© 2011-
History
You will find many battlefields, museums, war memorials and war cemeteries within a short journey time of Près De La Forêt. Here are some that we recommend.
Azincourt (Battle of Agincourt 1415)
There is an excellent visitor centre. The site of the battle is well sign-posted
and the batlefield remains today much as it must have been 500 years ago.
La Coupole
This museum is built underground in a WWII rocket assembly and launch facility at Helfaut near St. Omer. Alllow yourself plenty of time to take in the excellent history of rocketry displays, then try to keep your emotions in check in the first class exhibition dealing with life under Nazi occupation.
Canadian National Meorial Vimy Ridge
One of the most moving and interesting of all the World War I memorials in Northern
France. As well as the memorial there is a first-class visitor centre manned by
Canadian student volunteers, and you can stand in the actual trenches where the troops
fought. So close are the front lines you could throw a tennis ball at someone in
the opposing trench with a good chance of hitting them!
Where to go, What to see, What to do...
Sight-seeing
Montreuil - an old-world walled town with cobbled streets, a chateau, and ramparts.
Hesdin - an attractive market town with nice shops, cafes and restaurants.
Boulogne - the old town is surrounded by medieval walls built on the original roman
defences. Good shopping, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Le Touquet - a smart seaside resort town with boutiques, brasseries, a casino and
a spectacular market.
Arras - despite destruction in World War I this remains a fine city with Flemish
style architecture and big market squares.
Sports and Leisure
Horse-riding
Canoeing and kayaking on the River Canche at Beaurainville.
Surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, kite-flying and sand yachting on the Cote d’Opale
Walking and cycling
River and sea fishing
Golf on some of Europe’s finest courses at Le Touquet, Hardelot, St Omer, Wimereux and Belle Dune (Fort Mahon)
Big fish at Nausicaa
Steam train round the Somme Bay from Le Crotoy to St Valery
Golf at Belle Dune
Canoes on the Canche
For Children
Bagatelle theme park.
Dennlys Parc (for younger children)
Aqualud water park at Le Touquet and Belle Dune Aquaclub at Fort Mahon Plage
Nausicaa (sealife aquarium) at Boulogne