Cheese, Gardens, Boats and Beers in the Artois and French Flanders
Cheese, Gardens, Boats and Beers in the Artois and French Flanders
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Tour Overview
Embark on a delightful journey through the Artois and French Flanders, where cheese, gardens, boats, and beers await. Your adventure begins with a comfortable stay at the 3-star Ibis Saint-Omer Centre. Explore the picturesque Flemish town of Cassel, visiting the stunning Mont des Récollets Garden and savoring the local flavors at the 3 Monts Brewery and Eecke Cheese Factory. Discover the charming town of Saint-Omer, with its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, before gliding through the UNESCO-listed Marais Audomarois on flat-bottomed barges. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable experience in northern France. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Saint-Omer
Accommodation Name: Ibis Saint-Omer Centre
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to our hotel in Saint-Omer for a three-night stay.
Day 2 Mont des Récollets Garden, 3 Monts Brewery and Eecke Cheese Factory
Location: Cassel, Saint-Omer
Accommodation Name: Ibis Saint-Omer Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we travel close to the Belgian border, to the picturesque Flemish town of Cassel. Perched on a hill, the town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Here, we will visit the remarkable Mont des Récollets Garden. Set around a 17th-century Flemish farm, more than 20 small green spaces are laid out in Flemish and Baroque styles on the Mont des Récollets, close to the village of Cassel. The garden is considered one of the most beautiful in northern France. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Cassel to grab some lunch.
We then head to the nearby 3 Monts Brewery, home to one of the region’s most famous beers. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the fascinating history of the brewing family and learn the secrets behind their renowned beers. Tempting aromas and captivating stories fill the air, and a tasting session perfectly rounds off the visit.
Then, we will discover the secrets to crafting delicious Flemish cheeses on a captivating tour of the Eecke Cheese Factory, where the tantalizing aromas will delight the senses. An exquisite cheese tasting awaits, offering a real treat for cheese lovers. We then return to the hotel for free time this evening to explore Saint-Omer.
Day 3 Saint-Omer and Marais Audomarois
Location: Saint-Omer, Marais Audomarois
Accommodation Name: Ibis Saint-Omer Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, enjoy some free time and wander through the charming town centre of Saint-Omer, where cobblestone streets lead to stunning landmarks such as the magnificent Saint-Omer Cathedral and the 13th-century public library, one of Europe’s oldest. Explore the beautifully preserved architecture reflecting centuries of French and Flemish influences. Perhaps enjoy a guided walking tour of the town to discover the hidden secrets.
We then head to the Marais Audomarois, a 3,700-hectare UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. It is a fascinating landscape with origins dating back to medieval times. Initially dug by monks to create an intricate network of canals, these marshes have evolved into a vital part of the region’s cultural and natural heritage. The area is divided into three distinct zones: the cultivated marshes, which are the only farmed wetlands of their kind in France, the protected natural reserve marshes, and the inhabited marshes, where local communities have thrived for centuries. We will explore the marshes by gliding along the waterways in flat-bottomed barges.
Afterwards, we return to Saint-Omer.
Day 4
Location: Saint-Omer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home.
What's Included
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Visit to Mont des Récollets Garden
Explore the remarkable Mont des Récollets Garden, set around a 17th-century Flemish farm with more than 20 small green spaces in Flemish and Baroque styles.
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Tour of 3 Monts Brewery
Visit the 3 Monts Brewery, home to one of the region’s most famous beers, with an expert guide and enjoy a tasting session.
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Tour of Eecke Cheese Factory
Discover the secrets to crafting delicious Flemish cheeses at the Eecke Cheese Factory, including a cheese tasting session.
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Exploration of Marais Audomarois
Explore the Marais Audomarois, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, by gliding along the waterways in flat-bottomed barges.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Mode of Transport
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to our hotel in Saint-Omer for a three-night stay.
Accommodation
You will stay for three nights at the 3-star Ibis Saint-Omer Centre.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay for three nights at the 3-star Ibis Saint-Omer Centre.
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What activities are included on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will visit the Mont des Récollets Garden in Cassel, explore the 3 Monts Brewery with a guided tour and tasting session, and tour the Eecke Cheese Factory with a cheese tasting.
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What can I expect to see in Saint-Omer?
In Saint-Omer, you can explore the charming town centre with cobblestone streets, visit landmarks such as the magnificent Saint-Omer Cathedral and the 13th-century public library, and enjoy the beautifully preserved architecture reflecting French and Flemish influences.
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How will we explore the Marais Audomarois?
You will explore the Marais Audomarois by gliding along the waterways in flat-bottomed barges.
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Do I have to do the excursions?
Certain excursions are included in the price of your holiday. If you choose not to go on an included excursion, for whatever reason, no refunds will be made.
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How much are the optional excursions?
This depends on which tour you book. Prices are given with the itinerary for the tour and sent out with Travel Documents 5 days before departure.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
If you are a British citizen and are going on a UK holiday, you are not required to have insurance. If you are a non-British citizen and are going on a UK holiday, you are required to have an insurance policy in place or return a signed indemnity form to us prior to travel. For all travellers on European tours, you must either have a travel insurance policy in place or return a signed insurance indemnity form to us prior to travel.
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Will there be a toilet on-board the coach?
All main tour coaches have on-board toilets. Transfer vehicles to and from the interchange may not have on-board toilets.
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Can I pay for the optional excursions when I make my booking?
Optional excursions can be booked with your coach driver or Tour Manager and operate strictly subject to availability and demand. Some optional excursions are pre-bookable due to demand when making your reservation. The running order of included and optional excursions may be altered without prior notice.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not. However, we only ever charge a supplement if a hotelier imposes this charge to us as a company. Single room supplements are a bone of contention within the travel industry and we would like to assure you that we proactively seek accommodation with low or no single room supplements for our guests.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive a detailed itinerary alongside travel documents, and these will be sent 5 days prior to travel.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Shearings requires a minimum deposit of 75 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of shearings charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cheese, Gardens, Boats and Beers in the Artois and French Flanders
4 Days Starting and ending in Saint-Omer, France
Visiting: Saint-Omer, Cassel, Marais Audomarois
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
