Nord-Pas de Calais is Britain's foothold in France; it's where the ferries dock and the Channel Tunnel emerges into daylight. Bradt's Cross-Channel France delves not only into the port towns but also into the forgotten France that's rarely reached. Sample Vieux Bologne – the smelliest cheese in the world; climb the hill at Cassel – where the Grand Old Duke of York marched his 10,000 men; or visit Agincourt – the site of a cornerstone battle in British history. The guide also reveals where visitors can shop for cut-price goods and where they can cycle, walk or ride horses. Bradt's Cross-Channel France is packed with information for day trips as well as longer family-friendly holidays.
'Bradt Guides are expertly written and longer on detail than any others.'
Michael Palin
'..an extremely helpful and well-put-together pocket guide to the ports hinterland. It's enough to make one salivate..... It's a godsend for first-timers and seasoned travellers alike .....put this one on top in the suitcase.'
The Bookshelf – Kent 'Life' magazines
'It's certain to inspire you to make a special trip to the area'
Destination France
'Highly recommended'
Cambridge News
'.. if you are going to Nord-Pas de Calais, this is the guide to go for. John Ruler knows every twisting and winding road, each monument to World War I and all the best places to stay and eat in the area.'
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Customer Reviews:
Reviewed by: Cathryn Hicks on 8th October 2009 12:00AM
'It's a joy to read if you know the area and if you don't, it's the best way to truly get a feel for the region.'
Introduction
Part One: General Information
Background Information
Geography, Climate, National Parks, History, Language, Culture
Practical Information
When to visit, Itineraries, Tour operators, Tourist offices, Getting there and away, Getting around, Health, Money, banking and budgeting, Disabled travel, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Festivals and events, Shopping, Sports and activities, Parks and gardens, Travelling positively
Part Two: The Guide
Gateway Calais
History, Getting there from the UK, Getting to other parts of France, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, What to see and do, Shopping
Coastal country
Dunkirk, Around Dunkirk, Les Deux Caps, Day trip country, Boulogne, Hardelot-Plage, Desvres and the inland villages, Étaples, Le Touquet Paris-Plage Berck-sur-Mer
St Omer and the Flemish hinterland
St Omer, From St Omer to Cassel, Cassel, Flemish Heartland
Montreuil-sur-Mer and the Seven Valleys
Montreuil-sur-Mer, Seven Valleys
Arras and the Artois battlefields
Arras, Béthune and Lens, The World War I, Battlefields
Cultural cities of Le Nord
Le Cambrésis, Douai, Valenciennes, St Amand-les-Eaux
Rural Avesnois
Valenciennes to Le Quesnoy, Le Quesnoy, Around Le Quesnoy, Around Maroilles, ValJoly, Around ValJoly
Metropolitan Lille
Lille, Outside the city limits
Appendices
Language
Glossary
Selective list of fauna
Further information
Index
John Ruler writes on the Nord-Pas de Calais region for newspapers and magazines and has an extensive photo library.
Customer Reviews:
Reviewed by: Cathryn Hicks on 8th October 2009 12:00AM
'It's a joy to read if you know the area and if you don't, it's the best way to truly get a feel for the region.'