5 great Christmas markets within 90 minutes of Calais
Amiens: One of the biggest Christmas markets in the area, made more special by the spectacular 13th century gothic cathedral in the town. You won’t fail to be impressed by its breathtakingly beautiful lit up façade when the free evening light show takes place.
20-30 December: www.amiens-tourisme.com
Top tip: Parisian style bistro La Brasserie-Jules is great for a lunch stop, the name is a nod to Amiens’ famous resident Jules Verne.
Arras: The magical Christmas market on the Grand Place is a place of enticing smells and tastes where hot spiced wine and fluffy waffles warm you up in the winter air. A market with something for everyone, 100 exhibitors, a ferris wheel which gives fabulous views over this picturesque town, an ice rink, carousel and a giant box for kids to post their letters to Santa – he doesn’t mind which language your letters are in.
27 November to 30 December; www.explorearras.com
Top tip: For a great value meal, the Assiette au Boeuf,
Grand’Place serves beef and French fries that the locals
adore.