Lille & Ypres Christmas Markets itinerary

Day one Your holiday begins with selected early morning coach pick-ups and the journey to Dover/Folkestone for the 8.00am ferry/Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. RAlternatively, we offer overnight hotel accommodation close to port for those who would prefer. Once in France we will rejoin the coach for the short journey to Cité Europe, where you will have plenty of time to explore this huge shopping complex. Later today we have also included a visit to the Christmas markets at Lille, where along the mazy medieval streets of Old Lille the spirit of Christmas Past lives on. Perhaps head for the Grand’Place, an architectural gem dating back to 1653, and hop on the giant Ferris wheel for a bird’s eye-view of the shimmering city. When you’ve come back down to earth, perhaps treat yourself to a fortifying cup of spiced wine, just a few steps away on the Place Rihour, location of Lille’s Christmas markets. Here you’ll find a feast of fine festive fare with ice skating, lantern processions, carol singers and over 80 chalets filled with unusual gift ideas and treats, from handmade toys, crafts and leatherwear to hot cakes, foie gras and Calvados. From here, we will transfer you to your hotel for a one-night stay.

Day two After breakfast we will join our coach for another visit to Lille, which gives you additional time for Christmas shopping or sightseeing. This afternoon, we depart Lille for an en-route visit to Ypres and its Christmas markets. Little stalls resembling exquisite Swiss chalets create a storybook setting beneath the gabled guild houses and the stunning gothic Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) along the Grote Markt, the main central square. Complete with excellent restaurants, shops and a beautiful ice-skating rink, there’s a real Yule atmosphere all around. If you have time, perhaps visit the impressive Menin Gate monument, or the In Flanders Fields Museum, both poignant reminders of the battles fought in Ypres during the First World War. From Ypres we begin the journey homeward to Calais in time for the return 8.30pm ferry/Eurotunnel crossing to Dover/Folkestone. Upon arrival, we will return you to your original departure point.

In order to offer a full itinerary your pick-up times may be very early in the morning or the previous evening; likewise your return drop off will be late and possibly into the early hours of the next day. Final timings are confirmed with your joining instructions.