full of historical significance; being the first town liberated after D-Day and one of the few towns in the region to survive WWII rather unscathed, Bayeux has narrow streets crammed with wooden-framed Norman houses and has an impressive Gothic cathedral.
Attractions during Advent and Christmas
From 1st December 2009-15th January 2010, Mont St Michel hosts “Activities and Illuminations”, where the whole town is magically lit up.
Falaise hosts “Les Hivernales de Falaise” from 3rd-31st December 2009 with exhibitions, Christmas concerts, activities, street entertainment, Christmas market and fireworks.
The Creative Christmas Market in Evreux is available from 11th - 19th December 2009, with local arts and crafts including sculpture, jewellery, drawings, embroidery, decorations, as well as hats and clothing.
On the 16th of December, visitors can take a tour of the villages of Orne to see their special festive lights.
Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez has a skiing area of 450km, one of the great features of Alpe d'Huez is it's large vertical drop an average of 2,210m. The resort has one of the largest ski runs in the world.... Alpe d'Huez , France
Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil)
Avoriaz is probably the best known resort of the Portes du Soleil area which has 12 resorts and two country's. Avoriaz is located at an altitude of 1800m, it stays open until April when the Ski season Ends.... Avoriaz, France
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains has the worlds largest ski area with 600km. The resort has apres ski life and a spa resort. You can stay in the upper mountain hotels to get the most out of your holiday resort.... Brides-les-Bains, France
Courchevel
Courcheval does enjoy a reputation for being the world's best ski resort. Described as classic, prestigious and extravagant , Set in breathtaking scenery in a superbly inter-linked region, Courchevel offers visitors a choice of 198 lifts, uphill capacity of over 243,000 people an hour .... Courchevel, France
Drouzin le Mont (Vallee d'Aulps)
Drouzin le Mont is a small beautiful family resort, children can learn to ski here in complete safety on slopes facing the accommodation. The resort has 15 slopes with 2 chair lifts, 4 drag lifts and 2 snow wires.... Drouzin le Mont, France
Flaine
Flaine has 265km of skiing area, it is a well known tourist attraction for winter holidays. Some of the best skiing in France can be found at this resort. The resort is well laid out with 77 lifts.... Flaine, France
Grand Massif
Grand Massif is 5 resorts linked by 256km of skiing with 133 down hill slopes served by 78 lifts.... Grand Massif, France
La Clusaz
The ski village of La Clusaz celebrated 100 years of winter sports in 2007 and this resort, often described as dynamic,is one of the closest to the UK so is convenient for car drivers.... La Clusaz, France
La Plange
La Plange has a 6 seater detachable chair lift, 11 individual resorts make up the area La Plange. It has slopes at different levels of difficulty, there are 210km of ski runs which favours beginner and intermediate skiers.... La Plange, FranceLa Plange, France