LEISURE: Bruges and Lille Christmas Markets with South West Coaches

PEOPLE wanting to feel the festive atmosphere of Christmas Markets in Europe could be interested in this fantastic trip being run by Yeovil-based South West Coaches.

Swap the boring rain swept  British high street for the yuletide atmosphere and traditions of two breath-taking European Christmas Markets - a wonderful way to enter the festive spirit with enough time to sightsee and explore two of the prettiest towns on the continent at Lille in France and Bruges in Belgium on a short break running from Friday, December 1, 2017, through to Monday, December 4, 2017.

The itinerary, as supplied by South West Coaches, is as follows: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017: We make our way to Folkestone for the short Channel Tunnel crossing to Calais.  We then continue through northern France to The Best Western Plus Hotel Alize in the city centre of Mouscron. 

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2017: We make our way to the Lille Christmas Markets where the streets around the Grand Place and the Place Rihour become a riot of twinkling lights, crackling fires and festively decorated wooden chalets bursting with Christmas gifts, decorations and delicious festive food from all over the world.  The winding cobbled streets of the old town are lined with cosy brasseries and restaurants, whilst you can head for the lights of the funfair and Christmas tree on the Place du General de Gaulle where the rich scents of mulled wine, cinnamon sweets and almonds hang in the air.  Give your feet a break and take a ride on the enormous Ferris wheel for breath-taking views over one of the prettiest places in Europe.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017: After our breakfast it is time to enjoy the family atmosphere of the Bruges Christmas Markets.  The town looks traditionally festive and Christmas Stalls overflow with original present ideas from tasty handmade chocolates to wooden gifts and Christmas decorations.  The romantic city of Bruges is known as the Venice of the North – with its cobblestoned streets and picturesque canals.  It is a delight to wander around, and don’t forget to try a Belgian waffle smothered in whipped cream and hot syrup.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017: We spend some time this morning in Ypres, before we head back through Northern France and to Calais for the short tunnel crossing back to the UK.  We join the motorways back to the south west.

The trip will see people stay at the Best Western Plus Hotel Alize in Mouscron on half-board basis. The hotel features a modern décor and a relaxed atmosphere and is conveniently situated in the city centre of Mouscron, just a few metres from the Grand Place with its many restaurants.

All of the guest rooms feature air conditioning, a sitting corner with a large flat-screen TV with English channels, free internet access and an en-suite bathroom.

The cost of the trip is £329 per person and more details can be found on this link http://www.southwestcoaches.co.uk/tours/bruges-lille-christmas-markets/59 or phone 01935-475872.

Tags:
Leisure.