Lille & Bruges Christmas Markets Weekend

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your coach at your convenient local pick-up point, and get comfortable as we head to Kent to join our ferry at Dover for the crossing to France.

On arrival in Calais, we continue to our hotel to check in and have time to relax.

Day 2 & 3

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast each morning. Don't miss our included excursions to nearby Lille and across the border to Bruges in Belgium.

Enjoy free time to explore Lille with its Grand Place, the main square surrounded by many fine historic buildings and a delightful old town area with cobbled streets. Charming boutiques, bustling markets, and chic stores line the streets, offering a delightful array of fashion, artisanal goods, and unique treasures waiting to be discovered. The Christmas Market offers antique wooden chalets decorated with traditional festive foods, arts & crafts as well as an impressive Ferris Wheel, all dominated by a monumental 18ft Christmas Tree in a fantastic location alongside the Grand Place.

With its winding cobbled streets, scenic canals and stunning architecture it is no wonder Bruges is a World Heritage Site. Its compact size means it is easily enjoyed in a day with plenty of sights to take in. The Christmas Market is a very popular event with its wooden huts selling local products and offering great Christmas present ideas. Bruges has something for everyone. From horse carriage rides around town to even enjoying a boat trip, and all surrounded by many shops selling the famous Belgian waffles, lace and of course the vast array of chocolate shops.

Day 4

After breakfast, say farewell to your hotel and sit back and relax as we head back towards Calais and the crossing back to the UK and the onward journey home.

Tour includes

• 3 night's hotel with continental breakfast
• Ferry crossing Dover to Calais
• Visit to Bruges for the Christmas Market
• Visit to Lille and its Christmas Market
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

Valid passport required for travel
£50 deposit per person applies on these departures

Lille Christmas Market

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationOnce an important centre of French Flanders, it is clear to see the Flemish influence in this charming city close to the Belgian Border. In the heart of winter, Lille sparkles and glows with joie de vivre! With the wave of a magic wand, the city takes on a festive atmosphere and welcomes you to a winter wonderland! On Place Rihour, more than 80 chalets teem with gift ideas, nativity figurines, Christmas decorations and festive food. You can find regional specialities here, and you can also find arts and crafts from around the world. Soak up the continental flavour of the historic old centre which gives a special festive feel to this lovely setting, and make sure you sample the many beers and delicious chocolate that the city does so well!

Bruges Christmas Market

Give in to that warm, fuzzy feeling during Christmas in Bruges. The pretty medieval city takes on fairytale airs as the temperatures drop. The intoxicating scent of fresh waffles lingers in the air and the streets are dressed like gingerbread houses with festive fairy lights reflected in the canal. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a snow-dusted tour of the cobbles, or linger in one of Europe’s most charming Christmas Markets. The main Bruges Christmas market is in Grote Markt, with its gorgeous wooden chalets surrounding a glittering ice rink, where skaters swish and stumble in the shadow of the 83m-high belfry. If you can face the 366 steps to the bells at the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the chocolate-box city below. There’s another smaller market near tree-lined Simon Stevinplein but, with no shortage of tempting chocolatiers and cosy cafés en route, the short walk might take longer than you'd expect. If you’ve over-indulged, a brisk walk will help blow away the cobwebs and work up an appetite for the next course: a plate of warm, crisp kroketten made with shrimp or gorgeously oozing cheese. Perfect for a quick pit-stop before the serious business of shopping begins! Back to top

Accommodation

Logis Hôtel des Acacias Lille Tourcoing France

The LOGIS Hôtel-Restaurant des Acacias Lille Tourcoing is located near the France-Belgian border. This family-run hotel is ideally located whether you're exploring the cultural gems of Lille or savouring the charm across the border into Belgium. Discover a welcoming retreat with well-appointed rooms, personalised service, and a serene ambiance. Bedrooms feature private bathroom, hairdryer, a flat-screen tv with satellite channels, desk with phone, and tea & coffee facilities. There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. There is a restaurant with a shaded terrace area and a bar area. A hot and cold buffet breakfast is served each day. The hotel also has a small fitness room.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)

Hotel Location

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