Coastal Breaks
Discover the Channel coast and our Channel Hops
With so much to offer, France is the perfect destination for a well-deserved relaxing short break. The pretty northern coastline offers some of the most picturesque harbours and ports, market towns and fabulous beaches, all easily reached across the Channel. Select from any of our featured hotels in Honfleur, Le Touquet, Deauville and Trouville, or from our Channel Hops.
Belgium's coastline also has plenty to offer with miles of vast sandy beaches. Base yourself in Ostend, the lively Belgian city by the sea - at just over an hour from the French ferry ports or half an hour from Zeebrugge it's a great choice for a coastal break.
Honfleur is a gem of a place, tucked away at the mouth of the Seine. Truly an artists’ paradise, the painter Boudin was born here, later joined by Cézanne and Rénoir. Along the picturesque streets discover the old port, "Le Vieux Bassin", seemingly untouched by the wars of the 20th century that looks just like the fishing village that inspired the great painters. The waterfront houses of Boulevard Charles V haven’t changed in three centuries which adds to this town’s historic heritage.
HONFLEUR FEATURE SELECTION
Formerly known as ‘Paris by the Sea’ Le Touquet was made famous in the 1930s as a playground of the rich and famous. Today Le Touquet has lost little of its glamour. It is still a luxurious destination with opulent hotels and manicured lawns, yet it retains its small town appeal through its boutiques, gastronomic restaurants and self-presentation. Add to this the leisure pursuits - spas, golf courses, casinos and beaches - and Le Touquet deserves its reputation as being a very attractive destination all year round.
LE TOUQUET FEATURE SELECTION
Deauville is considered to be one of the most glamorous resorts along the coast of Normandy. This very Parisian town is elegant and stylish, but supposedly restrained. The Promenade des Planches along the beach is perfect for people watching, lined on one side by colourful parasols and on the other by small cabins named after American film stars. With its casinos, racetracks, yachting harbour, golf courses and polo grounds, Deauville has much to offer.
Trouville, a charming resort, sits literally next door to Deauville, and is only 15 kilometres from Honfleur. The town's beautiful buildings line its long beach of golden sand and its boardwalk offers activities for children in particular during the summer months. A traditional working fishing port, aquarium and casinos are amongst the attractions of this year round destination.
DEAUVILLE & TROUVILLE FEATURE SELECTION
In Calais, the Cité Europe shopping centre is a huge hypermarket and has an enormous choice of boutiques.
Boulogne is a delightful fishing port with historical attractions inside the walled Haute Ville (one of the country’s best old walled towns). One of France's oldest resorts and one of the prettiest, a real favourite with British visitors.
CHANNEL HOPS FEATURE SELECTION
Ostend is a great choice for a coastal break. Seaside cafés, quayside restaurants, great shopping and a bustling nightlife give visitors plenty to enjoy all year round. In addition, there is a vast sandy beach and there are always many cultural attractions taking place, plus interesting sights, galleries and museums which share the city's maritime and wartime history. With 70,000 inhabitants you feel you are in a place with a lot to offer. All hotels are centrally located and, being just over an hour from the French ferry ports and only half an hour along the shore from Zeebrugge, Ostend is easily accessible and allows you to make the very most of your time there. Travel to Ostend by car from Calais: 1 hour 15 minutes.
