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.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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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.
I just tried leaving a two sentence comment here with a compliment of how useful this post was. However what I got was a comment that said, “Your comment is too short. Try saying something useful.” Well, here’s my something useful: fix that rather rude response even if it is automated!