4 magical ways to celebrate a French Christmas in style

It’s that time of year again and preparations are underway for the season’s biggest festivity, Christmas. As well as being a time of great merriment, in France it’s also a time for festivals, fireworks and Father Christmas. Here we round up 4 places where you can enjoy a piece of the festive action. Vaux-le-Vicomte Château, Seine-et-Marne Start December in style at the Enchanted Chateau in Vaux-le-Vicomte Château, Seine-et-Marne where – from 1st December 2012 right through until 6th January 2013, you can discover the château and its forest decorated with Christmas magic. Mont Saint Michel, Normandy Also don’t miss out on a trip to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy to see the Christmas lights – from 24th November 2012 right through until 31st January 2013, you can visit the Illuminations of the Mont Saint Michel from 6pm every evening. Lyon, Rhône-Alps From the 8th to 12th December 2012, it’s the Festival of Lights in Lyon, Rhône-Alps. It’s a magical time of year to visit as the people of Lyon place tiny candles on their window sills and balconies to light up the city. It became a popular festival way back in 1852 when a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected next to the Basilica overlooking the city, and that has now become a focal point of the festival. Epernay, Champagne Ardenne The French don’t usually need an excuse to enjoy a drink or two, particularly in Champagne. And for three days from 14th to 16th December 2012, Epernay – the capital of Champagne – hosts a festival called Habits de Lumières which literally tranlated means ‘dressed in lights’. As well as the lights, there are tastings and a parade.