Normandy! The name brings a dozen different images to mind: William the Conqueror, the D-Day landings, Mont-St-Michel; the bleak landscape of the Cotentin coast, the sparkling summertime playground of the Côte Fleurie; sumptuous châteaux, historic abbeys, famous gardens; the orchards of the Auge, the picture-postcard scenery of the Suisse Normande; Monet’s home at Giverny, the Cabourg immor- talized by Proust – or perhaps it’s cider, calvados and camembert. If you are coming from England, you can get to Normandy using one of the car ferries to France. But if you are coming from other parts of the world, a train or plane would probably be the most suitable option.
So given the above, it looks like no matter how much time you will designate to your holiday to Normandy, chances are, you will barely scratch the surface of this rich and rewarding region. But if you are short of time here are the top 3 picks.
So given the above, it looks like no matter how much time you will designate to your holiday to Normandy, chances are, you will barely scratch the surface of this rich and rewarding region. But if you are short of time here are the top 3 picks.
Mont-St-Michel
One of the most spectacular sights in Normandy, this craggy rock crowned by a magnificent abbey appears to erupt from the surrounding landscape – a broad expanse of sand or sea, depending on the dramatic tides. The region’s star attraction since pilgrims first flocked here 1,000 years ago, it now draws some three million visitors each year – and has perhaps 50 true inhabitants.According to legend, St Michael, the archangel, appeared three times in a dream to Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, commanding him to build an oratory on Mont Tombe (tomb on the hill). When Aubert delayed, the impatient archangel prodded a finger into Aubert’s forehead, leaving a dent. Aubert’s church rapidly became a centre of pilgrimage for the miquelots, followers of the cult of St Michael, which had taken root in the West in the 5th century.
The brightly gilded statue on top of the abbey spire, sculpted in 1897 by Emmanuel Frémiet, portrays the archangel in traditional fashion (below). Armour-clad, he is slaying a dragon (symbol of the devil) with his sword. In his other hand he carries a set of scales - a reference to the medieval belief that it was his role to weigh the souls on Judgment Day. The Archangel Michael is the warlike angel of the Apocalypse, who slays the devil – in the form of a dragon – in the great conflict at the end of time. In Normandy, he is the patron saint of mariners.
Bayeux Tapestry
Both a unique historical document and an astonishing work of art, the Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 – and it tells it with thrilling narrative drive. Stitched in eight brilliant shades of red, yellow and blue wool, the 58 strip-cartoon-style scenes were embroidered just 11 years after the Conquest onto a single 230 ft (70 m) linen cloth – at the behest, it is thought, of William the Conquerer’s half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. It is displayed in a renovated seminary, preceded by helpful explanatory exhibitions.
A slide show projected onto billowing white “sails” describes the Viking invasions of western Europe. Next, echoing the Tapestry itself, an 85 m (280 ft) band of cloth explains the story told by the embroidery. Using life-size figures, maps and scale models (including a delightful model of the village of East Meon), William’s
influence on every sphere of English life after his conquest is cleverly portrayed.
Honfleur
Seductively pretty, with cobbled streets and half-timbered or slate-fronted houses, Honfleur is a working port with a long maritime history. First mentioned in documents of the 11th century, by the 15th it had become a significant fortified port. Its heyday came some 200 years later, when it spawned intrepid explorers like Samuel de Champlain, who set out from here to found Québec. Le Vieux Bassin, the charming old dock at the heart of the town, is brimming with colourful sailing boats; artists have flocked here since the 19th century.Turner, Corot, Courbet, Daubigny, Dubourg, Jongkind, Monet and the Impressionists, the Fauves, Dufy, Friesz – these and countless others were drawn to Honfleur by the special quality of light in the Seine estuary, the unspoilt medieval town, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside – the same reasons that Honfleur has a thriving artists’ colony today.
Normandy is a culturally rich region and it is definitely worth spending some time here. And budget restriction should certainly not stop anybody from visiting. Although getting from England to France by train can be expensive, and to be honest, not very interesting (ok, maybe once for the sake of ticking the experience off your bucket list), a far more interesting choice is taking a cheap ferry to France. It doesn't take that long either, and it can be a relaxing time spent in good company. I've always found ferries to be quite charming and the idea of being surrounded by water (maybe watching a beautiful sunset at the horizon) sounds simply magical. It can be a surreal experience. All you need is to let go and enjoy. By the time you will get to France, you will already be in the right mood for your holiday.
Today, Paris has something for everyone in a multifaceted, magical and mythical capital: sometimes secret, always surprising. Not to mention one of the most romantic cities in the world. Two hundred and fifty years before Julius Caesar pulled up to shore and camped on Île de la Cité in 53 B.C., a Celtic tribe known as Parisii (boat people) occupied the island and the land on both its banks, and cruised the waters of the Seine in lucrative trading. They called the land Lutetia, which meant “boatyard on the water.” Caesar expanded his empire by crushing a Parisii rebellion, and the Romans renamed their settlement Lutetia Parisiorum.
They rebuilt the town, walled it off, and constructed a temple to Jupiter and Caesar on the site of the future Notre-Dame cathedral. They also built bridges to connect the banks, and the city spread outward from Île de la Cité through centuries of struggle and warfare, bombardment and occupation. Christianity intervened, then the Franks invaded, and Charlemagne ruled benevolently from afar but encouraged trade and commerce. Enter the Vikings in the ninth century. Their repeated sackings caused a retreat to the island as the outlying areas were not defensible. In the twelfth century, the Knights Templer assumed control and Bishop Maurice de Sully began construction on Notre-Dame.
They rebuilt the town, walled it off, and constructed a temple to Jupiter and Caesar on the site of the future Notre-Dame cathedral. They also built bridges to connect the banks, and the city spread outward from Île de la Cité through centuries of struggle and warfare, bombardment and occupation. Christianity intervened, then the Franks invaded, and Charlemagne ruled benevolently from afar but encouraged trade and commerce. Enter the Vikings in the ninth century. Their repeated sackings caused a retreat to the island as the outlying areas were not defensible. In the twelfth century, the Knights Templer assumed control and Bishop Maurice de Sully began construction on Notre-Dame.
The French monarchy developed and took command in reaction to the repeated Viking incursions and the lack of effective action by the foreign rulers: Governor Hugh Capet ascended the throne and made Paris his capital; Île de la Cité became the site of his home, where now stands the Palais de Justice. Philip II occupied the medieval palace complex that today includes Sainte-Chapelle. He developed Paris into being the center of what was considered Europe during the Middle Ages, and expanded the old Roman wall around the island and beyond. Medieval life on Île de la Cité was a tangled web of streets and markets and buildings.
By the mid–nineteenth century, when Napoléon III named George Haussmann his prefect of Paris and placed him in charge of urban renewal, life on the island had deteriorated: Streets were narrow, twisted, and filthy—crowded and squalid. Haussmann engineered new routes, widening streets and razing old buildings. The result of his tinkering left Notre-Dame with breathing room, while opening the door to a twentieth-century maze of tourist buses. Essentially, he created modern Paris. Though its actual administration was divided into the first and fourth arrondissements, Île de la Cité is its heart.
Paris is a majestic city, a city of culture, romance, gastronomy, design and fashion. It is also a city on the move, a city of daring. It's also huge, and while exploring the city by bike or metro has it's advantages, consider the options of cheap car hire in Paris so you can actually move comfortably around. With the opening of new museums, world-class sporting events, festive and popular urban happenings like "Nuit Blanche" and "Paris Plage", Paris is a capital that never sleeps. Whether you are a newcomer or already familiar with the Paris scene, there is a vast choice awaiting you: over 1,800 classified monuments, 170 museums, 145 theatres and 380 cinemas. Some of the cultural sites of the capital are absolute "musts" and among the most visited monuments in the world. Several of them have UNESCO world heritage status.
Paris, however, is not just a historical city. Its riverbanks and neighborhoods, some of which retain a village atmosphere, are an invitation to stroll and sight-see. By day or by night, from Belleville to the Marais, from the Butte aux Cailles to Montmartre, soak up the special ambiance of these quarters to grasp the true "spirit" of the city and let yourself be carried away by its energy and vitality. Discover the history of France, check out the latest trends, enjoy the parks and gardens or go on a shopping spree. And also consider hiring a car when in France to explore the picturesque French countryside. Just like the Parisians. And, take your time. Paris, the eternal, City of Lights, original, modern and creative is all yours.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
Ever fancied a trip to France but worry that it may be expensive? Long for a river cruise through France to Prague for a romantic break away? It doesn’t have to break the bank and there are so many cruises to France and through the beautiful country these days that your trip is just a few clicks away.
Paris is well known as the city of magical romance; a place where you can take the love of your life for a romantic proposal or spend some quality time together. With a cruise through Paris to other enchanting locations you could be seeing exciting new sights every day, making a river cruise can be an ideal option for intrepid explorers.
Enjoy the journey
With a range of European river cruises on offer throughout stunning cities and picturesque locations it could be the perfect opportunity to explore Europe in well-appointed accommodation and enjoy each other’s company. Cruise ships have a large range of facilities on board for comfort and luxury so there is no need to worry about where to go for dinner.
The accommodation is the epitome of style and the best thing about a cruise is that not only do you get to sit on board and watch the scenery go by in various locations, making for striking photo opportunities, but you also get the option to disembark and explore particular points on the journey.
More places, more choice
On a river cruise adventure in France you can maximise the places you see and turn your holiday into an exciting journey rather than just a destination. Spend a few days soaking up the beauty of Paris, stroll around the stunning towns of Giverny and Vernon or explore the medieval city of Rouen taking in the haunting beauty of the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. With a river cruise, so much is possible.
Prices you can afford, locations you will love
You may worry that a holiday could be expensive but with a river cruise it can be less expensive than you might think. Companies such as Viking offer a wide range of cruises in a selection of areas so that you can spend your holiday not just visiting one destination but enjoying several points along the way. The great thing is that the price is less expensive than you might think.
Surely the opportunity to visit several places and learning the history of towns and cities all while staying in high quality accommodation is a more exciting option than simply visiting one place? A river cruise in France could be the perfect option for your holiday this year so why not take a look at the locations available and the huge number of options and create the holiday of your dreams?
They say that you’re never too old or too young for Disneyland. Whether your first Disney experience was watching “Bambi” in 1942, or watching “Cars” in 2006, the characters of Disney always manage to hold a special place in our hearts. Over the last decades, Disney has grown from being an America film company, to an internationally recognized household name. In 1955, California became home to the first and only Disney theme park. However, it didn’t stay that way for long; in 1971, Disney World opened in Florida, and in 1983 Tokyo Disneyland opened up. In 1992, Europe welcomed its first Disney amusement park: Disneyland Paris, which quickly grew to be one of the most popular destinations on the continent.
About the Park
Originally called Euro Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris is family-friendly vacation theme park located in Marne-la-Vallée, in the eastern suburbs of Paris. The Disneyland Paris resort is made up of the Disneyland theme park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Golf Disneyland, several hotels, and a complex that will meet all of your shopping, dining, and entertainment needs. With so many terrific sights and activities, it’s no surprise that Disneyland Paris tickets continue to be Europe’s best seller themed attraction.
Sights and Attractions
Disneyland Park is home to a variety of great rides and attractions that are ideal for visitors of all ages. Younger kids will love “It’s a Small World”, a mini, musical cruise filled with joyful songs, while thrill-seekers will love exciting rides such as “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril” and “Big Thunder Mountain”. Another must see for all visitors is the Disneyland Parade, which features a magical procession of everyone’s favorite characters.
Additionally, make sure to stick around for the nighttime shows, a spectacular extravaganza of lights, lasers, and fountains, all focused around great Disney stories and characters. Those who aren’t fans of rides can get their thrills from meeting Disney characters such as Cinderella and Mickey Mouse. Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Studios Park focuses more on life behind the cameras, and features shows such as “CinéMagique”, a big-screen experience that explores 100 years of movie-making, and “Moteurs…Action! Stunt Show Spectacular”, an explosive performance of unforgettable car and motorcycle stunts.
Plan Your Trip
There are many ways to get to Disneyland Paris. The train is a great choice, with the "Marne-La-Vallée/Chessy" station located right outside the main entrance to the parks, as well as being very close to the Disney hotels (with the exception of Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch). It is a 35 minute train ride from the center of Paris on RER A express train. If you’re driving to the park, take the A4 expressway; exit 14 will bring you to the park. For those who have flown into Paris and are heading directly to the park or to the hotel, use the VEA shuttle service that connects Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, and Disneyland Paris.
Buying your admission in advance always makes your trip more enjoyable, and there are many options to do so online. Even if you do not know the exact date of your visit, you can select Disneyland Paris tickets valid for any one day for the year following your purchase (note that it is cheaper to purchase a ticket for a specific date). Other options you can select include multi-day tickets, and multi-park tickets (allowing access to both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios).
Adult ticket prices range from $113 USD (for a one-day, two-park, date-specific ticket) to $250 USD (for a five-day, two-park, flexible-date ticket). Admission prices are slightly lower between March 28th and November 7th, and are reduced for children. Opening hours, so make sure to check the website, but generally the Disneyland Park is open from 10am to 10pm, and Walt Disney Studios are open from 10am to 7pm.
Photos by Sparkly Kate, bubble_gum, nikontino via Flickr Creative Commons
Photos by Sparkly Kate, bubble_gum, nikontino via Flickr Creative Commons
Paris is a romantic and magical destination at anytime of year, but at Christmas the city radiates with a festive glow unmatched by almost any other European city. Shop windows fill with chocolates and other mouthwatering treats and the city’s legendarily harassed and busy residents have even been known to stop and even crack a smile.
So if you’ve got a weekend to spare before the big day then a trip to Paris is the way to start your festive season with a bang. And to make it even better here’s a few suggestions for the best things to see and do during your time in la belle France!
Christmas Window Displays
That’s not to say the department stores of Opéra aren’t worth a visit, or at least worth peering into from the outside. Paris’ two main department stores - the opulent Galeries Lafayette and the slightly more pedestrian (but still very impressive) Printemps - spend all year coming up with ever more inventive, intricate and complex window displays, which are generally unveiled at the end of November each year. These are truly works of art (indeed well known modern artists have collaborated on them in the past) and are generally surrounded by a gaggle of (suitably impressed) tourists. If you’ve got the time then pop up to the roof of either department store (Printemps’ terrace has the better view but can be a nightmare to find) and take in the vistas of the city; if you’re looking for an ‘I’ve been in Paris’ Facebook photo then this could be the place to take it!
Christmas Markets
Yes, ok, starting off a guide to Christmas in Paris by mentioning a quintessentially German concept might seem a strange thing to do, but the Marché Noël at La Défense is worth breaking the rules for. The market is made up of around 300 wooden huts spread amongst the skyscrapers of Europe’s largest business district offering Glühwein, stocking fillers and warm and hearty food making the market well worth a wander. More conventional Christmas shopping needs can also be taken care of in the gigantic Les Quatre Temps shopping centre which is also situated in the area. While it lacks in individuality it most definitely makes up for in it scale and convenience. Plus it never gets anywhere near as busy as the department stores around Opéra or the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées.
Other Tips
If you’re visiting after Christmas and looking to hit the sales then keep in mind that sale dates in France are officially regulated and 2013’s winter sales won’t start until January 9th. The first day of the sales is usually mad and unless shopping is your sport, probably best avoided. The officially enforced end date of the sales means that, unlike in the UK, discounts will get deep towards the end of the sale period since the products have to be shifted before a set date.
Got tips of your own? Then leave us a comment with your advice for the best Christmas activities in Paris, or any other cities you might love at Christmas time!
If you’ve ever has the pleasure of visiting France, you’ll understand that to the locals, wine isn’t just a drink – it’s a way of life. That’s especially true in Montmartre, where the annual Fête des Vendanges celebrates the region’s wine culture and the year’s harvest with five days of festivities, music, food and of course, plenty of good wine!
This year’s Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre takes place from the 10th to the 14th October, during which time the streets will be filled with stalls selling tempting French delicacies and selling wine by the glass, fresh from the local vineyards. Live musical performances and displays of dancing also help to create a party atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to grab a glass of red, white or rosé and join in with the fun.
The highlight of the festival will take place on the Saturday, on which day a colourful parade of masked performers and extravagant floats will delight the crowds, followed by a magnificent fireworks display. Visitor numbers can often top multiple thousands so if you want a good view of the proceedings, be sure to head there early.
An Urban Vineyard
As Montmartre has a unique location just north of Paris, making it one of the few cities in the world with a functional vineyard, the Fête des Vendanges makes a perfect excuse to take cheap flights to Paris with low-cost specialist airlines like Jet2.com. As well as drinking lots of delicious, locally-produced wine, you’ll also be able to experience all of the fantastic sights that Paris has to offer.
October is also a fantastic time to visit Paris as it will not be so busy with tourists, meaning you’ll be able to snap up a table at the city’s most in-demand restaurants, find a seat on a rooftop terrace or just browse the shops in peace.
The city of Paris itself will also be celebrating its annual Autumn Festival during October, perfect for culture vultures with a thirst for opera, dance or theatre so don’t forget to check the schedule before you go – and don’t drink too much wine in Montmartre!
About the Author: Victoria Cawthorne is a travel blogger with a passion for music, theme parks, bikes, sewing, vegetarian food and road trips in camper vans. She has traveled extensively through Europe and North America and even lived abroad too, and has a natural passion for penning her experiences along the way.
The northern coastal town of Calais is a short ferry journey from the southern English port of Dover and is a popular destination for a weekend trip amongst families and elderly couples alike. A trip to this French town offers a cheap weekend getaway with a number of historic and beautiful sites to see.
Getting to Calais
A Dover to Calais ferry for two, or for two adults and two children can be booked at less than £100 should you book a month or so in advance, even during the school summer holidays. The journey is approximately 90 minutes long and the ferry provides comfortable seating and entertainment during your boarding. A quicker alternative is the EuroTunnel.
Staying in Calais
For a little more than £100 when booked in advance, you can get a hotel in Calais for a family of 4. There are several hotels around town, all nearby the historic landmarks and tourist attractions across town.
Calais Sightseeing
Calais Town Hall
The Calais Town hall in the heart of Calais is perhaps the most-impressive attraction that this coastal resort has to offer. This Town Hall boasts wonderful architecture and an elegant clock tower. The front garden is well-maintained and hosts artwork throughout the year. On a recent trip, work by Laurence Jenkell was on display, as shown in the photo below.Parc Richelieu
A short walk away from Calais Town Hall, the opposite side of the Jacquard Bridge stands Parc Richelieu. This impressive park hosts the Calais War Memorial at its entrance, alongside 5 flying French flags. The park itself is beautiful on the inside, with a miniature fountain, perfect for a rest or relaxation during a hot summer’s day.
Fine Arts and Lace Museum
Located adjacent to Parc Richelieu, the Calais Fine Arts and Lace Museum plays host to work from Rodin, Pablo Picasso and Dubuffet. For an entrance fee of €3, you can see plenty of artwork, including an insight into how Rodin’s famous Six Burghers of Calais masterpiece came about.
War Museum
Fort Risban
One of the closest attractions walking from the ferry terminal is Fort Risban. Situated along the coastline, there isn’t much left of this fort that came under siege from Edward III of England’s army in 1346, but remains an historic part of the coastal town and is nearby two monuments worth visiting.
Calais Lighthouse
Not far from Fort Risban and also near the coast stands the tall Calais Lighthouse. Viewable from a distance away, a walk from the fort to the lighthouse will take you pass the Bassin du Paradis and a couple more monuments. For a €2.50 entrance fee you can climb all 271 steps for a pleasant view over the Channel and town from the top.
Monuments
Calais plays host to several statues and monuments across town. Some of these pay tribute to wars, others to disasters and local heroes. Rodin’s Six Burghers of Calais monument outside of the Town Hall is perhaps the most famous. Others include a War Memorial, Remembrance Monument and one of inventor, Joseph Jacquard. There’s plenty of history in this town.
With a beach, historic landmarks and beautiful parks, as well a cheap and easy destination to visit if you’re making the trip from the south of England, Calais is a good option for a family looking for a weekend break on a budget.
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