Nord Pas de Calais Attractions  This area of France gets rushed past by hordes heading south, but has some gems that can be enjoyed both  for a holiday close to home, as well as day trips to experience French culture rather than having a booze cruise!  Plan a day trip well and there will be time not only to stock up on wine and spirits, but also to visit a local attraction such as Nausicaa or La Coupole and then top the day off with a meal in a French restaurant!

Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme

Location: Travelling from the A16 junction 23 via the D40 and D940 to Le Crotoy.  Follow the signs for the station.
General Info:  The full return journey from Le Crotoy to Cayeux is €14.50 adults, €10.70 children aged 4-18.  Train runs every day in July/August. At other times check website.
Description: A pleasant antique steam train that follows a horseshoe route of about an hour around the Baie de la Somme, between St Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer.  This is a fantastic route if you enjoy wildlife.
Our recommendations: There are a few evenings in peak season when it is possible to have an evening meal on board - book well ahead.  To the north of Le Crotoy, the Parc Ornothologique du Marquenterre is worth a visit for bird lovers.  The Bird Centre is a good introduction to ornithology before observing the huge variety of birds in the Parc Ornithologique. In the summer months birds of prey displays take place.
For the children: We find that our children usually enjoy the first half hour or so of a train ride.  After that they get a bit restless.  So try to plan your journey so you can stop half way for a picnic, but be careful not to miss train connections.

     - We are still looking for good ones....so far we have only found booze cruise sites and ferry sites (the latter can be found elsewhere on this site).  If you have any good suggestions, please let us know.