tour de france 2009 dates
Looking for Holiday Rentals Closer to Home in 2009 â Head for Nord-pas De Calais
As the credit crunch digs its heels in, those of us who love our holidays have all been left wondering how we will be able to get the holiday feeling in 2009, without spending too much cash. France is well known as one of the most popular destinations for British overseas holiday-makers, but most of the crowds head for the south – to beachfront holiday rentals in Provence and villas in amongst the sunflower fields. But even the south of France is a bit of a trek for those in search of week-long holiday rentals in France as an escape from the daily grind.
Just across the border from Belgium and a Channel crossing from England lies Nord-Pas-de-Calais, a region which is often overlooked in the rush for the south. Its major city is Lille which the crossroads of train travel between London, Paris and Brussels. Here the landscape beautiful and varied, and the range of holiday rentals demonstrates a melting pot of histories and cultures. This area of France is very proud of its heritage, as any tourist will see from its museums and monuments, not to mention historic towns and cities dating back to the Romans. The region itself is clearly delineated – Normandy to the west, Belgium to the east, and the white cliffs of Dover to the north – visible on a clear day.
It is the location which makes holiday rentals so accessible at any time of year. Despite its convenience, it is not heavily populated; the countryside is covered with forests and meadows – with sandy beaches and soaring cliffs along the coast. Aside the landscape, Nord-Pas-de-Calais is brimming with things to see and do – holiday rentals are a popular holiday choice and there’s no place better for you to assimilate yourself with the region’s culture.   You do of course have to accept that the weather may not be guaranteed as it is in southern Europe. However, Spring, Summer and Autumn often present fine and sunny (even hot) days, and when the days aren’t so good, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy.Â
The landing grounds of Dunkerque and Boulogne give sharp reminders of a tragic chain of events – World War two casts a long shadow here. The world famous Somme battlefield is nearby. However,  finding holiday rentals here needn’t be entirely introspective. If you step back in history even further you will find a huge mediaveal influence – the Flemish beer and French gastronomy leave visitors fully fed and watered. For the foodies who visit, the plethora of tasting tours and food markets enable any self-catering holiday to become a gastronomic experience in its own right.
Visitors to France have difficult decisions to make – should they choose holiday rentals on one of the stunning and varied coastlines, or would they be better off based in an inland holiday apartment? A ski chalet in the mountains, or a wooden house by a lake? Urban, or rural? France will offer you most than sufficient holiday rentals in all of those options, and so much more besides.
About the Author
Tabitha Symonds is the joint founder of One Off Places, www.oneoffplaces.co.uk, a holiday property rentals website specifically geared towards individual and one-off style properties. Launched in 2007 it offers users the chance to search for exactly what they want on their holiday, whether it’s a secluded farmhouse, a penthouse apartment or a luxury villa.
Tour de France 2009 – Climb of the Arcalis (3/4)
