St. Omer

This typically French town is distinct in Flemish ambience and has proved to be an excellent centre for shopping and sightseeing; it continues to be the first choice of many participating schools. There is also the possibility of including a visit in the region such as the paper factory.

The journey to this small, historic French town is a scenic drive along the coast from Calais and offers a variation to our programme with small markets open on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Aire-sur-la-Lys

A very pretty town 15km south of St. Omer and deep in World War One country with an attractive open air market every Friday morning and ideally linked with an afternoon visit to St Omer, a popular choice for many schools.

Le Touquet

Le Touquet, 'the Playground for Parisians', a splendidly verdant and colourful seaside town, it is an ideal day trip destination offering almost a total contrast in architecture to some older towns in Northern France. You may also wish to include a visit to Etaples or perhaps the interesting walled town of Montreuil.

Calais

Calais is Europe's most important passenger port although it still has a quiet and attractive town centre, indomitably French. Its close proximity to England allows plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping as well as the possibility of other visits, for example to Cap Griz Nez. You may also wish to add a visit to the extensive nearby shopping centre of Cité Europe, which boasts both hypermarkets and worldwide fare.

Arras

A fine city totally rebuilt in just a day after the devastation of World War I. The Town Hall and squares are most impressive and a totally different experience can be had in a visit to the nearby battlefield, cemeteries and Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge.

Montreuil-sur-mer

Once a medieval port, Montreuil looks out over the valley of the river Canche towards the sea at Etaples and is a most charming and interesting town. After a visit to the Citadel, take a tour of the ramparts: this is a lovely walk with plenty of excellent scenery. A visit to the traditional chocolate factory at Beussent is an ideal addition to a day here.

Lille

The capital of Northern France is a beautiful city steeped in culture and blessed with a rich variety of architectural styles. The city centre has many modern stores whilst the Old City is a maze of tiny streets with boutiques and antique shops set in quaint old houses.

Boulogne

The old town of Boulogne is full of charm and history; particularly pleasing are the walks around part or all of the medieval ramparts and a visit to the Castle and Cathedral. In the new town visitors will find enough shops to keep themselves occupied. We also suggest a visit to the nearby Nausicaa Sea Life Centre or sweet factory.