We have always considered this tour to be a particularly attractive choice for our groups. Not only is there a good choice of excursions to consider, but time spent in the coach is minimal and there is an excellent range of hotels near to all our visits.

ACCOMMODATION
Special Connections uses a range of alternative hotels in and near Boulogne. We match the group with the accommodation as with special groups the size and facilities of the bedrooms are often of importance.

For example:
• The Videotel - Calais-Coquelles
• The Best Hotel - Dunkerque
• The IBIS Hotel - Boulogne Plage
• The IBIS Hotel - Boulogne Town
• The ETAP Hotel - Boulogne Plage

Outline suggested itinerary for a three day visit DAY 1
Collection of group from school and transfer to Calais by ferry via Dover or ‘le Shuttle’ via Folkestone. There will be a DVD on the coach and pupils can enjoy suitable films during our journey.

Note:
From our point of view, we find most schools prefer to use the ferry route. We have found that while the Channel Tunnel is quicker, the ferry is more interesting and often forms a valuable and stimulating feature of the tour.

The Chocolaterie de Beussant
Participants will see how chocolate beans are used to produce fine milk, praline and dark chocolates. There will be a free tasting and the tour director will distribute sachets of chocolates to take home.

Auchan Hypermarket
The pupils will have the opportunity of visiting one of the Calais hypermarkets. Here, there will be a vast range of interesting continental foods, clothes, books, etc. to consider and our restaurant is situated within the complex. Participants can enjoy a good hot evening meal prior to settling into their hotel accommodation.

DAY 2
Continental breakfast. The day will progress at a leisurely pace to suit the requirements of the students. Breakfast will be at 9.00, to allow plenty of time for bathing and dressing and this will be followed by the pupils’ preparation of their picnic baguettes.

Visit to Nausicaa Sealife Centre
Nausicaa is one of the best sea-life centres in Europe. the huge collection of sea creatures is cleverly presented to make the most of what has become one of our favourite visits. At one point, for example, the pupils will be able to touch and stroke flat fish as they swim by. The visit is enhanced by a video presentation which serves as a build up to the grand finale of the visit - the underwater shark viewing chamber. There is a shop and a pleasant cafe for refreshments.

Visit to Boulangerie
We will transfer to the boulangerie which is situated near Boulogne. Participants will see the old wood burning ovens and how French bread, croissants and pain au chocolat are made before moving to the second site of this fantastic boulangerie where there are more modern machines, showing a different method of manufacture. Pupils will have the opportunity of trying their hand at the skill of making croissants and at the end of the visit will receive baguettes and cakes to take with them.

The Becasuc Sweet Factory
This is situated in Boulogne, a few yards off our return route. Pupils will see how sweets are made, taste the finished product and receive a bag of sweets to take home. This particular visit is very popular and has been featured on French television and IN French newspapers.

DAY 3
Theme park visit
The Bellevarde Park near Ypres or The Bagatelle Park near Le Touquet.
Alternatively, you might prefer the Aqualud swimming complex.
Pupils will enjoy this French equivalent to England’s ‘Center Parks’ with water slides, fountains, jacuzis, wave machine, cafe, bar and indoor and outdoor pools.

Please note
There are other excursions that you may like to include.
For example the Belgian town of Ypres lies just one hour from Calais We can include a tour of the Battlefields of the First World War to include:

• The ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’
• Sanctuary Wood
• Hooge Crater
• Tyne CoTt Cemetery
• The German Cemetery at Languemark
• Supper in the den Ankor Restaurant
• The Menin Gate Ceremony
• The Seaside at Le Touquet or Hardelot Plage