Picardy Best
Holiday brief
Most people travel straight through Northern France en route to Paris, Brussels
or further afield. Additionally they are in a hurry to get to their destination
and so miss a relaxed, unhurried part of France, steeped in history and
renowned for its charming villages and rustic atmosphere. This holiday is
designed to introduce you to these charms in an area which is, perhaps, more
famous for the tragedies of past eras. Our varied itinerary is completed with
the inclusion of the usual array of transport and railway interest - a taste of
the continent to savour.
Arras’ arcadel architecture
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Wednesday - We meet at St. Pancras International in time for the midday Eurostar to Lille.
Arras is just an hour south of Lille so we head off straight away and check
into the Mercure Hotel. Afterwards your courier will lead a familiarisation
stroll into the heart of this lovely town.
Thursday – A gentle day to the north starts with a TGV journey to Hazebrouck and a trip
into the Clairmarais Forest. We explore this fascinating area aboard a
flat-bottomed marsh-boat complete with an interesting commentary on life in the
swamps. Lunchtime is spent in historic St. Omer before we take a rail ride
through the delightful Aa Vallee aboard a most interesting
“Picasso” rail car.
Friday - Our day commences by rail into Lille from where we travel out to the suburbs
using a driverless train and ultra modern tram. The tram theme now continues as
we enjoy a lovely riverside trip aboard a privately hired historic vehicle,
courtesy of de la Vallee de la Deule. In the afternoon we return to Arras using
a triangular route via St. Amand-les-Eaux for private arrangements with the
Train Touristique de la Vallee de la Scarpe. A lovely riverside steam journey,
photographic opportunities and refreshments served at their depot all feature
– great fun!
Saturday – A gem of a day out commences by rail via Amiens to Noyelles where we join the
Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme. Our day is dedicated to this impressive
railway, which runs in a huge horseshoe around the bay. Some time is allowed to
stroll
OUR HOTEL
The Mercure Hotel, Arras
We have selected this fine hotel as our base, because it is perfectly located
within historic Arras just a short walk from the railway station, town centre,
cafes, restaurants and the famous Flemish-style arcadel buildings
– unique in France. Also benefiting from a complete refurbishment this hotel is
very comfortable, with a bar, good restaurant, and all rooms, of course, are en
suite.
into the delightful sailing centre of St. Valery and then, after a final chug,
we return to Arras using a charming rustic route with a leg stretch on the way.
Sunday - An easy morning in Arras allows both for some free time to explore this
historic town and to enjoy a guided exploration of "les boves" (tunnels) - this
really is fascinating and not to be missed. In the afternoon we head south into
the Somme region for the outstanding narrow gauge steam railway operating
between Froissy and Dompierre. Rustic and exciting, this visit is sure to be a
holiday highlight
Monday – A relaxed morning allows time for last minute shopping before journeying north
to Lille to board the Eurostar bound for London, arriving early afternoon.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: PB6/1
Wednesday September 3rd (6 days)
£649.00 based on €1.40 to the £
Price Variation
Single supplement £85.00
See booking conditions for currency
fluctuation clause
Traffic jam at Wambrechies!
