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
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.
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.
Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is located close to the Austrian boarder, the resort provides 50km of downhill pistes served by 5 chair lifts and 18 drag lifts. Some runs are flood-lit and all are for intermediate skiers.... Berchtesgaden, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's number one ski resort with 118km of downhill pistes, 3 chair lifts, 26 drag lifts and 43 slopes.... Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Grosser Arber
Grosser Arber is for winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy the ski slopes in the eastern German region of Beavria. At a height of 1456m the Grosser Arber is the Mount-Blanc of the Bavarian Forest.... Grosser Arber, Germany
Lenggries
Lenggries has 90 cabins, 3 chair lifts and 14 drag lifts, with pistes as long as 6km long. Skiers can enjoy 131km of prepared ski tracks.... Lenggries, Germany
Mittenwald
Mittenwald has a 7km downhill course and a total of 22km of downhill runs, 1 chair lift and 6 drag lifts.... Mittenwald, Germany
Oberstdorf
Oberstdorf is best known for its 4 hills ski jumping, it has 48km of downhill runs, 24 lifts including chair lifts and 10 drag lifts.... Oberstdorf, Germany
Reit im Winkl
Reit im Winkl has 44km of downhill pistes, the slopes are best for beginners or intermediate skiers. Reit im Winkl offers a range of winter activities such as a 4km toboggan run, 176m cross country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.... Reit im Winkl, Germany
