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From The Times

August 25, 2006

September shortbreaks across the Channel

Francesca Steele has the best shortbreak ideas in France and Belguim this autumn with deals on ferries, hotels and even the odd llama

FRANCE

This weekend: Lille La Braderie

If you can make it across the channel at short notice, one of the best short hop jaunts is this weekend-long annual flea market - the largest in Europe. Ideal for a day trip on Eurostar or a booze cruise extension. Read Jo Morris's piece on the La Braderie market.

Golf in Dunkirk

One hour, 45 minutes from Dover with Norfolk Line ferries (from £19 each way for one adult with a car), Dunkirk is a harbour town with beaches and dunes, and plenty of history to boot. The museums have artefacts from the town's rich maritime or World War history and there's Dunkirk Golf, a re-landscaped 27-hole golf course amid 17th century military fortifications. The harbour restaurants serve up the traditional Flemish Waterzoi (stew) for the gastro-traveller. For details and accommodation see here or ring 0033 328 66 79 21.

Kites in Dieppe

Dragons, Indian deities and abstract artwork will form an eclectic flock above the Normandy coast during the Dieppe International Kite Festival from September 9-17. Enthusiasts from more than 30 countries will gaterh for the celebrations, which will include the fighting-kite world cup and a flora and fauna theme.

Marine Life in Boulogne

You can get even farther away for the day with Speedferries, which travels from Dover to Boulogne in under two hours. The Nausicaa Marine centre is celebrating its 15th anniversary by offering inclusive ferry travel and entry at £21 for adults and £9 for children. The centre's aquariums house more than 35,000 fish and other marine creatures, including large sharks. Opening hours in September are 9.30am to 6.30pm.

The department of Nord-Pas de Calais ranges from the cliffs at Cap Blanc Nez and the pale beaches of the Opal coast to the Flemish architecture of towns like Arras and Lille. The Ferry travel club offers holidays from £98 for three nights (per person, based on two adults sharing), including breakfast and cross-Channel travel (a travel supplement of £36 per car applies until September 4). Many hotels offer the third night free (accommodation only). For more booking information ring 08702642644. For details on what to do and see visit www.northernfrance-tourism.com. Click here for our complete guide to Nord-Pas de Calais

Brittany