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Looking for an exciting day out with that added je ne sais quoi?

Foot passenger tickets to France from Kent are now an option again with P&O Ferries, and there are plenty of fantastic reasons to head across the Channel this autumn.

If you're a seasoned traveller, you already know about the stunning beaches, tucked away market towns and fabulous food that's just a 90-minute ferry crossing from Dover.

If not, now's the time to start exploring this amazing part of northern France.

FIRST STOP CALAIS

Sailing with P&O Ferries from Dover, you soon arrive in Calais. Reaching the town couldn't be easier. A shuttle bus whisks foot-passengers from the ferry terminal to the heart of the town, dropping them off alongside the railway station.

Calais has a rich historical and cultural heritage - and much of it can easily be discovered in one day.

There are so many things to do whether you love art, food, historical sites, exploring the coast or wandering around the lush, green parks.

Here's some of the highlights...

Impressive buildings

The first place to head to is the Town Hall with its 75 metre belfry that has been named as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. Although it looks centuries old, the Town Hall was actually only opened in 1925 but was designed in the renaissance revival style to give it an historic look.

Calais Lighthouse is another impressive building that is worth making the time to visit. You will need to climb a total of 271 steps if you want to reach the top, but you will be rewarded with views that can stretch as far as Dover on a clear day.

The lighthouse is in the Courgain Maritime quarter - Calais’ historic fishing district.

Shopping

In recent years the town has been spruced up beyond recognition and now its streets are a must for shopaholics and anyone craving a taste of the good life, France style.

There's big hypermarkets like Auchan and Carrefour, but also a host of specialist, independent shops tucked away around every corner.

One of the best places in Calais for shopping is the Rue Royale which is an absolute must for foodies.

Calais Dragon

As well as being home to a long sandy beach, Calais's revamped seafront also has its own fire-breathing dragon.

Towering over the nearby beach huts, the metal dragon marauds along the promenade on most days of the year. Make sure you book online before heading off.

Each ride takes about 30 minutes and can have up to 50 passengers at a time.

Enchanting parks

Opposite the Town Hall you will find the Parc Saint-Pierre which combines lush grass and woodland to create a calm oasis.

There is a children's playground and a fountain which offers a fun way to keep cool in the summer months.The park is also home to an old Nazi bunker which now displays interesting artefacts and photographs from the war.

Need to unwind? Then head to Parc Richelieu. In the centre of Calais, close to the train station and tourist office, the park is somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of the town.

There's a children’s playground and a waterfall which is home to a variety of fish.

BEYOND CALAIS

If you have already ticked off all the things to do in Calais off of your list you may have time to head a bit further afield and explore some of the great places nearby.

Just half an hour away is Boulogne, France’s largest fishing port, which is also home to a UNESCO inscribed belfy.

The town is also home to Nausicaa, Europe’s largest aquarium. With 58,000 animals, Nausicaa is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and is fascinated by sea life.

Boulogne is easily reached by train from Calais. There's 21 trains a day with most journeys taking around half an hour.

To find out more about the region's heritage, head inland to Saint-Omer. The town is filled with historic buildings, impressive architecture, and a stunning Gothic cathedral.

Just a 40 minute drive from Calais, Saint-Omer has winding streets full of shops and plenty of excellent dining options - especially if you love fresh seafood. By train, St Omer is just 30 minutes from Calais and there's usually around 18 trains a day.

For more details and to book a crossing go to www.poferries.com