Best Christmas market

Pitlanepiglet

The market in Lille is nice, there is also a nice fairground in one of the other central squares. It's not as big as many of the German markets but it's OK.

Be slightly careful of planning ferry trips that time of year, we've spent a lot of time sitting on her quayside when the ferries haven't run - either because of the weather or just because the ferry co (both P&O and Sea France) seem to randomly decide not to run all of their ferries (probably because they are trying to avoid running empty ferries). It's very easy to lose two hours waiting for a boat.

Tarry

yes, I'm easing on the side of caution in regards to choosing how I get there as I know it's rather stormy that time of year or can be (or any time of year really) and how the weather affects the ferries (been there, done that 4 times now, twice this route (rock, roll, up, down, I know how nasty the channel can be on F7 almost 8), going there coming back and twice Ireland trips). I'll make me decision two weeks or so before I go how I get there. Bit daft I know but that's what I tend to do.

Anyways, thank you for your suggestions So what I am thinking from your suggestions is probably head towards Belgiam, probably pick up a crate of beer (for whom I'm with) on route, and head toward Bruges. I'm aware that obviously the nights are drawing in, it's going to be cold, I'm not silly and the lightbulb adapter things will finally be needed. (got a new one)

Tarry

Thanks, will be heading towards Bruges/Ostend, can't wait

Tarry

Tarry wrote: »

yes, I'm easing on the side of caution in regards to choosing how I get there as I know it's rather stormy that time of year or can be (or any time of year really) and how the weather affects the ferries (been there, done that 4 times now, twice this route (rock, roll, up, down, I know how nasty the channel can be on F7 almost 8), going there coming back and twice Ireland trips). I'll make me decision two weeks or so before I go how I get there. Bit daft I know but that's what I tend to do.

Anyways, thank you for your suggestions So what I am thinking from your suggestions is probably head towards Belgiam, probably pick up a crate of beer (for whom I'm with) on route, and head toward Bruges. I'm aware that obviously the nights are drawing in, it's going to be cold, I'm not silly and the lightbulb adapter things will finally be needed. (got a new one)

I actually had a force9 :rotfl: crossing, the waves where breaking over the sea wall and was delayed for an hour. I did go to Bruges in the end and it was totaly worth it I really liked Bruges xx

martindow

Tarry wrote: »

Like I say we are probably taking the van, got the legal bits and bobs already and got some new lightbulb adapters all set. So anywhere as long as it's sensible, ie, not a long drive is an idea x

Might be an idea to check out other regulations - hi-viz jackets inFrance etc. that you might need.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html

Tarry

We did make sure that we did have them Thank you anyway

cing0

Wouldn't bother with Manchester's xmas markets - full of stalls selling tat made in China or over priced food available at lidl staffed by eastern europeans.

Tarry

I went to the continent in the end as it's easier for me to get too

Tarry

I am going again, 3rd December (hopefully without the force 9 this time round but who knows what the weather will throw at me but anyway), and was wondering where to head. Dunkirk perhaps? I've had a brief visit there in the past and was quite impressed. Don't want to go too far afield as don't have that much time as not getting over to France until midday French time and leaving at 8pm or so, but don't want to spend loads of time in Calais although will pay a visit to Cite Europe. Not going back to Bruges.

sunshinetours

Lille gets my vote - just over an hours drive from Calais (about 60 miles or so all on autoroutes)