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MEMORANDA ON FRANCE,

4*

CHAPTER I.

Boulogne—Paris—French Characteristics and Manners— Literary and Dramatic Horreurs—The War Party.

Supposing the traveller proceeding to the continent is bound in the first instance to Paris, a variety of routes presents itself. The most expeditious way of reaching the French metropolis will undoubtedly be that by Brighton and Dieppe —especially when the railroad from London is completed—though the landing and embarcation at Brighton is not always practicable, on account of there being no harbour. The sea passage between these towns requires seven or eight hours, and the journey from Dieppe to Paris about sixteen, the road passing through a delightful and fertile part of Normandy. Those who do not mind a long sea passage will be gratified by taking the Havre route, (embarking either at London or Southampton,) and will thus have an opportunity of viewing the scenery at the most interesting part of the Seine, between Havre and Rouen. The

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objection to a long trajet will, however, always induce many to prefer embarking at Dover for' either Calais or Boulogne; and by landing at the latter instead of the former town, twenty-four miles of a monotonous country are avoided.

Boulogne is one of the most agreeable towns in France for a short residence in the summer or autumn, and has been of late years a good deal frequented by families from England on account of the sea-bathing, which is excellent; a fine sandy beach extending, at low water, three or four miles eastward of the port. The streets are clean, wide, and have an animated appearance, and several of the shops are handsome. The low town is built at the base and up the acclivity of a hill, on which stands the high town, enclosed by ramparts, which are planted with trees, and form an agreeable promenade, whence extensive views may be obtained of the surrounding country. The population amounts to near thirty thousand; many rentiers reside in the high town, while the inhabitants of the low town are for the most part engaged in commercial and professional avocations, or are connected with the port.

The environs are agreeable, and the air is light and bracing; but the winter is generally severe, cold winds and storms being of frequent occurrence. Boulogne is, however, on the whole, a healthy place of residence, and generally agrees well with children; though it would not be an advisable locality for delicate invalids, or those

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