Boulogne – Beaches and Baguettes – French Coast Short Break
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Sunset in Le Tourquet © JD Hestin Photography
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Statue of Napoleon in Boulogne sur Mer ©www.informationfrance.com
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Garlic stall in Boulogne sur Mer ©www.informationfrance.com
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Horse and Carriage sightseeing in Boulogne sur Mer ©www.informationfrance.com
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Fruit stalls in Boulogne sur Mer ©www.informationfrance.com
Here’s a delightful short break that gives a taste of the French way of life. Just a few miles along the coast from Calais, is the picturesque port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Explore the undeniably spectacular Côte d’Opale with its pretty beaches, sand dunes and seaside towns.
An important fishing port, Boulogne-sur-Mer is full of historical, cultural and gastronomic treasures. Take the scenic route north to Le Crotoy, a charming little fishing port with typical fishing boats moored, ready to fish for shrimp. Fishermen’s houses together with holiday homes line the long sandy beach. Also explore the leafy beach resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage blends old English charm with French style for a relaxing retreat.
Discover the pretty promenades and golden sands of this beach-side haven, just across the Channel, along France’s Opal Coast.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested Excursions
Day 1
Arrive in France
Travel to Boulogne and your hotel, your base for the next three nights.
Day 2
Boulogne Sightseeing
Today we explore Boulogne-sur-Mer. The hilltop ‘Upper City’ features centuries-old buildings and cobblestone streets. You can walk all the way round the old town on the top of these ancient stone ramparts. The Basilica de Notre-Dame, an imposing building with a 101-metre-high dome hides a secret, an ancient Roman crypt, the largest in France and now fully restored. Close by, the castle, built in the 13th century, is now Boulogne’s museum. Down on the beach sits the Nausicaà Centre, Europe’s largest aquarium with more than 36,000 sea, freshwater, and terrestrial creatures. Get up close and personal with sharks. It’s quite an experience!
Day 3
Le Crotoy, Le Touquet and the Cote d’Opale
This morning we head south to the charming little fishing port of Le Crotoy. This hidden gem, sitting on the picturesque Bay of the Somme, has inspired Jules Verne, Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec. There’s an opportunity to take a steam train ride around the bay to Cayeux-sur-Mer. Our next stop is in the chic resort of Le Touquet, a favourite with both the English and the French due to its renowned elegance and atmosphere. Enjoy the promenade and the pearly white beach with its colourful huts, and discover the boutiques and markets hidden along the maze of streets. Our journey back to Boulogne takes us via the flower -adorned resort of Berck-Plage.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave France and return to the UK.
Suggested Hotel
Ibis Boulogne sur Mer Centre Les Ports***
Located right in the city centre, just 10 minutes from the station and 5 minutes from the casino. The hotel is close to the fishing ports and marina as well as the beach and the ocean museum, Nausicaa. The hotel offers 79 rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, en-suite with hairdryer. Other facilities include a 24 hour bar and restaurant open for dinner. Coach parking is available nearby.
Looking for some alternative winter short breaks, then why not try one of these tours?
Bruges Bargain Break – Canals, Cobbles, Churches and Chocolate
| 4 days / 3 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
Prices by train are available on request.
