Nord Pas de Calais

Until the end of August 2009 Le Touquet (62 Pas de Calais, Nord-Pas de Calais)  is hosting a Sand Sculpture exhibition.

But this is not just children’s sand castles on the beach which will be wiped out at the next tide - no these are art sculptures using special sand brought in from Belgium, and with the theme of the kings of France:-

discover France and the secret history of its Kings. An amazing portrait gallery of differing destinies, sometimes amusing, often tormented and always exceptional… Re-live history and set out to conquer the royal sculptures! …

For more info see www.sculpturesdesable.com

For more info on Le Touquet see the official tourist office site

The Brits invade northern France -The  town of Arras (62 Pas de Calais) hosts a top line-up for its “Main Square Festival” from 2- 5 July 2009. Artists include Franz Ferdinand, Duffy, Lenny Kravitz, Kaiser Chiefs, Moby, Lily Allen, Coldplay and many others. The festival in the imposing Grande Place in the heart of the town will make a superb  backdrop - and there may even be some French bands!

For more info see www.mainsquarefestival.fr

For more info on Arras -  see www.ot-arras.fr/

LD Lines’ new 112 metre catamaran, the Norman Arrow, has come into service offering  quick cross-channel connections between Dover and Boulogne. It is the first ever freight carrying high-speed ferry to traverse the Dover Straits with the latest in onboard facilities.

Built in Hobart, Tasmania it underwent a 12000 mile oceanic crossing before entering service on the 60 minute each way short-sea crossing between Dover and Boulogne.

Medcins du Monde UK  (World Doctors) runs an annual London to Paris Bike ride to raise funds (10-13 July 2009).

Day 1

Cycling from London to Dover.

Board the ferry at Dover, arrive in Dieppe in the evening.

Day 2

Set off 10.00 am through the lovely French countryside.

Finish cycling early evening and stay overnight in a French country inn.

Day 3

Leave the hotel at 9.00 am.
Let’s go!

Finish cycling mid-late afternoon in Paris.

Day 4

Free morning with suggested options.

Transfer from hotel to Gare du Nord for Eurostar, arrive in St Pancras

Although it may be too late to register to take part in this 300km ride, you can watch and support them as they cycle through the English and French countryside - and it is easier to get to watch this  than the Tour de France,
For more info see: www.medecinsdumonde.org.uk

If you book a Norfolkline crossing between Dover and Dunkerque before 19 June 2009 through ferrycheap.com there are crossings available until 17 December 2009 from £19 each way in low season or £29 each way high in season.

Although the crossing is slightly longer to Dunkerque, the modern fleet lands you in a well-connected (if somewhat industrial) port which is well-connected for eastern and central France by autoroute. Even Paris is not significantly further than via Dover.

For more info on this offer see www.ferrycheap.com

For more info on Norfolkline see www.norfolkine.com

Best prices for fuel as at 3 June 2009 =unleaded €1.125 (£1.00);  diesel €0.94  ($0.85) per litre.

Despite the demise of Speedferries, there are still some good deals around for crossing the English Channel this summer.

Norfolkine’s fares tend to be the most competitive now, and although the crossing to Dunkerque takes a little longer, and the arrival is into an industrial port, the new ships on the route offer all the comfort and facilities you would expect - and Dunkerque is a definite advantage as a point of arrival for eastern France, and adds relatively little time to other French destinations, given its easy access to the autoroute network.

Ferrycheap are currently offering 2009 one-way fares of £19 (low season) or £29 (high season) for a car + 4 passengers with no amendment fees - but you must book by 18 February 2009.