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Just managed to grab five days, Monday through to Friday next week, we thought it would be nice to have a quick trip to France and bimble up and down the coast a little bit (including DePanne for some Moules and Frites) nothing to hectic, in fact far from a hectic schedule is exactly what we're after.
I have a few ideas but does anyone have a ready made trip that they have just done and enjoyed? We would certainly like some advice on coastal towns and villages that are worth a visit - We would like to use Aires if possible - Any advice will be readily acted upon
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Go along the coast and stay at Les Erables near Calais which is near the dover patrol monument. then head down to Le Touquet there is an Aire (Paris Plage ) (8 euros per night) which is good. The town is expensive but nice for a visit. Then go to Breck and the areas near by which are very nice and have plenty of Aires. Its not to far to drive and if you want wine etc go to Boulogne where there is a huge Auchen just south of J31 which is better and cheaper than Calais.
Enjoy you trip
Andy
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St Omer is a nice little town.It has an old walled part, and even the more modern centre has interesting old streets and alleyways.
If you go a little way into Belgium both Bruges and Gent are well worth a visit. Both have Aires nearby, or there's Camping Memling for Bruges and Camping Blaarmeersen for Gent. These would be my preferences as the area around Calais itself is not the most spectacular bit of La Belle France.
Arras is pretty spectacular, and has two magnificent squares, both of which have been flattened and rebuilt at least twice, but you would never know. The underground tunnels from the world wars are well worth a visit, and start from one end of the main square.
Lille is a much underrated city, but not one to drive into with the truck. Parking is not the easiest. Well worth a visit though.
None of the beach resorts in the area is much to write home about. I suppose Boulogne is possibly the best as it has the biggest town behind it for alternative interest. It also has a large area which is traffic free for wandering - but it is a bit naff compared to a "real" French seaside town.
If you want to drive as far as just beyond Le Havre, the seaside towns of Honfleur, Trouville and Deauville are really delightful. Le Havre itself is "missable" though parts of it are nice enough.
No doubt others will have their favourites to tempt you.
Le Touquet is very nice, very cosmopolitan and VERY Expensive. Try Fort Mahon or Quend Plage, there is an Aire at Quend and a couple of cheap campsites.
Trev.
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Thanks Andy and Dave, I do rather go down south east than along the coast, will have look those towns you mentioned and plan for 3 stops maybe, got a 12 years old daught with us so need something a little bit more than basic to keep her happy!
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Thanks Andy and Dave, I do rather go down south east than along the coast, will have look those towns you mentioned and plan for 3 stops maybe, got a 12 years old daught with us so need something a little bit more than basic to keep her happy!
Bruges and Gent may be better for one of the stops then. Very touristy in the centres of each, though not really spoiled as a result.
Bruges for preference with the daughter in mind as it is more compact and has more of interest for kids. A ride round in a pony and trap would be very enjoyable, but I expect it's quite expensive.
Beware the chocolate shops, of which there are multitudes. The beer is good too - they brew several hundred varieties in Belgium (I do not jest) so room for experiment there.
There are Frituur stalls all over the place ("chips" to your daughter) and they make a delicious as a snack meal with a Merguez or some other sausage variant. Belgian ice cream is pretty good too, and the waffles are superb.