Sponsored Editorial

Today, 20th March, marks the first day of spring. It’s the season of new beginnings when the natural world rejuvenates after the winter, bringing longer, sunnier and warmer days.

Spring is the ideal time for a trip abroad, and there are lots of great places to explore in Western Europe. For many, the go-to way to travel to Europe is on the Dover to Calais ferry route with P&O Ferries.

With the Easter bank holiday coming up and the kids off school for half term, you can enjoy your holiday, as a whole family, with friends or with that special someone. Bring your dog along too and travel in the exclusive P&O Pet Lounge!

P&O Ferries has spent the last 180 years at sea, carrying passengers to all their favourite destinations. Not sure where to go for Easter or what to do so whilst you’re there? The team have provided some inspiration for exciting city breaks and coastal getaways…

Paris

A trip to Paris is an unforgettable experience. As one of the most romantic cities in the world, it’s the perfect European break if you’re looking to spend some quality time with a partner and create special memories.

Paris is also a wonderful destination if you’re planning a fun trip with friends or family. With plenty of tourist attractions, shops, bars, restaurants, cafés and patisseries to discover, the options for adventure are endless.

The city is very pretty during the spring, and hopefully, with warmer, dryer weather ahead, you will be able to pack in as many sights as possible – from the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur to fascinating museums and Paris Zoo (a real hit with the kids).

Lille

If you’re planning a trip to France this Easter, Lille is a beautiful destination. Just 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Calais ferry port, the city sits a few kilometres east of the border with Belgium so blends French and Flemish influences.

There are many themed activities taking place over the Easter weekend for kids and adults alike, including an annual egg hunt, parades, bar crawls and special events hosted by local venues.

Other popular cultural attractions include The Parc de la Citadelle, Lille Citadel, Vauban Garden, Lille Zoo, the Boulogne Wood and Citi-Parc amusement park. Also, make sure to try Lille’s local delicacy, the Maroilles cheese tart!

Bruges

The historic city of Bruges is lovely in the springtime – and we all know that Belgium chocolate is the best in the world, so Easter is the perfect time to visit and indulge indelicious sweet treats!

If you’re looking for the full chocolate experience, check out the Choco-Story Museum to learn all about the 4,000-year-old history of chocolate and find out how it is made. You’ll be taken on a journey of the senses and there is, of course, the opportunity to taste some chocolatey delights.

Make the most of the nice weather during your stay this spring by visiting Bruges' picturesque windmills or exploring the city by water with a boat trip on the canals. For stunning views, climb the famous medieval belfry tower, and sample local delicacies like waffles and frites in one of the city’s many restaurants.

Amsterdam

The spring was made for Amsterdam! It’s tulip season so you’ll find gorgeous flowers in abundance. The annual Tulip Festival begins on 23rd March and goes on 14th May. You can even venture to Lisse, a short journey from the city, to visit Keukenhof Gardens, also known as the 'Gardens of Europe', where you'll find the iconic Dutch tulip fields.

Flowers aside, there are lots of exciting things to do in the city of Amsterdam. Stroll around the outdoor markets, which offer everything from food and drink to books, vintage clothes and antiques; rent a bike and cycle through the meandering streets of the capital; or take in the rich architectural sights and historic waterways on a canal cruise.

The Opal Coast

Don’t have the whole bank holiday off? A day trip or short break close to Calais is another brilliant option this Easter. Nausicaa, Le Touquet, Dunkirk and Le Boulogne are all popular seaside towns, particularly with families, couples and nature lovers.

Le Touquet has everything you could wish for – boutique shops, museums, eateries and a lovely sandy beach that’s great for water sports, and if you choose to visit the French fishing port of Bologne sur Mer, you’ll find Nausicaa, Europe’s largest aquarium, home to almost 60,000 creatures.

The gorgeous locations along the Opal Coast are very dog-friendly, so if you fancy a walking holiday with your pup, there are a huge range of footpaths to explore featuring woodland, sand and sea. Embrace the fresh air and natural wonders of spring!

To find out more and book your next trip, visit www.poferries.com.