Spring is in the air in the north of France and with a plethora of festivals and events in villages and towns all over the region of Nord-Pas de Calais it’s the perfect time for a short break to shake off the winter blues.
Steamy weekend
Train enthusiasts will love the Baie de Somme’s annual Festival of Steam. From 26 to 28 April, some of the finest steam locomotives in Europe will be puffing their way along the dedicated steam train track which winds its way around the picturesque Somme Estuary. Amongst the visitors will be a Billard motor trolley, a Decauville locomotive and toast rack carriage, a steam operating clog making traction engine, plenty of steam engines and vintage cars, local food produce and activities for all the family. An adult day pass costs €15 and a child day pass (age 4-18) costs €10.
All aboard for a journey through time at the Fete de la Vapeur
Kite crazy
Kite fliers from all over the world are preparing to transform the skies above the golden sandy beach of Berck sur Mer, just an hour’s drive from Calais. The annual international kite festival takes place from 13 to 21 April this year and guarantees to keep its audience of some 200,000 visitors spellbound. You’ll find every type of kite here from Japanese fighting kites to piloted kites and teams of synchronized kite displays. There are plenty of other activities including a musical wind garden and the chance to build your own kite and entry to the festival is free of charge!
