Channel Hopping to France
It's never been easier to pop across the channel, even if your
only planning to spend a few hours to buy some wine its well worth
enjoying a local café or restaurant. In a weekend you can explore
the surrounding area and have long leisurely meals and shop around
for the wine you want. If you have more than a couple of days you
will be rewarded with the chance to see more of the countryside
and visit major attractions along the coast or to the south.
If you're on a day trip to Boulogne take a stroll around the Château-Musée
a thirteenth-century castle within the medieval old town. One of
the prettiest Channel ports is Dieppe, and it has a wide selection
of wine and food shops but it may be worth spending a weekend in
the area to take a drive and stop at your leisure at the resort
towns along the Côte d'Albâtre.
The Nausicaã in Boulogne has a great sea life centre with a chance
to "meet the fish"; it also has a swimming pool attached. After
you've been to the shops have a picnic on the beach and a hike along
the cliffs at Dieppe. It's quite easy to find local attractions
all throughout France for children and they'll all enjoy the excitement
of the ferry, Hovercraft or train journey.
As Bologna is the most important fishing port in France fresh seafood
and shellfish cooked simply or in delicious sauces or soups are
a must and of course fresh oysters are a wonderful treat. Dieppe
is famous for its own classic fish sauce dieppoise made with cream,
white wine and mushrooms. Throughout France restaurants always make
the best of local and seasonal produce and it's a great chance to
sample something new from the menu. Good quality wine of course
is available everywhere and restaurants always have a good recommendation.
Cheese from the marvelous selection at Philipe Olivier's shop in
Boulogne or wine from The Grape Shop, which is open 12 hrs . a day.
In Dieppe L'Epicier Olivier is a deli with fine pâtés, coffee and
other gourmet delights and if you're looking for some more interesting
wines try Le Sommelier. If your stopping at some of the Hypermarkets
you can find some great bargains not only on food and wine but also
on cooking utensils and other household items.
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Language: French
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Currency: Euro
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Visas: Not required for citizens of the European Community
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Time: GMT +1
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Climate: Slightly warmer then the South of England
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UK Tourist Office: 178 Piccadilly, London, W1V OAL. Tel 0891
244123
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Vaccinations: None recommended or required
Call us on 0845 299 4450 for further details
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