It is only 26 miles that Blighty is a medieval market town, distinct from its Gaelic neighbors, famous for its tapestry. It was destroyed in battle but was so well restored that the Grand Place and the Place des Heroes much more to see in the much more historical part. The Flemish gabled building, quaint squares, fine restaurants, rich heritage history, and lively vibrancy provide an interesting Flemish-Gallic experience. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Musée des Beaux-Arts (entry € 7.50) to see the ornate collection of horse-drawn carriages donated by the Chateau de Versailles in Paris.
. This means you can gather your family in your car and take a ferry to Dover or catch a Eurotunnel from Lockstone and within 90 minutes you can hop on Calais.
Go a little further and there are touches of quite beautiful cities. Here are our picks of five fantastic destinations across the channel.
This beautiful protected town reaches from Hauteville (town) and marks the most beautiful part of town – an ancient, walled, Vauxhall (old town). Looking up, the cathedral dome dominates the skyline. It’s a steep walk up to the wall but this cobbled area is ripe for romantic and perfect for a quiet stroll along the tree-lined path. The view of both the old and the new city is remarkable.
Growing Rue de Lille is located where there are strange art and craft shops, and restaurants where each is made with cheese. Vol hole at the top, a great bar for sipping a glass of vino.
At first glance, this meshwork on the road seems irresistible. But at a second glance, some gems are revealed.
For example, in front of the great town hall is the former German bunker Mus de la Secunde Guer Mandal in Park St. Pierre. It has 27 rooms and thousands of patterns.
For some more frills, go for a gorgeous range of lace dresses and decorative items for the Lace Museum.
The port has a huge sandy beach where a barrier including du Vin, du Payne and du Framze makes an ideal picnic spot. For some more gastronomic, surprisingly, a clutch of exceptional restaurants such as Le Soul Munier is looking at the yacht basin. Another aquarium sits on top of a block of flats so you can dine and enjoy the views of the channel and watch the ships come from its floor through the roof windows.
Calais Vince – Don’t leave without entering the largest wine shop in the region. Owner Jerome Pont knows his grapes and he, along with his English-speaking team, can recommend the wines that would be right for your palate. And just as you can reclaim 15 percent VAT, you can fill your boots (at least your car boots) with 24 bottles of wine and 12 bottles of sparkling wine per person; Plus 42 liters of beer.