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Until quite recently, I too had a place in the Pas de Calais, not far from you in the lovely village of Boubers sur Canche.
The roads in the area are indeed a delight for cycling - well maintained and virtually traffic free.
Here's a few of my 'photo's from previous rides.
First, just down the road from you, the site of an historic conflict:
Next up, rush hour in Hesdin:
The area was, of course, the scene of intense fighting in both World Wars, of which a great deal of evidence remains. I never fail to be moved by the Commonwealth War Graves, which are everywhere, and are immaculately maintained. I often visit this particular one, just outside the village of Ligny sur Canche:
Here's the fields on the hilltop above Boubers:
Finally, here's a link to a load of Youtube videos (not mine) of the area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SopXtW7SYg&index=39&list=PLY5P2qs4J3I-8CgI5b3MaKCfn5ex5viTY
-8CgI5b3MaKCfn5ex5viTY&v=5SopXtW7SYgI miss the Pas de Calais :(
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Jingle_Jangle
clubman
Calais to Torcy (62310)
I have a share (with my partner) in a house in Torcy, a little village about 5 miles south of Fruges.
It's more of a shed than a house, but we like it.
Last Friday was the first time I had the opportunity to ride from Calais something I'd been wanting to do since we first saw the place nearly three years ago. I always had in mind that it should be possible to get to the house without using a car and yes, it's fairly easy .
It took me a little under four hours for the 45 miles,but obviously it could be done much faster, especially if the stops for map reading were not necessary. My route was through Guines, Desvres, Hucqueliers and Lebiez. I did use some short stretches of busy road, but the great majority was idyllically quiet ( and well surfaced). Anyone leaving Calais will see an area that's pancake flat, and if you travel by train or motorway it's easy not to notice that you don't have to go far to find some quite challenging hills. I had a 25 tooth bottom sprocket, and I was glad of it.
It seems to me that this area (Pas de Calais) is not very well known to the British even though it's next door; most of us whizz off to the south, to Brittany, or Belgium for the racing. However I feel it's both attractive and conveniently close to home. The photos below may give some idea of the roads.
There is cheap accommodation in the village - if anyone here feels the urge to come and have a look, send me a pm and I'll be pleased to help with the arrangements.