Calais day trip

[pincher]

Out of boredom, I've rather rashly booked a Eurotunnel crossing for a day trip on Monday with the family, as it was pretty cheap for a last-minute thing.

Problem is that I've realised that I only ever use Calais as a hub for getting to Le Mans so have no idea what we can do whilst there. Is Calais town centre much good or would I be better off chugging down to Le Touquet and hitting Citie Europe for a bit of shopping on the way back? Is there much in Le Touquet other than the beach?

Any suggestions appreciated!

[Grey Ghost]

Calais = crap hole

Le Touquet = nice place with decent restaurants plus there was a fun fair on the beach next to the large car park last time I was there in early May, might suit your kiddies. There are also osme nice walks through the parks between the town and the small airport.

Easy drive down from Eurotunnel via the toll road. You can also stop off in the shopping centre close to the Eurotunnel terminal on the way back for a snack and a booze top up

[pincher]

Bon - you still ok for the George on Tusday?

[Grey Ghost]

pincher said:

Bon - you still ok for the George on Tusday?

I am, what time were you thinking?

[pincher]

6pm

[Grey Ghost]

pincher said:

6pm

Done. Mail me at work on Tuesday if anything changes.

[Bluebarge]

http://www.northernfrance-within90minutesofcalais....

+ Boulogne Old Town is pretty and the nausicaa aquarium there is always popular with kids.

the coast road between Calais + Boulogne is pretty and you can stop at Cap Gris Nez. wissant etc.

La coupole is nearby but a bit grim for smaller kids

Cassel is pretty

[The Leaper]

Best shopping area, in my view, is the Auchon at Bolougne and other large stores nearby. When travelling south, at the Bolougne central exit make a left (away from Bolougne) and follow the signs to the Commercial Centre.

Le Touquet is a classy place compared to anything around, bit pricey maybe. You could also try Montreuil-sur-mare: nice town to walk around.

R.

[chazola]

Another vote for the coast road out of Calais if the weather is good- the D940- it's easy to get onto from the chunnel or ferry, really nice quiet road with some good twist/sweeping bends and long straights, there's also an Auchan hypermarket just off it very close to the tunnel, between Calais and Sangatte.

I went to Boulogne last time I was over for a day trip, it's ok, but I hear Le Touquet is a lot nicer.

[Mark.]

As all these guys have said - head out to Le Touquet - lovely little place, and the Nausicca in Bolougne is great too.

[Mandat]

Have you considered Brugge, in Belgium. Only an hour's drive from Calais and a nice day trip if the weather is fine.

[pincher]

Mandat said:

Have you considered Brugge, in Belgium. Only an hour's drive from Calais and a nice day trip if the weather is fine.

Yes, I had considered that actually - was there ththe time last year, before heading to the 'ring.

Will check with SWMBO to see whether we go south or north(ish).

[huwp]

Given the coice I'd hammer up to Bruges and perhaps do Ypres on the way back.

[sparkythecat]

Bluebarge said:

http://www.northernfrance-within90minutesofcalais....

+ Boulogne Old Town is pretty and the nausicaa aquarium there is always popular with kids.

the coast road between Calais + Boulogne is pretty and you can stop at Cap Gris Nez. wissant etc.

La coupole is nearby but a bit grim for smaller kids

Cassel is pretty

This man knows what he's talking about.

Picture shows kite surfers we watched at Wissent last summer. The sport is very popular along this coast. You can see the Dover Calis ferry in the background



Wimereux is also along that route, a pretty little seaside town with interesting buildings and a few nice restaurants. The Pirate Pizzeria there is very good value for money and will appeal to younger children.