Winter’s on its way

Christmas is coming and with it comes the Christmas tree, presents, traditional events and fine food.For a real taste of Christmas � la Fran�aise, come to the Boulogne-sur-Mer seaside, where warm and welcoming seaside resorts offer fun and festivities throughout the season…

Christmas is coming and with it comes the Christmas tree, presents, traditional events and fine food.For a real taste of Christmas � la Fran�aise, come to the Boulogne-sur-Mer seaside, where warm and welcoming seaside resorts offer fun and festivities throughout the season.Christmas shoppingTired of buying the usual ties, socks and vouchers for your loved ones? Need some inspiration?We have the solution! With local shops and markets aplenty, Boulogne is the perfect place to find original presents. Choose from the area’s fine wine, foie gras, chocolate and traditional French products. Recipe for an afternoon breakStop off in a local tearoom for some craquelin fresh from the patisserie – it is so much better warm and crispy- and  a cup of roustintin. Sit back in the warmth and enjoy your well-earned treat after a day of Christmas shopping.  TraditionsA very old tradition: le gu�nel Christmas Eve in Le Portel and Boulogne-sur-MerA gu�nel is a lantern made from a hollowed out beet. It was traditionally carried by the poor, who begged on the roadside on Christmas Eve. The origins of this practice are unknown, but the tradition is now observed by local children with the annual gu�nels parade. Every year in mid December local children hollow out and decorate their gu�nels, which are proudly carried door-to-door. The children offer “the song of the gu�nels” in exchange for lollies or small change. Today the gu�nels come in all different shapes: Father Christmas’ head, a clown or a fish. Much to the delight of their young creators, there is a prize for the best gu�nel.  Saint Nicolas ParadeBoulogne-sur-Mer: 4 DecemberA great parade through the town-centre of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Children will delight at the sight of Saint Nicolas and free sweets.The parade begins at 4:30pm. Around 6:00pm Saint Nicolas makes his exit by boat under a sky filled with fireworks.Christmas MarketSaturday 11 and Sunday 12th of December in Boulogne-sur-MerSunday 19th in Le Portel.All the magic of Christmas in the one place. Come and sample roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and enjoy musical and happy moments.For more information about events in Boulogne and the areawww.tourisme-boulonnais.com[email protected]