I have been to ‘Eat Apples’ (Etaples) as The Tommies called it. I like spending a weekend in ‘Wipers’ as the Tommies called Ypres. The Menin Gate is fascinating. Every evening since 2 July 1928 a Last Post Ceremony is conducted there at 8pm by the Last Post Association, , ( except for a few exceptions). Even during battle. There is lots to see in and around Ypres, some super bars and restaurants and the speciality in most are stewed eels ‘Belgium style’ which I find delicious and well worth the 30 plus Euro price a portion. There is a great museum in the square also.Max B Gold wrote: ↑Fri Sep 29, 2023 1:12 pmNearby Etaples has the biggest cemetery of WWI on account of it being where the Field Hospital was.Loin Cloth Lenny wrote: ↑Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:01 pmYes the Parisians lock up their second homes and go back to Paris but I find that part of the appeal to go from now to Springtime and it is easier to book things up like restaurants and golf times.Give it to Jabo wrote: ↑Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:32 am Le Touquet has that certain something you associate with France, but it is like a ghost town in winter.
Worth a visit if you are into being morbid and living your life in the past haunted by the ghosts of dead soldiers.
It can be morbid and depressing seeing the amount of graves and the poignant inscriptions. Families were charged by the letter for stonework messages and some are very brief. I enjoy the trips there like going on my own or with a friend. I could not handle one of those mass coach trips the Club organises though.