Following on from yesterday's article on Boulogne-sur-Mer, Anthony Peregrine in the Times has some suggestions for extending the cross-channel Christmas shopping trip with some quality time in the hinterland of Calais. The northern French countryside may not have the immediate seductive charm of Provence or the Dordogne, but get off the main routes and you can get a sense of being in deepest France - albeit the weather reminds you of your closeness to the UK. Like all good things, France needs a little time to be enjoyed and savoured - not something which is easy to do in Calais for all its attractions.
"Well, we have the answer. It is to transform the Calais booze cruise into a short break. A simple overnighter will do. That way, you’re not flipping across for cheap hooch. You’re going to spend some time in France, which sounds a lot better.
And it is a lot better. Beyond Calais itself, the Pas-de-Calais region is surprisingly lovely and studded with fine hotels. It’s proper France. Then, when your stay is done and you’re homeward bound, you dart into Calais for the booze — an afterthought, nothing more."
He has some good suggestions for hotels, chambres d'hote (B&B) and shopping which may swallow up some of your savings on shopping, but make for a more enjoyable winter break.
For more see the Times
