Unique Wellness Activities in Northern France

PRESS RELEASE

Northern France is known for its stunning architecture, rich history and delicious cuisine, but did you know that it’s also a great destination for unique wellness activities? From walking meditation on the beach to private flying to learning how to make your own stone jewelry, here are some fun and engaging activities to help you unwind and rejuvenate in Northern France.

Before you head off, consider a unique way to travel to France. A fantastic way to begin a wellness holiday is to travel by ferry. Ferry travel provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience and allows you to relax and unwind during the journey. The wellness benefits of travelling by sea are plenty, including access to fresh sea air and scenic views, reduction of stress and increase of wellbeing.

Each of these destinations are within driving distance from the ferry port in Calais.

1. Walking Meditation

Join Sonia for a walking meditation practice on the beach or in the forest of Le Touqet-Paris-Plage. Walking meditation is a simple practice for developing awareness, quieting yourself, and listening to yourself. It requires being aware as you walk and using the natural movement of walking to cultivate mindfulness and full presence. No experience is required.

During the session, several exercises are planned to discover and experience this practice. Mindful walking allows you to take a pause and go within while enjoying the magnificent beach of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, with the smell and sound of the waves. It is also a new way of discovering Le Touquet’s beach from a different perspective.

Book a walking meditation session with Sonia: Walking meditation on the beach - Airbnb

2. Printmaking Tour

Printmaking can be a fantastic wellness activity because it allows you to engage in a creative process that is both meditative and therapeutic. The act of creating something with your hands can help you focus your mind, calm your nerves and reduce stress levels. It is a great way to spend time with others as well as creative something beautiful.

In this printmaking tour, you will learn how to make different paper prints by skilled artist Marie-Louise. You will be guided and taught how to draw, dry, engrave, anchor and press your very own print and leave with your very own prints! Drinks and equipment is included in this tour.

Book this printmaking tour with Marie-Louise: Printmaking Tour - Airbnb

3. First flight in Baie de Somme

See wellness from a new perspective! This unique activity offers you the opportunity to be entirely present and at peace with all that is. Join Anthony, a private pilot, in his Autogyro as he flies you up and above the bay of Somme, fabulous landscapes, through the villages and across the coast. This exhilarating picturesque experience is one that will require a camera and increase your zest for life!

Anthony is a private pilot who will explain everything about the Autogyro and the principles of flight. The vehicle can only carry two people at a time, including Anthony so only one traveler per flight is available.

Book in this experience with Anthony: First flight in Baie de Somme - Airbnb

4. Flotation Tank

Sensory isolation flotation is a simple way to access a state of relaxation, meditation and intense well-being. Whether you are looking to physically recover or disconnect, want to improve your sleep or just take the time to meditate, whether you are very tall or claustrophobic, these floatation tank are so everyone.

Sensory isolation by flotation is a relaxation technique that consists of resting a maximum of senses. The five well-known senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. The body, thus freed from all constraints, relaxes. Muscles and joints relax as if you were floating in space. The brain, freed from the analysis of all the information it usually receives, can thus let itself go to letting go, daydreaming and meditation. Want to test flotation?

Book the Lille Flotation centre: Flotation centers in Paris, Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg & Brussels - Les Bulles à Flotter © (lesbullesaflotter.fr)

5. Hire your own private yoga teacher

What could be better than a semiprivate yoga class at a local French teacher’s home (maximum 4 people). Laury is a passionate and well-travelled yoga teacher who teaches Traditional Hatha Yoga class including postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Brunch is included at the end of the morning session.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and is one of the most popular wellness activities of the modern day. Yoga can help you to deeply drop into your body, reduce stress and anxiety, leave you feeling refreshed, motivated and clear on your next steps.

Book a semi-private yoga class with Laury: Get started with a semi-private yoga session - Airbnb

6. Go hiking at a UNESCO world heritage site

Embark upon an adventure in the UNESCO-classified Mining Basin and summit the pyramids of Northern France: the famous slag heaps! The trail des pyramides noires, includes four running routes (14 miles to 68 miles) and a hiking route (14 miles) whose varied elevation is rather rare for the Hauts-de-France region!

This activity is perfect for those who prefer more active wellness activities, with hiking being a great way to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, reduce stress and anxiety, boost your boost, connect with nature, or enjoy social interaction. Hiking is a fantastic option.

To learn more about the pyramids, see here: The Black Pyramids Trail | Black Pyramids Trail (traildespyramidesnoires.com)

Experience this "Do It Yourself" Creative Workshop in Bersée. Hosted by Maud, a natural stone jewelry maker who will introduce you to this craft as a form of therapy. You will begin by receiving an introduction to Maud’s craft and then making your unique bracelet created and personalized by you. All located in the heart of a showroom, located in a French family property in the Pévéloise countryside, a stone's throw from Lille, in the Hauts-de-France.

Making jewelry can be a relaxing and rewarding activity that promotes wellness and enhance overall wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to create something beautiful, enhance your fine motor skills, reduce stress, promote mindfulness, this activity is sure to be beneficial and enjoyable.

Make your own jewelry with Maud: Learn how to create a natural stone jewel - Airbnb

Why not extend your wellness activity by spending a night at the Royal Hainaut hotel in Valenciennes. This hotel is known for its majestic vibe and flamboyant appearance, everything you’d expect from an 18th century royal residence. The highlight being the spa which unfolds over an area of 1,200m2, entirely devoted to your wellbeing.

Enter this unique and timeless world in which every passing moment is an invitation to unwind and relax. You can enjoy the indoor heated pool, scented steam room, traditional sauna, the gym or one (maybe two) of their unique spa treatments. This spa aims to satisfy each one of their guests, whether that’s from adults, mums-to-be or children. Everyone can enjoy the Royal Hainaut Spa.

Book in your wellness stay: → Royal Hainaut Spa & Resort Hotel Valenciennes · Nord region

To conclude, Northern France is a great destination for unique wellness activities that cater to every taste and preference. Wellness looks different for everyone which is why this list ticks all the boxes. From relaxing experiences such as walking meditation and yoga to more active experiences such as hiking and flying, to more creative experiences such as arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone.

So, why not plan your next wellness holiday to Northern France and indulge in some well-deserved self-care? Book with DFDS Ferries, enjoy the pleasure and ease of Ferry travel and enjoy France at your own pace in your own vehicle: https://www.dfds.com/

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For further press information, please contact:

Michelle Ulyatt / Adam Toombs / Charlotte Burnap / Karen Bayfield

Roch PR Ltd

T: +44 1304 272509

E: dfdsteam@rochpr.com

About DFDS:

DFDS provides ferry and transport services in and around Europe, generating annual revenues of EUR 2.3 bn.

To over 10,000 freight customers we deliver high performance and superior reliability through ferry & port terminal services, and transport and logistics solutions. DFDS delivers high reliability to more than 10,000 freight customers through ferry and port terminal services and transport and logistics solutions.

For more than five million passengers, it provides safe overnight and short sea ferry services.

Our 8,000 employees are located on ships and in in offices across 20 countries. DFDS was founded in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen, and listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.
 
In the UK, DFDS operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.
 
DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for 11 years running (2012-2022), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last 12 years (2011-22).

DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and Calais and Dunkirk. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the UK network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven and Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is owned by Transmanche Ferries.

For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, visit www.dfds.com.