“Discover the charm of Belgium and Northern France on this four-day journey. Begin in the historic town of Ypres, with its cobbled streets and rebuilt medieval Cloth Hall. Visit Ostend, Belgium’s premier seaside resort, and immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas Market of Bruges. Wander through Arras’ Grand Place, transformed into a winter wonderland with artisan stalls, and experience the festive atmosphere of Lille. Conclude with a stop at the coastal town of Dunkirk before returning home via Calais. This trip offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and festive cheer.”
French & Belgian Christmas Markets
Explore the charm of Belgium and Northern France on a four-day journey beginning with the historic town of Ypres, known for its cobbled streets and rebuilt medieval Cloth Hall. Visit Ostend, Belgium’s premier seaside resort, and experience the enchanting Christmas Market in Bruges. Wander through Arras’ Grand Place, transformed into a winter wonderland with artisan stalls, before heading to the festive city of Lille. Conclude the trip with a stop at the coastal town of Dunkirk before returning home via Calais. This trip offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and festive cheer.
Departure Points:
- North East & Yorkshire,
- North West ,
- East England
- South West England,
- South East England
- The Midlands,
- Wales
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Hotel:Selected Hotel (Acacias or Horizon)
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Location:Tourcoing or Ath
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Price from:£329pp
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Duration:4 Days
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Departure Date 1:6th December 2024
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Departure Date 2:13th December 2024
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Board:Breakfast Included
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Star Rating:JG3
Holiday Highlights
- Return coach travel & ferry crossings
- 3 nights at a selected hotel in France/Belgium (JG3 rating) with breakfast
- Excursions to Ostend, Bruges Christmas Market, Arras Christmas Market & Lille
- En-route visits to Ypres & Dunkirk
Day 1 – Journey to France/Belgium via Ypres
The journey begins with a ferry ride to Calais, followed by travel to the picturesque Belgian town of Ypres. The charming cobbled streets and pretty Flemish-style buildings of Ypres belie its past as the scene of intense First World War battles. Although almost completely destroyed, the town was meticulously rebuilt, including the striking medieval Cloth Hall. There is free time to explore and find a local restaurant for dinner before continuing to the hotel.
Day 2 – Ostend & Bruges Christmas Market
The day starts with a visit to Ostend, Belgium’s premier seaside resort, before heading to the beautiful medieval city of Bruges, famous for its picturesque canals. The Christmas Market in the main market square is full of stalls offering a tempting array of hand-made Christmas decorations, gifts, local delicacies, and warming mulled wine. Dinner will be enjoyed in Bruges before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 – Arras Christmas Market & Lille
The first destination today is the charming town of Arras, where the Christmas Market is held in the magnificent setting of the Grand Place. Over 100 artisans sell traditional crafts and gifts from wooden chalets, transforming the square into a magical winter wonderland against the backdrop of rounded Baroque townhouses. In the late afternoon, the journey continues to Lille, festooned with huge festive garlands. Visitors can sample spice bread and other regional specialties from the festive food stalls for dinner before rejoining the coach and heading back to the hotel.
Day 4 – Journey home via Dunkirk
The morning starts with checking out of the hotel and making a stop along the coast at Dunkirk before returning to Calais for the ferry ride home.
