The Ferry Travel Club and Nord Pas de Calais Tourist Boards have combined to introduce a selected range of short break ideas in a new holiday programme �realfrancerealclose� and website www.realfrancerealclose.com .

The choice of destinations offers the opportunity to explore the diverse Nord Pas de Calais from the stunning cliffs at Cap Blanc Nez, the Opal Coast and chic elegant towns such as Arras and Lille with its superb Flemish architecture.

Visitors with families can enjoy breaks in child-friendly beach resorts, amusement parks and fascinating museums. Gastronomy breaks provide gourmets a chance to enjoy the vast range of delicious food, wines and beers at the many restaurants the region has to offer.

All just a short drive from the cross channel ports of Boulogne, Calais and Dunkerque which are also featured as destinations, short breaks are available in popular towns and resorts such as Le Touquet, Montreuil, Arras, Bethune, Cambrai, Valenciennes, Lille and St Omer.

The programme highlights the good living values of the region through six selected themes : Gastronomy, Shopping, Coastal Activity, Bed and Breakfast and Cultural Inspiration. A special Where to Eat guide of recommended restaurants and major events in the region throughout 2005, are also provided by the regional tourist offices.

Based on a car and four passengers, including channel crossings, one night�s stay including breakfast, lead-in prices start from :

Gastronomy Le Grand Hotel (3 star) in Valenciennes from �59 per person. Hotel de la Matelote (4 star) in Boulogne-sur-Mer from �79 per person Hotel Chateau Tilques (4 star) in Tilques, near St Omer from �79 per person

Shopping Le Grand Air (Logis de France) in Fiennes from �56 per person Hotel de la Trielle (3 star) in Lille from �59 per person Express By Holiday Inn (2 star) in Arras from �58 per person

Coastal Activity Hotel Red Fox (2 star) in Le Touquet from �59 per person Hotel du Lac (3 star) in Dunkerque from �59 per person Hotel du Parc (3 star) in Hardelot from �81 per person

Bed and Breakfast (All Chambre d�Hotes) Le Clos Xavianne in Ribecourt-la-Tour from �43 per person La Ferme Sainte Austreberthe in Marant from �49 per person La Ferme des Longs Champs in Wallon-Cappel from �52 per person

Cultural Inspiration Hotel Saint Louis (Logis de France) in St Omer from �58 per person Hotel Hermitage (3 star) in Montreuil-sur-Mer from �69 per person Hotel Clery (3 star) in Hesdin l�Abbe near Boulogne from �73 per person

For further details or to make a reservation call 0870 264 2644 or visit www.realfrancerealclose.com

For detailed information on what to do and what to see in the Nord Pas de Calais visit : www.northernfrance-tourism.com

Issued on 25 July 2005. UK Press Contact : Nick Stevens � 01303 892631 / 07768 832899 or email : nick@heyfordclose.fsnet.co.uk