BOVES d'ARRAS Each spring in Arras, (62, Pas-de-Calais), the underground city beneath the town (known as the Boves, originally chalk caves and used for shelter in the First World War)…
A peaceful bird and nature Festival on the Somme
Lille's Christmas Market officially takes place from 22 November - 31 December 2023 (although the Big Wheel la Grand'Roue and the hutted Christmas village often get set up a little…
With such easy access from the UK by road or Eurostar, Lille (59 Nord, Hauts de France) is a must to visit all year, and remains one of my favourite…
Most of us hit the autoroute as soon as landing (or de-training) in Calais (62 Pas-de-Calais, Hauts de France) and heading South (or East), the most frequent diversion being for…
Amiens Cathedral I have in the past been somewhat dismissive of the city of Amiens (80 Somme, Hauts de France) largely because an enforced winter stay in the city when…
1 July - 31 August 2016 Le Touquet (62 Pas de Calais, Hauts de France) hosts a Sand Sculptures exhibition at Le Touquet (les Sculptures de Sable) But this is…
Every summer the northern French city of Arras (62 Pas-de-Calais, Hauts de France) holds a major pop music festival - Le MainSquare Festival 30 June - 2 July 2023. The…
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…
Lille (59 Nord, Hauts de France) is a big and vibrant northern French city which is well worth a visit – but it’s not somewhere I associate with peace and…
Compiegne (61 Oise, Picardie) – just off the A1 autoroute north of Paris – Hotel Restaurant Au Relais Napoleon – see map (more…)
Amiens (80 Somme, Hauts de France) holds an annual "Marche sur l'eau" as part of its annual Festival - on the third Sunday in June - 16 June 2024There are…
The Somme evokes images of World War I and battlefields, but it has much more to offer. The magnificent Gothic cathedral at Amiens is well-worth seeing, although to my mind…
Featured at the France Show was a fascinating display of images sponsored by the London College of Communication – University of the Arts London and Maison de la France representing…
Licques Turkey Parade and Christmas Market (62 Pas-de-Calais, Hauts de France) Fete de la Dinde is held on 10 - 11 December 2022 between Calais and St Omer. Licques Christmas…
Both Boulogne-sur-Mer and Calais hold annual Christmas Markets and are easily accessible for a day-trip or shortbreak. Calais (62 Pas-de-Calais, Hauts de France)h olds its Christmas market - 25 November…
The northern French town of Béthune (62 Pas de Calais, Hauts de France) takes on a decidedly Festive atmosphere from 27 November to 31 December 2022 when it becomes La…
Arras Christmas Market (62 Pas-de-Calais, Hauts de France) runs 24 November - 30 December 2023 Arras, with its impressive squares (places), holds a spectacular Christmas market on the Grand Place.…
Amiens Christmas Market (80 Somme, Hauts de France) runs from 25 November - 30 December 2023 Said to be the biggest and greatest Christmas market in Northern France, Amiens town…
Lille Christmas Market has to be worth a trip - at any time of year Lille is worth a visit, with its Vauban Citadel, Grand Place and Vielle Ville (medieval…