Travelling allsorts

Paris at Christmas is, of course, magical. We stayed a short train ride to the east - near Coulommiers, with its lovely park and many other places of interest (hidden in various back streets). The town is surrounded by chateaux, local cheese-makers (specialising in Brie) and champagne vineyards; nearby water activities are available in the summer and Disneyland-Paris is easily accessible. On Christmas Eve we took the train to Paris, visiting the Sacre Coeur and Monmartre, with its artists and restaurants. Knowing the area quite well, we then strolled around, taking in the Parisian architecture, the Moulin Rouge and the bridge from the film, Inception. Just along the Seine from here, you can also stroll along the middle of the river to a small version of the Statue of Liberty. As evening arrived, we glimpsed the Eiffel Tower and made our way through affluent streets to the Champs Elysees, eating pizza then visiting the Christmas market.      The weather was gloomy at time...

This year, we are planning to spend a couple of days in Le Touquet (again); we have previously stayed at The Westminster, the Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet (on the beach) and the Holiday Inn resort hotel. There's a  Christmas Market  on 14th & 15th December but from the end of November until early January, Le Touquet is transformed into a magical place with an abundance of simple but tasteful decorations, "tens of kilometres" of fairy lights, an enchanted forest setting for christmas stalls, activity workshops for children, an ice rink and specialities in the local shops. There are organised trips around the lighthouse, too. The St Nicholas parade is in the evening on Sunday 22nd December. Click here for official information of Le Touquet Events .