SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Thinking of somewhere nice and easy to escape to by car?

Why not head to Northern France this September and enjoy a self drive holiday break to savour at these FIVE incredible getaway destinations!

With P&O Ferries, you can now get into your car and make the hassle-free 90 minute crossing from Dover to Calais for the chance to visit some amazing places all less than two hours driving distance from the port.

You’ll find clear signage to support social distancing, high levels of hygiene and excellent facilities on board plus you can enjoy fresh air, space and calming sea views.

Northern France boasts a blend of picturesque villages, breathtaking countrysides, incredible culinary experiences and famous cities with historic monuments all dating back hundreds of years.

With ticket prices starting FROM JUST £49 each way, you can not only enjoy a great break but stock up on some great deals for beer, food and wine whilst knowing that all social distancing and precautionary measures have been taken so you travel safely with P&O ferries.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT P&O’S DOVER TO CALAIS CROSSINGS

We’ve picked out our top destinations to visit in Northern France all less than a two-hour drive from the port of Calais.

Amiens

Driving time from Calais: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Hugely popular for those seeking weekend breaks, the city of Amiens hosts many different events and festivals every year including its infamous Christmas markets. Apart from its historic monuments including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Amiens is also renowned for its delicious food including the Ficelle Picarde - a crepe made with mushrooms, cream and ham - and its Macarons d’Amiens.

Saint-Omer

Driving time from Calais: 40 minutes

Although not as well known as some of other areas in the region, the historic town of Saint-Omer is a hidden jewel and a must for those seeking breathtaking surroundings and architecture. With its canals, yellow buildings, gothic cathedral and one of the oldest clocks in France, it promises a memorable visit. The nearby 3,700-hectare Marais Audomarois wetlands will be a huge hit with avid vegetable gardeners.

Arras

Driving time from Calais: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Known for its tapestries and medieval market town, Arras embodies a real Flemish experience with its fascinating squares, buildings and restaurants. If you’re a culture vulture then the local fine arts museum will come in very handy or you can delve into history and explore the underground tunnels that sheltered thousands of soldiers during WWI.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT P&O’S DOVER TO CALAIS CROSSINGS

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

Driving time from Calais: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Saint Valery sur Somme is a delightful seaside resort that’s not only steeped in history but also blessed with stunning views of Somme Bay making it a hot spot for campers. The area has a Gothic church and long waterside boardwalk while local historians will be eager to let you know that their village was where William the Conqueror assembled his fleet before sailing over to England in 1066.

Lille

Driving time from Calais: 1 hour and 20 minutes

The famous city is renowned for its impressive architecture and art museums but also for its delicious food especially moules frites (mussels and chips) and waffles. You can discover its 17th-century Stock Exchange or modern Cathédrale de la Treille while Lille also hosts the biggest flea market in Europe, which traditionally gets underway in the first weekend of September every year.

Other great places to discover

Those seeking a quick day out can explore the historic beach of Dunkirk, located just 40 minutes away from Calais, or make the half-an-hour trip to Boulogne sur Mer so the kids can discover the Nausicaa aquarium - Europe’s largest public aquarium.

And hopping off the ferry in Calais for a short break doesn’t mean you can’t venture beyond France.

You can visit the beautiful Belgian city of Bruges and admire its splendid canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings by simply taking the A16 motorway and heading north.

Famed for its rich beer, delicious chocolates and traditional mussels and chips, Bruges is but a mere one hour and 25 minute drive from Calais.