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.
Châteaux de Malmaison
Also known as 'the Palace of Malmaison'. Built in the 18th century, it has been owned by wealthy families; the name derives from Norman times.... Paris, France
Notre Dame Cathedral
Near the River Seine, the famous cathedral is from the Gothic period.... Paris, France
Sainte-Chapelle
A place of religious symbolism built in the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX.... Paris, France
The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands 50 metres in height. It is a tourist attraction and is one of the most famous monumnets in Paris.... Paris, France
The Chateau de Versailles
The stables at Chateau de Versailles Grande Écurie du Château de Versailles. Jules Hardouin-Mansart (Superintendent of royal works) originally designed the two twin buildings to accomodate the King's 600 horses. The building?s construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1683.... Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower
See over 40 miles across Paris. The Eiffel Tower, known as the symbol of Paris- a tower built of iron on the Champ de Mars, inaugurated on 31 March 1889 and it was built by Gustave Eiffel. It attracted around 2 million visitors the first year and almost 6 million annually today. It is 986 feet tall and has 704 steps to the second level, where a lift takes visitors to the top and with a view of over 42 miles of the city.... Paris, France
The Grande Arche de la Fraternite
A monument in the business district of La Defense to the west of Paris.... Paris, France