I am reminded of our association with France almost every day, living as we do on the channel coast. Most days we see fabulous views of the French coast between Calais and Boulogne, and on a clear night you can watch the flashes and glimmers of harbour lights, streetlights and even car headlights.
I am reminded of our association with France almost every day, living as we do on the channel coast. Most days we see fabulous views of the French coast between Calais and Boulogne, and on a clear night you can watch the flashes and glimmers of harbour lights, streetlights and even car headlights.
France is an unavoidable influence on our lives here in other ways as well; from French cars and trucks on the roads to day trippers in local shops, French market stalls, and local French friends living and working in the local community. Our local village pub advertises ‘French spoken here’ whilst many shops accept payment in euros.
With France in view most of the time, and so easy to reach, the temptation to cross the channel is ever present. As a family we’ve taken the Eurostar to Paris, made numerous daytrips on tunnel and ferry, and driven to the south west for the classic French farmhouse holiday. For many in our area, going abroad, generally means France in one form or another. Instead of using National Trust membership or a family railcard or family days out during the year, some friends of ours even have a Disneyland Paris annual pass!
So for us, France provides everything from shopping trips and long lunches on days out to weekend breaks and summer holidays.