French Road Trip Suggestions

[The Moose]

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

[The Moose]

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

[The Moose]

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?

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!!