French Road Trip Suggestions
Discussion
I've got a few days spare next month and we're planning on a little road trip into France.
I'm likely going to be able to get across the channel late one evening and then crash somewhere for a night. I'll then have 5 or 6 days to do whatever.
At some point, I need to call into Versailles but other than that, I'm open to suggestions of places to go and/or things to see.
I don't want to do more than 5 or 6 hours in the car each day (max). I don't mind a bit of Autoroute to locate, but some nicer roads would be good too.
Looking for beautiful country side, nice cafes, good food, some interesting stops etc.
Suggestions on a post card please
I'm likely going to be able to get across the channel late one evening and then crash somewhere for a night. I'll then have 5 or 6 days to do whatever.
At some point, I need to call into Versailles but other than that, I'm open to suggestions of places to go and/or things to see.
I don't want to do more than 5 or 6 hours in the car each day (max). I don't mind a bit of Autoroute to locate, but some nicer roads would be good too.
Looking for beautiful country side, nice cafes, good food, some interesting stops etc.
Suggestions on a post card please
Normandy and the coast is very nice with plenty of open quiet roads back from the coast, generally some lovely 'French' places and the WW2 beaches are certainly worth a visit. Dinner by the harbour in Honfleur is lovely for example. On a motoring theme, if you head further West there is a great motor museum in Loheac which is certainly worth a visit:-
www.manoir-automobile.fr
www.manoir-automobile.fr
As you can tell from the varied replies already Moose there is loads of good driving to be had in France. You could try going down the East side, Beaune is gorgeous with some lovely open roads and small village stops in the area plus a Chateaux with a fabulous car, bike and plane collection. Then possibly push down to Avignon for the weather.
Tbh you can't really go wrong with any of the suggestions here, the Loire is all good, Blois, Tours, Angers, loads of history and stuff to visit.
Just point and go!
Tbh you can't really go wrong with any of the suggestions here, the Loire is all good, Blois, Tours, Angers, loads of history and stuff to visit.
Just point and go!
Currently I'm looking at:
Arrive Calais around 10pm Frog time.
Monday night at Boulogne-sur-mer (no reason other than need somewhere to stay within an hour of Calais. Am open to suggestions here)
Tuesday drive to Reims stay in Epernay
Wednesday drive to Versailles
Thursday train into Paris and explore stay in Versailles
Friday drive to Le Mans area
Saturday drive to Honfleur/La Havre
Sunday back to England
Suggestions in/around those areas of routes, hotels and places to stop please
Arrive Calais around 10pm Frog time.
Monday night at Boulogne-sur-mer (no reason other than need somewhere to stay within an hour of Calais. Am open to suggestions here)
Tuesday drive to Reims stay in Epernay
Wednesday drive to Versailles
Thursday train into Paris and explore stay in Versailles
Friday drive to Le Mans area
Saturday drive to Honfleur/La Havre
Sunday back to England
Suggestions in/around those areas of routes, hotels and places to stop please
I assume that you are arriving on Monday night at 10pm?, if so, then I would forget driving to Boulogne, find a hotel near the port/tunnel - there is a Suite Novotel within 5 minutes of the tunnel exit with plenty of parking.
Versailles - have also styed at the Novotel there - secure underground parking and 15 minutes walk from the palace.
Versailles - have also styed at the Novotel there - secure underground parking and 15 minutes walk from the palace.
Bluebarge said:
I assume that you are arriving on Monday night at 10pm?, if so, then I would forget driving to Boulogne, find a hotel near the port/tunnel - there is a Suite Novotel within 5 minutes of the tunnel exit with plenty of parking.
Versailles - have also styed at the Novotel there - secure underground parking and 15 minutes walk from the palace.
The one by City Europe?Versailles - have also styed at the Novotel there - secure underground parking and 15 minutes walk from the palace.
To be honest, I had just wanted to get out of Calais and get to BSM which is circa 30 mins away. So we can wake up somewhere nice, possibly on the water and grab a spot of breakfast somewhere pleasant.
Novotel in Versailles is certainly of consideration.
I think we're going to (try to!) stay at Chateau d'Etoges in Epernay. Can't wait!!
The Moose said:
The one by City Europe?
To be honest, I had just wanted to get out of Calais and get to BSM which is circa 30 mins away. So we can wake up somewhere nice, possibly on the water and grab a spot of breakfast somewhere pleasant.
Novotel in Versailles is certainly of consideration.
I think we're going to (try to!) stay at Chateau d'Etoges in Epernay. Can't wait!!
It is - a good plavce to get your head down quickly and then push on the next morning, but if you want to wake up next to the sea you could try the Atlantic in Wimereux (between Calais and BSM) which is an old-school "M.Hulot" type resort.To be honest, I had just wanted to get out of Calais and get to BSM which is circa 30 mins away. So we can wake up somewhere nice, possibly on the water and grab a spot of breakfast somewhere pleasant.
Novotel in Versailles is certainly of consideration.
I think we're going to (try to!) stay at Chateau d'Etoges in Epernay. Can't wait!!
The Moose said:
Bluebarge said:
I assume that you are arriving on Monday night at 10pm?, if so, then I would forget driving to Boulogne, find a hotel near the port/tunnel - there is a Suite Novotel within 5 minutes of the tunnel exit with plenty of parking.
Versailles - have also styed at the Novotel there - secure underground parking and 15 minutes walk from the palace.
The one by City Europe?Versailles - have also styed at the Novotel there - secure underground parking and 15 minutes walk from the palace.
To be honest, I had just wanted to get out of Calais and get to BSM which is circa 30 mins away. So we can wake up somewhere nice, possibly on the water and grab a spot of breakfast somewhere pleasant.
Novotel in Versailles is certainly of consideration.
I think we're going to (try to!) stay at Chateau d'Etoges in Epernay. Can't wait!!
I've been to the Chateau d'Etoges, it is nice but the dining room was too formal for my taste.
A bit further in Troyes http://www.maisonderhodes.com/en/hotel-charme-troy... very comfortable, Troyes has a bit of buzz in the evening.
Have stayed here a few times, 35 mins from Calais and inland from Boulogne. Food was very good, and still seems popular on Tripadvisor. Although not sure how well they cope with late arrival.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1080554...
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1080554...
Sevenman said:
Have stayed here a few times, 35 mins from Calais and inland from Boulogne. Food was very good, and still seems popular on Tripadvisor. Although not sure how well they cope with late arrival.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1080554...
Great tip thanks. I'm always looking for decent places to stay nr Calais.http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1080554...
If you haven't already done it - a drive down to Normandy and visiting the D-Day beaches and museums is a MUST.
First night in a Novotel near Calais.
Then drive down to Bayeux for a couple of nights which is a beautiful little town in its own right (and is well-known for a bit of sewing and cloth!)
All the D-Day locations are easily accessible from there,
First night in a Novotel near Calais.
Then drive down to Bayeux for a couple of nights which is a beautiful little town in its own right (and is well-known for a bit of sewing and cloth!)
All the D-Day locations are easily accessible from there,
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