The first Sunday of October each year is an opportunity to honour those who embody family memories, kindness and shared stories. On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Grandfathers’ Day invites young and old to come together and share a special moment.
Yet finding the right gift is often a dilemma. Books they have already read, bottles piling up, or decorative items with little practical use: at an age when the focus is on what truly matters, material possessions fade in comparison with the priceless value of moments shared together.
In Pas-de-Calais, between unspoiled landscapes, historic railway heritage, generous cuisine and lively shows, there are plenty of opportunities to create a day worthy of the occasion.
A practical guide to creating a meaningful intergenerational experience that he will remember for years to come.
1. Why Choose an Experience Gift for Grandfathers’ Day?
Over time, priorities change. What truly touches a grandfather is not the gift unwrapped at the table, but the quality time spent with his children and grandchildren.
The Benefits of Shared Experiences:
- Creating lasting memories: An emotion experienced while admiring a beautiful landscape or sharing a laugh during a show stays with you far more vividly than an object sitting on a shelf.
- Intergenerational connection: An original activity creates an opportunity to talk, listen to stories from his youth, and introduce younger generations to the pleasure of slowing down and enjoying the moment.
- A break from routine: Planning a festive outing adds something exciting to look forward to in the autumn calendar.
💡 GOOD TO KNOW: THE DATE OF GRANDFATHERS’ DAY
Established in France in 2008, Grandfathers’ Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of October.
In 2026, it will be celebrated on Sunday, October 4.
2. Our Selection of 5 Must-See Outings in Pas-de-Calais
To venture off the beaten track, here are five ideas suited to all paces, easy to access and perfect for spending quality time together.
Idea 1: The Old-World Charm of the Aa Valley Railway
For lovers of industrial history and mechanics, climb aboard the tourist steam train or one of the 1950s railcars connecting Arques and Lumbres. The journey winds through wooded hills, bringing back fond memories of childhood train journeys for older generations.
Idea 2: A Gourmet Stop at the Heart of Artois’ Estaminets
Nothing compares to the conviviality of a traditional meal. Book a table at a country inn and share an authentic Flemish carbonnade or chicken waterzooi, followed by traditional wooden games such as frog or Flemish billiards, where grandfathers and grandchildren can enjoy some friendly competition.
Idea 3: The Serenity of a Walk Along the Cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez
If your grandfather enjoys the great outdoors, treat him to a refreshing breath of sea air on the Opal Coast. At this time of year, October’s low, soft light provides clear views of the English cliffs, without the crowds of the summer season.
Idea 4: A Visit to La Coupole in Helfaut
For those passionate about contemporary history, this vast underground bunker from the Second World War, now converted into a memorial centre and planetarium, offers a captivating museum experience and is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
3. Cabaret de Licques: The Perfect Setting to Celebrate Your Grandfather
Nestled in the heart of the village of Licques, between Saint-Omer, Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, Cabaret de Licques offers a unique experience, bringing generations together around the same table.
A Sunday Lunch in the Spirit of Excellence
The Sunday lunchtime dinner-and-show format is particularly popular with families:
- Easy and comfortable access: Private ground-level parking just a few metres from the entrance, a personalised welcome and an event space with step-free access.
- Respecting everyone’s pace: Arriving in the late morning allows guests to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared with the famous Label Rouge Licques poultry and regional cheeses, without ending the day too late.
- Entertainment for all generations: When the lights go down, the revue unfolds with its dazzling dance numbers, exceptional voices reinterpreting great French and international classics, touches of humour and breathtaking visual acts.
The sparkle in his eyes during an acrobatic performance or the knowing smile during the French Cancan: it is precisely this shared experience of emotions that makes the day so memorable.
❤️ OUR BONDING TIP
Unable to get together on the first Sunday of October? Opt for a personalized Cabaret de Licques gift card.
Valid for one year, it gives your grandfather the freedom to choose his preferred date to share this moment with you.
Comparison of gift options for Grandparents’ Day
| Type of attention | Key strengths | Potential limitations | Conviviality rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic physical gift (book, clothing, gift basket) | Easy to purchase, immediate surprise on the day | Risk of duplication, lack of direct sharing
| ⭐⭐ |
Simple restaurant meal
| Convivial, a moment of exchange over a meal | Atmosphere can be noisy, no entertainment
| ⭐⭐⭐ |
Outdoor tourist activity(walk, tourist train)
| Breath of fresh air, contact with heritage | Weather-dependent in autumn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cabaret Lunch Show | Festive meal + magical show + indoor comfort | Advance booking required | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQ: Preparing for your Grandparents’ Day outing
What is the exact date of Grandparents’ Day in 2026?
In 2026, Grandparents’ Day takes place on Sunday, October 4.
Why is the lunch show particularly suitable for seniors?
The lunch show combines optimal seating comfort, table service without standing, easy single-level access, and daytime hours that avoid night driving on country roads.
How do I order a gift card for my grandfather?
The gift card can be booked directly online on the official Cabaret de Licques website. It is sent instantly by email or by post in an elegant gift box, ready to be placed in an envelope on the day of the celebration.
