While France might immediately come to mind for most couples seeking a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, most might struggle to think beyond Paris. To help lovers find a beautiful backdrop for a weekend away, ferry company DFDS has come up with its top five alternatives to the French capital for lovers longing for a charming city break: 

1. Lovely Le Touquet 

The chic seaside resort of Le Touquet is within easy reach of both Calais and Dieppe and has long been a popular destination for couples. Le Touquet has captured the hearts of so many visitors in the past and a guided walking tour of some of Le Touquet's most beautiful locations is the perfect way to discover why. Your guide will show you some of Le Touquet's hidden gems while sharing some of the most romantic stories from Le Touquet's history.  

There are plenty of places to stay and eat, including the world famous Le Westminster Hotel, and the busy and exciting nightlife to explore and enjoy. As one of the playgrounds of the rich and famous from France and beyond, Le Touquet boasts shops from some of the world's most prestigious designers, top quality food shops, and luxury beauty treatments in its spas and salons, so won't be short of ways to treat you and your partner to an unforgettable Valentine's Day. 

2. Beautiful Bruges 

Spend time together and explore the city on a self-led tour through some of Bruges most beautiful and romantic locations. With so much to see and explore, the tourist office has put together a guide to some of its most stand-out spots. The tour starts in the Lake of Love Park (Minnewaterpark), takes you past the pretty white house fronts and tranquil convent garden of the Beguinage, across the stunning Boniface Bridge into the Gruuthuse courtyard and on to the picture-perfect Rosary Quay, before finishing at the King's Bridge. Bruges is the culinary centre of Belgium, and no Valentine's Day trip would be complete without visiting the city's heavenly chocolate shops and award-winning restaurants.  

3. Picturesque Places 

France is renowned worldwide for having some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the world, and its northern regions are no exception. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is the official organisation that recognises France's most beautiful villages, and Normandy is home to six: The Bec-Hellouin, Beuvron-en-Auge, Lyons-la-Foret, Veules-les-Roses, Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei and Barfleur. Each has its own unique character and makes for a perfect romantic getaway, especially if you want to avoid the crowds in the bigger towns and cities.  

4. Chateau de Chantilly 

Perhaps most famous for its cream and lace, Chantilly is just over two hours from both Dieppe and Calais and is the location of one of France's most beautiful chateaux. Rebuilt in the 1870s after its destruction during the French Revolution, it is also home to the Musee Conde, one of the finest collections of paintings in France. Artists whose work is housed in the collection include Botticelli, Raphael, and Van Dyck.  

The gardens are befitting of such a beautiful chateau and are kept in pristine condition, with vast manicured lawns and extensive water features to explore and enjoy. You can stroll at your leisure or take a bike ride around the grounds, fountains and pavilions. The estate also overlooks Chantilly Racecourse and the Great Stables, which were featured in Roger Moore's last Bond film A View to A Kill in 1985.

5. A fragrant adventure in Namur 

If you're looking for something a little different, then you might want to consider visiting the Belgian town of Namur. Behind the walls of its former citadel is the Delforge Perfumery, where you can take a tour of the workshop and laboratory in the underground tunnels of the former military artillery.  

On the tour you will learn the history of perfume making, the processes and skills required to blend the essential oils, and how to properly wear and keep your perfumes. You will also be advised on how to select your perfect fragrance and visit the shop where you can choose from their range of exclusive perfumes, aftershaves and skincare items made in the workshop on site.  

DFDS operates up to 54 daily ferry crossings from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk. Travel with your vehicle and up to four passengers on a day return from £39 or a 3-day short break from £99 return.  

On the Newhaven to Dieppe route there are two daily sailings, with a four-hour crossing time, and prices start from £80 for a car and two passengers. 

Visit the company's duty-free shop at Calais before your return crossing and save up to 50 per cent off UK high street prices on everything from perfumes and cosmetics to handbags and accessories.  

For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com. 

-Ends- 

For further press information, please contact: 

Michelle Ulyatt / Adam Toombs / Charlotte Burnap / Karen Bayfield  

Roch PR Ltd 

T: +44 1304 807744 

E: dfdsteam@rochpr.com   

About DFDS: 

DFDS provides ferry and transport services in and around Europe, generating annual revenues of EUR 2.3 bn.  

To over 10,000 freight customers we deliver high performance and superior reliability through ferry & port terminal services, and transport and logistics solutions. DFDS delivers high reliability to more than 10,000 freight customers through ferry and port terminal services and transport and logistics solutions.  

For more than five million passengers, it provides safe overnight and short sea ferry services.  

Our 8,000 employees are located on ships and in in offices across 20 countries. DFDS was founded in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen, and listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.  
 
In the UK, DFDS operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe. 
 
DFDS has been named 'Europe's Leading Ferry Operator' for 11 years running (2012-2022), as well as the 'World's Leading Ferry Operator' for the last 12 years (2011-22). 
 
DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and Calais and Dunkirk.  DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the UK network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven and Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is owned by Transmanche Ferries. 
 
For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, visit www.dfds.com.