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Calais, as the busiest European port, can legitimately lay claim to the title of “Gateway to Europe”. The Romans,
Spanish, English and Germans have all taken Calais at various times throughout history. The most recent invasion
was during the Second World War when the town was under German occupation. Relics of its colourful past still
remain. Large sections of the old walls are preserved at the Citadelle. The remains of the Watch Tower built in
1229 dominate the Place d’Armes. The church tower of Notre Dame, built during the English occupation of
Calais is slowly, through renovation, regaining its former splendour. The quayside in the oldest part of the port
is intact. The statue of the Six Burghers by Rodin which stands before the flamboyant Town all, is a powerful
reminder of the siege of 1347.
Shopping: The main shopping streets in Calais are boulevard Jacquard, boulevard Lafayette and rue Royale.
Market days are on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the Place d’Armes and on Thursday and Saturday
mornings in the Place Crèvecoeur.
Attractions: The War Museum:- situated in Park Saint-Pierre, this was once command post to the German Navy.
Twenty rooms full of objects, uniforms and arms illustrate the history of Calais and the surrounding area from the
1940 battle to the liberation in 1944. The Fine Art and Lace Museum:- the art collection includes sculptures and
paintings by Rodin as well as works by other artists from the same period including Picasso. There is also a display
of local lace, which has its origins in Nottingham.
www.calais-cotedopale.com |
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Boulogne, awarded the title of "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" has much to offer its visitors. Perched on a hill, the
charming old town with its cobbled streets and ramparts boasts an impressive cathedral, a Town Hall of classical
design, a belfry dating from the 12th century and a superb Château Museum. The multi-purpose port of
Boulogne with its commercial harbour and yachting marina is also a leading European centre of fish and
seafood processing.
Guided tours available - contact us for details and prices
Shopping: the main shopping streets in the lower town are the Grand Rue, rue Thiers, rue Victor Hugo and
rue Nationale. The old town is good for gifts and restaurants. Freshly caught fish is sold on the quayside,
boulevard Gambetta, every day. Market days are Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Place Dalton.
Attractions: Nausicaa:- Europe's largest Sea Experience Centre, dedicated to the marine world and its links with
mankind. The Château Museum:- built in the 13th Century by Count Philippe Hurepel, the Château now houses
fascinating collections of antique Greek vases, Egyptian antiquities, Eskimo masks, ceramics, glass, paintings and
sculptures.
www.tourisme-boulognesurmer.com |
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Saint Omer, a delightful market town situated on the edge of Flanders and surrounded on three sides by a vast
area of farmed marshland, has a rich architectural heritage. The striking gothic cathedral of Notre Dame, the Hotel
Sandelin, the ruins of the abbey of Saint Bertin and the former Jesuit colleges all bear witness to an illustrious
past. In this lively and pleasant town, you may experience the vivid atmosphere of pedestrian streets, wander
through the famous public gardens or take a picturesque walk around the ramparts.
Guided tours available - contact us for details and prices
Shopping: Place Foch, rue de Dunkerque, rue Carnot and streets perpendicular to these are the
main shopping areas in Saint Omer. Market day is held on Saturday morning in the Place Foch.
Attractions: Hotel Sandelin:- this mansion house was built in 1776-1777 as a winter residence
for Marie-Josephe Sandelin, countess of Fruges. Three adjoining salons on the ground floor look
onto the gardens. These three rooms are listed and protected under the Monuments Historiques
initiative. The tour of the house, which focuses on history, fine arts and ceramics, has been extended
to 21 exhibition rooms, which bring the museum’s collections to life in a remarkable setting.
www.tourisme-saintomer.com |
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