Get ready for ice cream on the beach, camping under the stars, and plenty of new and exciting places to explore! We know planning ahead can be difficult – especially if you’re juggling a whole family’s schedule. But never fear, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a spot of sunshine this summer with these last minute August holiday ideas.
Top Tips for Travelling During Peak Times
With summer in full swing, now’s the perfect time to get clued up on some top tips for travelling during peak times. As the only complete month of the UK’s six-week school holiday, August brings a sharp increase of visits to places such as France and the Netherlands. Many a family set off on their annual escape during this period, …
Summer in Paris
Long sunny days and light evenings were made for exploring Paris – think romantic picnics eating brie and baguette in front of the Eiffel Tower, or lounging with an espresso outside a chic café. As well as these classic holiday favourites, summer is the time when the city really comes into its own, with the warmer weather bringing a whole …
Things to do in Dunkirk
Just 10 km from the Belgian border, the French coastal town of Dunkirk is perhaps best known as the site of one of the most miraculous evacuations in military history. But before World War II, Dunkirk was famous for a very different reason – it grew into one of the most prolific fishing towns in France. Today the town is …
Lesser-known Cycling Events in Europe
With the weather hotting up and the evenings growing longer, the open road calls to many a fan of two wheels. A huge number of lesser-known cycling events take place across Europe during the summer and early autumn months, and if you’re excited for the finale of the Tour de France you should definitely check out these other events too.
Best European Music Festivals to Catch this Summer
America might have founded the first events back in the 1960s, but fast forward to the present day and Europe has a firm grip on the festival baton. The UK alone hosts approximately 500 festivals each year, and the incredible roster of European music festivals continues to evolve every summer.
Tour de France 2017 Guide: A Wild Ride Through Five Gruelling Mountain Regions
That coveted yellow jersey is close enough to touch. The Tour de France is the greatest bike race on earth, and the 104th edition is already proving one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Christian Prudhomme, the director of the race, has stated that the 2017 route has been specifically designed to encourage riders to attack each other from …
Historical Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris and Beyond
Bastille Day, known in France as “la Fête Nationale”, takes place on 14 July every year. It’s far from a mere bank holiday, and is considered to be the ultimate celebration of French culture and heritage. This special day marks the Storming of the Bastille, a political event that shaped the France we know today. Here, we look at some …
Alternative European Golf Tournaments of 2017
If all the drama and excitement in the lead up to the British Open has whetted your appetite, take a look at these other great golf tournaments taking place across Europe this year. Whether you’re looking to take on the greens yourself or simply catch the newest talent rising through the ranks, you’ll find the perfect golfing break here. From …
24 Hours of Le Mans: The Ultimate Guide
While the French are blissfully wedded to world-class cooking and devoted to fine wine, the nation’s long love affair with fast cars is hardly a well-kept secret. A highlight of France’s jam-packed racing roster is 24 Hours of Le Mans: the world’s oldest endurance race. Here, we present the ultimate guide for those who want to discover the thrills of …
Marking 100 Years since the Battle of Passchendaele
On 31 July 2017, events in Belgium will commemorate 100 years since the start of the Battle of Passchendaele – a series of attacks on Ypres in the country’s Flanders region. With 450,000 casualties by its end on 10 November 1917, this particular campaign is known not only as one of the bloodiest of World War I, but also one …
Unusual European Festivals
This summer’s festival season is well and truly upon us, and fields all across the country will be filled with people wanting to camp, sing and dance to some of the world’s best music. If you’re looking for something different though, continental Europe could offer something totally unique. Celebrating the weird and the wonderful – from bathtub sailing in Belgium to …
Getting from the port of Dublin to Galway
Set along the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is a thriving, bohemian city that is often referred to as the country’s cultural heart. As well as having plenty of beaches and expansive promenades perfect for a seaside escape, the city’s network of cobbled streets, colourful shops and folky bars are a joy to explore for all ages, …
Holiday like a Star in Cannes
It’s time to grab your sunglasses and head to Cannes, where the stars shine almost as bright as the sun. The city’s beautiful coastlines and sprawling beachside cafés are perfectly mixed with majestic casinos and glitzy bars for an evening’s entertainment, so you can relax in style throughout your stay. Here’s how to holiday like a star in Cannes.
Early music events: Flanders, Bruges and more
While the term refers to pieces composed between 500 and 1600, early music is far from being stuck in the past. In fact, today’s early music scene – spanning medieval, renaissance and baroque genres – is thriving, bringing together a huge number of instruments in harmonious and immersive performances. A number of talented musicians are taking to the stage this …
A New Lease of Life for the Pride of York
From the fall of the mullet to the rise of the selfie stick, it’s fair to say a lot’s happened since the Pride of York made its maiden voyage in 1987. Now, this beloved member of the P&O Ferries fleet is going through some changes of its own. We’ve listened to plenty of valuable feedback from our passengers, and you’ll …
Family Adventures in Wallonia
Want to try something new over the school holidays? All the sights without the crowds, all the fun without the queues; the southernmost region of Belgium is an untapped gem perfect for a stress-free family holiday. Wallonia’s symbol is a red rooster – you’ll see it adorning buildings and flags across the region – and you’ll feel naturally compelled to …
EXPERIENCE MAY DAY IN PARIS
May Day is a public holiday in France too – in fact, it’s an even bigger affair for our friends across the Channel. As well as being a spring celebration, the French have also held International Workers’ Day on 1 May since 1889. Today, there are regularly organised marches and parades, and the atmosphere is only boosted in sunny weather. …
Discover Wallonia
Tradition lies at the heart of Wallonia, from its Renaissance-style architecture right down to its rich local produce. The French-speaking region of Belgium may not be a well-known holiday destination, but with a range of activities on offer, it’s a true hidden gem that oozes old world charm. With multiple museums, historic sites and more than 1,500 castles to explore, …
Getting from the Port of Calais to Paris by Car or Train
Paris: the city of love, fashion and world-famous food and wine. Whether you’re indulging in all the wonders France’s cultured capital has to offer or treating the kids to Disneyland Paris, you’re sure to make some unforgettable memories. After taking a quick 90-minute ferry across the Channel, getting from Calais to Paris by car or train is exceptionally easy!
Romantic Weekend in Rotterdam
With one of Europe’s most modern skylines and a buzzing cultural scene, there’s so much more to Rotterdam than its famous port. While most of its architecture is brand new, there are still beautiful places to discover which hint to its rugged past, making it the perfect place to explore with the one you love. Whether it’s a canal side …