Towns and Cities
Saint Omer
Saint Omer, five miles from the house, is a city with an extraordinary history. Having been largely destroyed by the Normans in 860, it then spent time in both the Dutch and Spanish empires, before a siege in 1677 led it to become French. The city reflects these influences, and the wealth that came from centuries of commercial success.
The town hall (above) and public gardens (below).
A walk around the city, and a visit to the cathedral are highly recommended.
Beer drinkers in the UK might even recognise the following popular brew which hails from the city…
The Saint Omer Tourist Office has an English version of their website.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer has been a vital port for the region for centuries. It was bombed by the Allies and the Germans in the Second World War and much of the port was destroyed. Much of the old city survived however, and while the port area lacks charm – behind the ancient city walls there is a cathedral, town hall and much else that is worth a visit.
The city museum is housed in a magnificent castle. It has Fine Art collections and an Egyptian archaeological section with sarcophagi and a mummy.
There are plenty of restaurants – and the fish is always fresh!
You can discover more about the city on its Tourist Office website.
Le Touquet
Le Touquet was the place to be for Parisians escaping the summer heat at the end of the Nineteenth Century and start of the Twentieth. They brought playful architectural styles, grand casinos and golf courses. It has retained its reputation, and its well-preserved buildings give Le Touquet a great charm.
There are more than 70 restaurants offering excellent cuisine of all kinds. Chez Perard is famous for its fish soup but has crab and lobster as well. There is also a renowned local chocolatier, Chat Bleu.
Wimereux
Wimereux is another holiday resort that thrived at the start of the last century and, although less famous than Le Touquet, has a great deal to offer. Interesting architecture, a mile-long beach, cafes on the seafront, and on a clear day from the hill above the town – a view of Britain!
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ONE OF THE LOCAL TOWNS, THEN IT’S…
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