Northern france

[tf bundy]

Hi All.
In July we are catching the ferry to Calais and would like some recommendations for places to visit around that area. Its only for 1 week so we cant drive for hundreds of miles, although a couple of hundred is ok. we like the usual things walks/history(WW2)/french culture and especially sea kayaking. Any advice or ideas would be appreciated on locations to visit and park. we may also be brave and head down to Paris, but park somewhere near and travel in by coach/train so if you know of anywhere to park for free or cheap near to Paris it would be appreciated.

TY

 

[David & Ann]

Hi All.
In July we are catching the ferry to Calais and would like some recommendations for places to visit around that area. Its only for 1 week so we cant drive for hundreds of miles, although a couple of hundred is ok. we like the usual things walks/history(WW2)/french culture and especially sea kayaking. Any advice or ideas would be appreciated on locations to visit and park. we may also be brave and head down to Paris, but park somewhere near and travel in by coach/train so if you know of anywhere to park for free or cheap near to Paris it would be appreciated.

TY

Hi TY, Follow the signs for Dunkerque and get on the A16 heading for Dunkerque and the Belgium border. Cross the line from France into Belgium. Very first turning off is Adinkerke, where you can pick up cheap wine and smokes if you need to. If not, then just keep going and follow the signs for BRUGGE. Turn off for Brugge and find a spot anywhere along the canals. They have Aires but expensive. Once you find a place, go and visit the town/city. a really beautiful place. Make sure you have your video and digi camera. When you are ready to leave, head for ANTWERP. Pick up the N9 and then get onto the N49/E34 Do the same, find your spot, best place would be as close to any canal where you can park up. Just as good as Brugge. Antwerp is really a place to see, on foot is the best. I forget the name of the main river. There is a lot of action there. Next stop for a visit is GENT A14/E17. Same routine. Find a spot and enjoy a few days there. Start heading back towards calais via the A14/E17 towards TOURCOING, ROUBAIX and LILLE. Stretch what ever time you have left around the area and head back for Calais on the A25/E42 towards Dunkerque and then branch off for Calais on the A16 for the Ferry. A nice little tour in a circle and you see some lovely places. BUT, you make the final decision. Have fun and bring back a lot of great memories on film.

 

[Deleted member 21686]

Hi TY, Follow the signs for Dunkerque and get on the A16 heading for Dunkerque and the Belgium border. Cross the line from France into Belgium. Very first turning off is Adinkerke, where you can pick up cheap wine and smokes if you need to. If not, then just keep going and follow the signs for BRUGGE. Turn off for Brugge and find a spot anywhere along the canals. They have Aires but expensive. Once you find a place, go and visit the town/city. a really beautiful place. Make sure you have your video and digi camera. When you are ready to leave, head for ANTWERP. Pick up the N9 and then get onto the N49/E34 Do the same, find your spot, best place would be as close to any canal where you can park up. Just as good as Brugge. Antwerp is really a place to see, on foot is the best. I forget the name of the main river. There is a lot of action there. Next stop for a visit is GENT A14/E17. Same routine. Find a spot and enjoy a few days there. Start heading back towards calais via the A14/E17 towards TOURCOING, ROUBAIX and LILLE. Stretch what ever time you have left around the area and head back for Calais on the A25/E42 towards Dunkerque and then branch off for Calais on the A16 for the Ferry. A nice little tour in a circle and you see some lovely places. BUT, you make the final decision. Have fun and bring back a lot of great memories on film.

Great info.

 

[Ann Schmidt]

We enjoyed this

The La Coupole Museum in d'Helfaut-Wizernes, northern France - you said WW2 interested you. This was a good half day out but, unfortunately not particularly cheap - about 9 euros each I think.
Ann