Ferry operator DFDS is encouraging budget-conscious Brits to discover the delights of Northern France by offering the lowest priced short breaks on the Channel.
For a seamless and affordable journey, a range of car packages are on offer (covering travel for up to nine people).
• Dover-Dunkirk: From £40 return for a day trip, from £65 return for a 3-day trip and from £75 return for a 5-day trip
• Dover-Calais: From £45 return for a day trip, from £70 return for a 3-day trip and from £80 return for a 5-day trip
These prices are available now until 31 March 2018, for travel until 30 April 2018.
Just a short drive from the ports of Calais and Dunkirk is a region of France that is filled with things to do and see. The Nord Pas de Calais region is one of the top visited destinations among ferry travellers, with 29% of customers heading for locations within this region*.
With more than 300 top attractions to choose from, DFDS has compiled a roundup of the region’s highlights to make planning a trip to suit your tastes that much easier.
Boulogne Sur Mer
A wonderful city and key fishing port, with an extensive maritime heritage, Boulogne has a great deal to offer visitors. From a magnificent castle housing an interactive history museum, to one of France’s key sea life centres, the Aquarium Nausicaa, the city is ideal for families to explore.
Bavay
The archaeological site of Bavay is the largest Roman forum ever found in France and impressively still has its entire layout intact. The museum includes 600 archaeological finds to provide an insight into life in Northern France under the Roman Empire and a 3D film makes visitors aware of the grandeur of this once thriving fortress.
Lens
A spectacular museum lies at the heart of this welcoming city, the Louvre Lens. With the building and grounds listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in their own right, in addition to the many masterpieces on permanent display and regular international exhibitions that can be found inside, the area is a must for art lovers.
Bergues
If it’s charm you seek then head for the walled town of Bergues. Brimming over with historic monuments and quaint roadways, Bergues is a trip into the past. Explore the traditional alleyways or take your pick of the 100+ market stalls each Monday morning in the Place de la Republique. Few French towns have their authentic heritage still preserved to the extent of Bergues.
Cambrai
With origins going back over seventeen centuries, Cambrai is rich in history. Its Gothic cathedral draws attention to its importance as a religious centre and its wealth during the middle-ages also added to its status as an artistic centre, particularly for Baroque influences. Despite the damage inflicted on it during the war, art deco architectural designs now give the commune its own unique identity.
Saint-Omer
For character, look no further. With its quaint small shopping lanes, highly-acclaimed golf course, unusual museums, public gardens and Baroque architecture, Saint-Omer has a great deal to offer as a destination for short breaks. For a truly unique day out you can also visit the nearby La Coupole and its planetarium.
To book a ferry crossing to France visit www.dfds.co.uk
