France via Calais, where to go/stay? Advice please :o)

Hi

I%26#39;m planning a trip to France for a few days in early June and I%26#39;m looking for some advice on where to go/stay. The only criteria is that I%26#39;m going via the tunnel and will have my car (I%26#39;ve got that part for nothing)! I really don%26#39;t want to spend too much time travelling so somewhere within 100 miles or so of Calais would be preferable (although will consider anything).

It%26#39;s basically just meant to be a short romantic trip away, so reasonable accomodation (either self catering or hotel), with some nice restaurants close by and some local attractions for entertainment. I don%26#39;t want to spend a fortune either! I like both beach type holidays or city breaks but have been to Paris a few times and want to sample somewhere different in France.

I look forward to your ideas :o) Thanks in advance.

Trip advisor is just great!

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I know I shouldn%26#39;t say this on the France forum - and I really love France - but have you considered turning left and heading for Brugge in Belgium? It%26#39;s a lovely small city that meets %26quot;romantic%26quot; and all your other criteria. From a central hotel location you can walk anywhere within 30 minutes.

Otherwise, head down the coast towards Le Touquet.

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Yes, Brugge would fit your needs. But note that it is the second most visited tourist town in the country after Brussels.

I can%26#39;t visualise Le Touquet as romantic, more a smaller Brighton or Blackpool. It is busy and has nightlife if that is what you want.

A city within 100 miles to fit your criteria is not easy but you could try Amiens (100m), a large place with all facilities. The area down by the river is old, with restaurants, and boat trips into the water channels of the marsh area (Hortillonages?).

Just north is the underground town of Naours,something different.

St Valery-sur-Somme (80m) is much smaller, old and more %26#39;romantic%26#39;, with a tree lined promenade along the estuary. It is where William the Conqueror set sail for England. There are some very good restaurants, and some cheaper eating places too. Nightlife is probably a moonlit stroll along the waterfront.

Not far is the hamlet of Le Hourdel with its lighthouse and views across the bay. Then a short drive on the D102 through the sand dunes (literally, if the wind has blown) brings you to the beach at Cayeux-sur-Mer, which is known for its painted beach cabins.

Can%26#39;t reccommend hotels in Amiens, but if you want somewhere on the waterfront in St Valery which looks %26#39;romantic%26#39; just log on to

http://relaisguillaumedenormandy.akeonet.com/

Enjoy your trip.

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Amiens is a good idea, also:

Arras

Montrueil sur Mer

Lille

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