Press Release..*************
GREAT SUMMER DAYS OUT IN BOULOGNE AND THE COTE D'OPALE
The popular cross channel destinations of Boulogne-sur-Mer and Cote d'Opale region will be hosting an extensive list of special events throughout summer 2008, including food and music festivals, cultural celebrations and heritage days.
Events include : Boulogne hosts the "Fete de la Musique" (Music Festival) with open air music of all styles on 21 June ; Boulogne's famous "Fête du Poisson" (Fish Festival) takes place from 25 July to 4 August in the Salle Omnisport, Damremont ; Celebration of one of the great Napoleonic events is re-enacted with troop parades at the Camp de Boulogne Tour d'Odre site on 19-20 July.
The Summer Cavalcade procession featuring two Boulogne fishing giants, Batisse and Zabelle, takes place in Boulogne on 17 August and Notre Dame Grand Procession - when the inhabitants of Boulogne dress in national costume and parade through the town to celebrate the mysterious arrival of the statue of the Virgin Mary - takes place on 30 - 31 August.
Other summer highlights in the region include : "Cote d'Opale Music Festival" from 11 - 27 July ; "Fête de la Musique" in Etaples-sur-Mer on 21 June; "Visites Spectacles - Nuits d'Histoires" in Montreuil-sur-Mer (discover the history of Montreuil-sur-Mer with an evening tour and guide) on 14, 27 and 28 June ; "Berck Country Rock Festival" from 4 - 6 July in Berck-sur-Mer.
The Port of Boulogne, located just 200 metres from the town centre of Boulogne-sur-Mer, provides unique access to all shops, restaurants and tourist attractions and is the closest arrival point for visiting the region's charming towns such as Wimereux, Hardelot, Desvres, Montreuil-sur-Mer, Etaples and resorts of Berck-sur-Mer and Le Touquet.
Boulogne's direct ferry route from Dover (Hoverport, Western Docks) operated by SpeedFerries, provides a crossing time of just 50 minutes and is the fastest channel crossing to the Cote d'Opale region. The service also continues to play a key role in re-establishing the port and town of Boulogne as the favourite cross channel destination for many British visitors.
For more information on all Boulogne's summer events contact : Boulogne Tourist Office on 00 333 21 10 88 10 ;
www.tourisme-boulognesurmer.com or :
www.ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr /
culture@ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr and for the region :
www.pas-de-calais.com ; to book via SpeedFerries' Dover - Boulogne services visit :
www.speedferries.com or call 0871 222 7456 - fares start from £18 one way for a car and passengers.
