Ghent trip/french north coast around Calais – suggestions?

A few of my mates are off to Ghent for a long weekend and I have the oppurtunity to cadge a lift with them. They’re doing a war themed trip and going to Dunkirk, Dynamo Museum, Ghent and then Ypres. Not sure if I want to go with them or if I want them to drop me in Calais so I can do a 2 day walk (wild camping) either west toward Boulogne or east towards Oostende and they can collect me on their way back.
Any suggestions? Is their trip likely to be more interesting than walking the coast?
Anyone walked any of the north coast of France?

The Coast of Belgium is worth a look. There’s a tram (or train) all along the way so you can just go one direction and ride back to the start. Some cool towns, damn good beer and (I’m guessing) cheaper than France.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Tram_(Belgium)

we went to Ghent and Ypres last year on a 3 day cycling trip. Visited Tyne Cot and the Menin Gate amongst other things. It was great, so much so that we’re going back again this year for a longer trip

I was in Ghent a few weeks ago – looks like a lovely city to explore

I had a look at this quite famous alterpice for 4 euros – it is absolutely stunning up close – although in a glass case now

http://www.discoverflanders.com/churchesofghent.asp

Ghent Altarpiece or Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Het Lam Gods) by Hubert and Jan van Eyck (1432), viewed when closed.

Thanks all. So the general consensus is that i’ll have more fun doing their trip rather than heading along the coast on my own?
I do like the look of the Belgian tramway…….

Went to Brugge recently and had a really fun time testing all the bear and chocolate, hired some bikes, walks, river cruise, lots of eating and drinking out, sight seeing etc. trains are good!

i remember getting my first tram ride in the pooring rain in amsterdamn, having no idea where my stop was, these days im more prepaired

Gent is a lovely city but I’m probably biased 🙂
Wonderful old architecture.

What ‘war’ related things your friends will find I don’t know… (We do have a medieval castle with a small weaponry & torture display…)

North coast of France is nothing special but to be honest neither is Belgium’s. Tram is convenient public transport as it links the coastal towns but after an hour any initial novelty will be gone.

Gent is a lovely city but I’m probably biased 🙂
Wonderful old architecture.

What ‘war’ related things your friends will find I don’t know… (We do have a medieval castle with a small weaponry & torture display…)

North coast of France is nothing special but to be honest neither is Belgium’s. Tram is convenient public transport as it links the coastal towns but after an hour any initial novelty will be gone.