Holiday Inspiration

The Museum of the Great War was opened in 1992, at the very heart of the Somme Battlefields in Péronne. The contemporary museum, designed by architect Henri-Edouard Ciriani, was incorporated into Péronne’s 13th century castle, an emblem of the town of Péronne, besieged many times throughout history.  At the heart of the Somme Battlefields, the Museum of the Great War presents the full magnitude of the First World War.

Situated between Berck and Le Touquet in a 26-hectare park with more than 40 amazing attractions, Bagatelle offers hours of fun with friends and family in a relaxed environment.  

Live the greatest race in the world ...and much more! Every year some 250,000 spectators descend on a small town in north-western France for the annual Le Mans 24 Hours Race , the most famous endurance race in the world. This year will be no exception with 56 cars competing in the legendary 'twice around the clock' race on the 17th and 18th of June 2017. As always you can be sure of an exciting race and a close finish. Ferrrari, BMW, Porsche, Corvette, Lotus, Aston Martin ... will all be there battling for the first place. Le Mans 24 Hours offers a full weekend of events proving that at Le Mans "every second is a new emotion". The great drivers' parade takes place in the town centre on 16th June, as well as vintage car races and Ferrari's curtain raiser... And of course, the start of the 24 Hours Le Mans at 15:00 on the 17th June. At Le Mans 24 Hours lasts a whole week! History Le Mans has hosted a 24-hour race since 1923, stopping only briefly for The Great Depression and the Second World War. The race was set up by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to test both car and driver for endurance and reactions. This has led to car manufacturers being forced to innovate in order to allow better aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and braking and Le Mans regularly features new designs from some of the biggest names in racing (known as Le Mans Prototypes, or LMPs). Although the 13.6km track, named the Circuit de la Sarthe, has seen many tweaks over the years (most notably the inclusion of chicanes on the straight to stop drivers going too fast) the basic layout has remained the same. Some sections use public roads which can be driven on in the days leading up to the race before being closed off, giving you a unique opportunity to get an insight into the experience of the competitors (except at a slower and safer speed of course). The events Every year fans get the chance to meet their heroes with the Drivers' Autograph Session, and those lucky enough to get their hands on a General Enclosure, Grandstand, or VIP weekend ticket will get a chance to explore behind the scenes with guided pit walks, offering a unique first-hand experience of the track. One of the most popular non-race events traditionally occurs on the Friday, when the competitors take part in the Drivers' Parade through the centre of Le Mans. The carnival-style event not only gives spectators the opportunity to get up close to both classic cars and drivers, but also to enjoy a huge street party. Each year is more colourful and livelier than the previous; expect music, dancing and the odd cheeky display of bravado from some of the best drivers in the world today. If you're feeling the need for speed then the high velocity events begin mid-week, with free practice sessions and qualifying practice sessions warming up the tyre rubber. These are normally followed by more qualifying practice sessions in the following days. As the main race approaches on the Saturday there are a number of support races which make for an equally impressive spectacle. In the morning, the Le Mans Legend takes place, a unique event reserved for cars that have previously competed in Le Mans. Each year a different era is picked from the past and drivers range from amateurs to former champions, such as Sterling Moss. Of course, after all this excitement it's easy to forget that you have 24 hours of one of the greatest races on the planet to cap it all off. You can watch all the action first hand or on one of the eleven giant screens scattered around the race area, grandstand and village, so you don't have to miss one nail-biting minute.   Accommodation and tickets The ACO opens several campsites around the circuit for the event. Most are only a short walk from the track and are connected to the village by a small train. You will need to get a special camping ticket, normally one per vehicle required, and the best campsites sell out fast, so be sure to book as early as possible. Tickets can be bought directly from the ACO at the official Le Mans race website. To see the race you will need at least an Enceinte General ticket (general admission), but separate tickets are needed for the grandstands. For more tips and advice see our guide to camping in France. Other sights The city of Le Mans itself should not be overlooked, with its stunning architecture and amazingly-preserved old town. An ancient settlement, the remains of a Roman wall and amphitheatre can be seen in town and the cobbled streets may seem familiar as the setting for Gérard Depardieu's film adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac. Paris is just a 2 hour drive away, so if you want to take a break from the racing festivities and do something a little different why not check out our guide to shopping in Paris? Whether you're a huge racing fan or just interested in experiencing one of the most incredible and exciting events on the sports calendar then be sure not to miss the "24 Hours of Le Mans" event. Circuit des 24 Heures 72019 LE MANS CEDEX 2 Phone : 02 43 40 24 24 Fax : 02 43 40 24 15 Information and tickets at: www.24h-lemans.com Book your journey

Expect the unexpected... Get away to one of France’s most popular amusement parks and the only one of its kind in Europe! Set off on amazing journeys and dive headlong into the fantastic, fun and festive Futuroscope atmosphere as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017!  Futuroscope is following in the footsteps of Jules Verne with a new-look journey around the world in its latest ride The Extraordinary Journey, the only attraction of its kind in Europe… Take to the skies aboard an incredible machine with your legs hanging free, and feel the thrill of being lighter than air… Fly like a bird to the edge of make-believe, whoosh by mirages in the desert, base-jump from the top of a skyscraper in a futuristic city, and more…  Enjoy 25 original experiences with family and friends, including star attractions such as the THEA* award winners The Time Machine and Arthur, the 4D Adventure. And get ready for a magical evening show by the light of the moon with La Forge aux Etoiles, the aquatic fairytale fantasy. From Cirque du Soleil (every evening after dark, included in the price of admission).

This magnificent estate once belonged to a local noble family who lived there for many years. 29 years ago Martine and Pascal fell in love with it and decided to buy it to set up their restaurant.

Heading to Saint-Denis for the football in 2016? Road trip your way there with our helpful guide. This summer, one of the world’s biggest football tournaments is happening in France, and it’s set to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world. Heated matches will take place throughout the country, kicking off in Lens and finishing in Saint-Étienne. The second destination in this football extravaganza is Saint-Denis, a northern suburb in Paris. Driving to the football from the UK is easy with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, and there are plenty of great places to check out along the way. This is our guide to road tripping from Calais to Saint-Denis. About Saint-Denis Tucked away in France’s northern suburbs, Saint-Denis is home to magnificent architecture, colourful markets and, most famously, the Stade de France. Visitors can spend their days exploring the Basilica of Saint-Denis, dining at delicious restaurants and, of course, watching the football matches, either at the Stade or at the designated football Fanzone. From Calais to Saint-Denis There are two main routes you can take when driving to the football from Calais: a coastal route that goes west from Calais before heading inland, and another which goes inland and down through Arras. Whichever route you choose, there’s lots to see and do along the way. Here are a few of our favourite spots. Coastal Route Stop One: Berck Sometimes known as Berck-sur-Mer, this coastal town is a lovely place to take a break on your way to the football. Take a stroll along the seaside, brush up on your local history at the Municipal Museum and, if you’ve got time, why not play a round of mini golf? Then, pick up a croissant at one of the local boulangeries and get on your way. Stop Two:Amiens Next stop on the coastal route is Amiens, a city steeped in history and overflowing with ancient buildings and picturesque streets. Main points of interest include the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens and the Musée de Picardie, as well as the city’s many winding canals. There’s enough to keep you busy for days. Take a break in Amiens © Flickr user user ines s. Stop Three: Beauvais At around 45 miles from Saint-Denis, Beauvais is the third and final stop when driving to the football from Calais… and what a great stop it is! Take a dip in the Canada Lake, seek out one of the many golf courses or shop till you drop at Beauvais’ array of boutique and highstreets stores. Inland Route Stop One: Saint-Omer Like many of France’s cities and towns, Saint-Omer has its fair share of beautiful buildings and gardens. If your time is limited, we’d recommend Saint-Omer Cathedral and Le Jardin Public as must-sees. For those with a little more time, La Coupole planetarium (5 miles outside of Saint-Omer) is well worth a visit, especially if you’re travelling with kids. Then, it’s back on the road, football-bound! Stop Two: Arras By the time you get to Arras, you’re bound to be feeling a little peckish, so break for a bite to eat at La Bulle d'O. Head Chef, Olivier Lainé, serves traditional French food with a fine dining twist. Choose from rack of lamb with sweet potato gratin, foie gras with parsnip cream and more. Stop Three: Compiègne Before joining the hustle and bustle of the football crowd, get back to nature in Compiègne, with a walk through its stunning forest. Start at the Château de Compiègne and make your way down the Avenue de Beaux Monts (the main promenade), from there you can walk whichever way you choose. The forest is huge, so give yourself at least a few hours to explore. Explore Compiègne Forest. © Flickr user NicholBrummer Travelling to France for the football? Don't miss out on this year's biggest football event. Travel from Folkestone to Calais with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle in just 35 minutes. Read our destination guide for Saint-Denis here.

Close to the border of Belgium, Lille is a stunning, multicultural city and will host some of the most exciting football games this summer. The capital of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in northern France, Lille is celebrated for its diverse culture and beautiful city centre. When you’re travelling for the football this summer, see the most of this thriving city by using our guide to the best things to see and do in Lille. Lille’s Palais des Beaux Arts – Image by Flickr user Alex Toulemonde Fanzone The 30,000 capacity Place Francois Mitterrand, near to Lille’s city centre, will host the official 2016 Fanzone for this summer’s football tournament. Huge live screens will display matches happening in Lille and elsewhere, while live entertainment will be regularly held throughout the football tournament. It’s going to be a great place for football fans to get involved, so if you’re in Lille, check the Fanzone out. What to do Palais des Beaux Arts 15th to 20th century art is on display at the incredible Palais des Beaux Arts, Lille’s iconic Fine Art museum. From top to bottom, you’ll find delicate porcelain and ceramics, archaeology, medieval antiquities, plus works by the big names in art such as Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin and Peter Paul Rubens. Try taking one of the 45-minute tours, which explore specific themes, such as love and the colour blue, throughout the museum collection. Bois de Boulogne The Bois de Boulogne is an impressively large public park that can be found across the canal from the smaller, equally pretty Jardin Vauban. Bois de Boulogne is Lille’s largest park, boasting an amusement park, zoo and children’s playground. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with the whole family as there’s plenty to see and do, especially in the summer sun. The main attraction of the park is the Citadel – a huge 17th century star-shaped fortress, which is a beautiful place to unwind after a particularly lively football match. Marché de Wazemmes Found in the trendy Wazemmes neighbourhood, the Marché de Wazemmes is a popular food market with heaps of character. You’ll find everything here from delicious French cheeses, meats, fish and fruit, to ready-to-eat delicacies such as fresh breads and pastries. On a Sunday morning, this part of town is thriving and is a great place to check out Lille’s diverse community. Where to eat Estaminet 'T Rijsel A traditional restaurant serving Flemish cuisine, Estaminet 'T Rijsel has a wonderful array of beers on tap, which you can enjoy with rich dishes such as Flemish Stew (with beef, cooked in beer, brown sugar and gingerbread), or ham and endives with béchamel sauce and Maroilles cheese. For a casual meal, try the sharing plates. Featuring rillettes, sausage, pate and cheese, they’re the perfect accompaniment to any cold beer. Maroilles is a cheese popular in northern France and you’ll find it on many restaurant menus in Lille. – Image by Flickr user Frédérique Voisin-Demery Where to drink La Capsule La Capsule is a cool, dimly lit bar in the heart of town and has around eight beers on tap at any one time for you to try. With even more rare beers from around the world available by the bottle, it’s a popular spot for beer connoisseurs. La Capsule is a great place to spend an evening with friends, so if you’re travelling as a group to see the football this summer, make sure it’s on your to-do list. Café Oz An Australian-themed bar in the heart of Lille, Café Oz is part of a small chain which offers Australian-imported beers, entertainment and hearty bar food. Aboriginal-style artworks line the walls inside, which provide a vibrant backdrop for live DJ sets and bands. The bar also shows key televised sporting events, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a change of scene from the Fanzone when watching the football in Lille. Where to stay Hotel Carlton A traditionally decorated hotel with stunning bedroom views overlooking the nearby square, the Hotel Carlton is well located in the centre of town. With such a prime location, all the shops, restaurants and sights you want to visit are within walking distance, making this hotel ideal if you’re looking to pack a lot into your stay when in Lille. Rooms are cosy, comfortable and breakfast is available before you head out for the day. Princesse Apart'hôtel For more independence on your trip to Lille, try staying at the self-catered apartment units of Princesse Apart'hôtel in Lille’s historic district. With 24-hour access, the apartments, they’re a great choice for those planning long days and longer nights. They have all the mod cons you need for a comfortable stay, such as Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television and a fully equipped kitchenette, so you could even enjoy the football at home!  Travelling to France for the football? Make the most of the games this summer and explore the city of Lille with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. For fun things to see and do during your drive from Calais to Lille, find out more here

Rouen Cathedral is just one thing you can see on your way to Bordeaux – Image by Flickr user not not phil An eight hour drive from Calais, the trip to Bordeaux is full of things to do. Here’s our guide to travelling to Bordeaux for the football. A gorgeous port city in southwestern France, Bordeaux is known as the wine capital of France and is playing host to key matches during this summer’s football tournament. It’s said that the best time to visit Bordeaux is between June and August, so make the most of your trip to the city by planning out your journey from Calais to Bordeaux. The quickest way to get there is by taking the A10 via Paris, however just a few minutes longer is the A28 via Le Mans, so you can cater your trip depending on what you want to see and do along the way. Rouen Rouen is a great place to stop on your way to the football in Bordeaux. Two hours from Calais, much of the city centre is pedestrianised. However, there are designated parking areas in the historic part of town, plus plenty of car parks and street parking available throughout the rest of Rouen. In the town centre, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame is a vast structure and a fantastic example of a Gothic cathedral. When looking for a bite to eat, La Petite Auberge serves up traditional cuisine from the region in a rustic setting. Dine on delicious escargot (snails served out of the shell in a garlic butter sauce) and crusty French bread, before a cheese board or sweet crème brûlée for dessert. Châteauroux If you’re driving to Bordeaux via Paris, a visit to the large town of Châteauroux is worth a pit-stop. The pretty old town boasts 16th century buildings, while the north of town is best for exploring the area’s Medieval past. While it’s not possible to go inside, if you have time to see the beautiful 12th century Château Raoul (which gave the town its name) you won’t be disappointed. Love the outdoors? Check out Châteauroux forest, to the south of town. Here you’ll find fantastic walking and cycling trails through beech and oak forests, home to beautiful wild animals. Rent some bikes, try out horse riding or just take a walk through this scenic part of the French countryside. Angoulême The town of Angoulême is recognised as a “Villes et Pays d'art et d'histoire” which means a Town of Art and History. It’s got a great selection of museums, such as the Fonds Régional d'Art contemporain (FRAC), so you’re spoilt for things to see and do while in town. Don’t miss the Town Hall in Angoulême’s centre, which is built on the site of a former château and still has two of the original towers. If you fancy staying the night or simply want to pick up a bottle for back home, there are loads of wineries in the area to visit, such as the Charlemagne wine cellars in the centre of Angoulême. These cellars have been producing sparkling wine in their 6,000 square-metre space since 1921, and it’s free to visit. Whatever your taste in wine, both experts and novices alike will find it a worthy stop en route to the football. Le Mans If you’re just passing through Le Mans and can only see one thing, make time for its Roman Wall. Boasting 12 towers and surrounding the scenic old town, the wall is almost 1,200 metres long. It’s an amazing sight, with nothing else like it in France. Inside you’ll find timber-framed houses and cobbled streets, while nearby you can find the fine art museum, Musée de Tessé, which is home to its very own reproduction of an Egyptian tomb! If you’re thirsty, head to the Pilier Aux Lumières tea rooms, near to the main cathedral, which serve up delicious teas and cakes.   Saintes One and a half hours north of Bordeaux on the A10 is the historic town of Saintes, which is home to some truly great French restaurants. At La Table de Marion presentation and flavour are equally important, and you can easily see why it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant. The tasting menu will give you a wonderful selection of dishes, such as grilled duck breast and sliced beef, while the modest size of the restaurant caters to those looking for an intimate dining experience.   Travelling to France for the football? With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle you can get from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes. Make the most of your drive to Bordeaux and the rest of France using our guide to the city

Join the one of the biggest sporting events of the year and visit the Saint-Étienne Fanzone for the football in 2016. Once an industrial city, today Saint-Étienne is a hive of cultural and sporting activity, boasting a range of galleries, both big and small, and a famous sports stadium. The Stade Geoffroy Guichard opened in 1931 and has been hosting notable sporting events ever since. This summer, the Stade will join 10 other stadiums in France as one of the hosts for 2016's biggest football tournament. The tournament will attract eager football fans from all over the world, all hoping that their team will be the one to lift the trophy. If you're travelling to Saint-Étienne for the football event of the year, read on for our guide. Explore nearby Parc Naturel Regional du Pilat. © Flickr user Max LesZed.com Fanzone If you didn't manage to get tickets to the Stade Geoffroy Guichard, you can catch every moment of the tournament at the designated Fanzone. Each of the host cities will have their own Fanzone, broadcasting the matches to millions of football fanatics. Saint-Étienne's Fanzone will be set up at François Mitterrand Park, approximately 1.5 kilometres from the city centre, and will feature large broadcast screens and food and drinks vendors. Kicking off the action in Saint-Étienne is Portugal v Iceland, followed by Czech Republic v Croatia, Slovakia v England and one round of 16 match, and you can be in the heart of it all at the Fanzone. What to do Parc Naturel Regional du Pilat Saint-Étienne is located in the Massif Central, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes next to the Parc Naturel Regional du Pilat. This beautiful park is a great spot for walkers and cyclists, particularly during the warm summer months. As well as walking and cycling, you can try hang gliding, treetop walking, kayaking, white water rafting, water skiing and mountain biking. A great day out when you're not watching the football! Musée d'art Moderne et Contemporain For something a little more relaxed, visit the Musée d'art Moderne et Contemporain. Housing a large collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol, the museum will keep you busy for hours. Want to learn more about the collection? Join one of the guided walking tours or attend one of the regular artist talks. Where to eat Chez les Fondus Cheese is in France is the best in the world, so a restaurant with lots of cheese on its menu is always going to be good. As you may have guessed from its name, Chez les Fondus specialises in fondue. Choose from delicious cheese and dessert fondues, as well as raclette (melted cheese with potatoes, pickled onions, gherkins and ham), cured meats and more, for a hearty post-football meal. Tuck in to some cheese fondue at Chez les Fondus. © Flickr user Vasile Cotovanu Where to drink The Smoking Dog When visiting Saint-Étienne you won't be short of great places to drink, thanks to its many pubs and bars. The Smoking Dog is a centrally located pub, which is perfect for a post (or pre)-football pint. A range of beers can be found on tap – Guinness, Kronenbourg and more – alongside bottled craft beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks. You can even grab a cup of coffee if you feel like it! Where to stay Hôtel Furania Saint-Étienne Stay in the heart of Saint-Étienne at Furania Saint-Étienne, a friendly 2-star hotel surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. From here, you can access many of Saint-Étienne's attractions on foot, including the football. There's also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a French-style buffet breakfast. Get to the football with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Get there… with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Journey from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes and from there, Saint-Étienne is just a drive away. For tips on road tripping from Calais to Saint-Étienne, read our driving guide here

A selection of fun things to see and do during your drive to Lens, for this year's football. The city of Lens is just an hour's drive from Calais and there are some fantastic things to see along the way, so you'll have plenty to do when travelling to see the football. Once an industrial hub, in recent years Lens has received a cultural revamp in the form of its famous Louvre-Lens museum, and this has given the city a surge of life. In north-eastern France, Lens is just 40 kilometres from the city of Lille and sits within the Nord-Pas-de-Calais department of France. From Calais, drivers can take the A26 for most of the way to Lens, before taking exit 6.2 for the A21, which will lead you to the city centre. Check out some of the most interesting things to see and do, while travelling to Lens for football in 2016. Explore the cathedral at Saint-Omer © Image by Flickr user Charles D P Miller Saint-Omer Just under half way between Calais and Lens, the commune of Saint-Omer is an ideal place to stop on your way to this summer's football. A medieval town with a thriving marketplace, if you stop by for a spot of lunch, you can enjoy strolling around the centre, exploring the beautiful 17th century architecture. Be sure to check out the neo-classical town hall and, by contrast, the gothic-style cathedral. Constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is vast, with the main features including an organ built by the illustrious organ builder, Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, as well as stained-glass windows and a stone spire. Grab a coffee at one of the many town squares, and enjoy everything Saint-Omer has to offer. Ardres Just 14 kilometres from Calais, the well-preserved medieval town of Ardres takes around 25 minutes by car. It's a popular spot for visitors from the UK who come to see the traditional market town, which boasts views over the picturesque marshlands surrounding Calais. Historically the town has long been under dispute, and the nearby commune of Balinghem was the site of the famous "Field of the Cloth of Gold" battle in 1520. Visiting during summer is wonderful, as you'll get to enjoy the Ardres Lake at its best. Here you can try out all kinds of water sports, including fishing, canoeing and sailing, so it's the perfect place to stretch your legs and take a break from driving. The inside of the stunning cathedral at Béthune.© isamiga76 Béthune Around 20 kilometres from Lens, you'll find the pretty town of Béthune. Despite its relatively small size, Béthune is packed with plenty of shops and restaurants, making it an ideal stop for supplies and a bite to eat. Just north of town is the Chateau de Beaulieu, which is home to a beautiful hotel and restaurant, with the option to sit and dine in the chateau gardens, perfect for a sunny day. The town's main sight is the impressive belfry, which dates back to the 14th century, and overlooks the old town. The main square is a delightful mix of architectural styles, from art deco to gothic, and it's a wonderful spot to grab a drink in the sunshine. Make new friends exploring the countryside around Cap Blanc-Nez. © Vincent Desjardins Caps et Marais d'Opale Natural Regional Park Just south of Calais, the Caps et Marais d'Opale Natural Regional Park is worth exploring if you have an extra day before heading to the football, or on your way back to Calais when returning to the UK. It's a beautiful protected part of northern France, with plenty of cycling trails and coffee shops within its small towns and villages. You don't need to travel too far into the park to enjoy its natural beauty, and it's easily accessible by car. To the north you can enjoy the cliffs at Cap Blanc-Nez, and whether you're hiking, mountain biking or horse riding, you'll find plenty of trails to explore. Go walking and cycling around the Caps et Marais d'Opale Natural Regional Park. © Rodrigue ROMON For more information on Lens and its surroundings, check out the Tourist Information and Cultural Heritage Office. Travelling to France for the football? With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle you can get from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes. From there, Lens is just an hour's drive away. Make the most of your drive to Lens and the rest of France using our guide to the city