Weekend away in France

[Harryturbs]

So the Mrs and I decided today that we're going to jump in the car to Dover, then ferry to Calais and spend 3 days in France and the area.

I think Paris is on her list and maybe we could do Bruges but is there anywhere else anyone can recommend within 3-4 hours drive of Calais? For some sightseeing and nice food / drink etc.

We're both petrolheads so some nice roads would be cool too...

Thanks

[Maracus]

Reims is nice, and there's the old Grand Prix Stand to have a nose around.

[Harryturbs]

Yeah I've just been reading an article on that, looks interesting...

[Hugo a Gogo]

Normandy

or even get the ferry direct there

[Maracus]

Harryturbs said:

Yeah I've just been reading an article on that, looks interesting...

We stopped off at the Novotel in Reims in April on the way back from Nice. Great location for the centre, it's next to the train station and very clean.

The old Grand Prix stand/pits were the main reason for stopping off at Reims

[williamp]

Go now to Normandy. There will be lots going on over the next few weeks as its the 70 anniversary (6th june)

Or wait a few weeks and suggest a trip to a city between Rouen and Tours. On the N138 sOuth of Gace

You can do a good loop from Paris, east into the champagne region via Reims, then into belgium near Spa and up to bruges then back to the ferry.

There is a lot of history in the northern France/belgium area: both napoleonic, Ww1 and Ww2 if that takes your fancy.

South of Paris is a bit boring and featureless unless you drive a long way south.

Persoanlly i would do the paris/bruges loop or head into Normandy way. Have a look on logishotels.com for some nice independent hotels with great food

[lamboman100]

Calais -- Vosges mountains -- Paris -- Calais.

[Rovinghawk]

Do not drive in Paris.

[lamboman100]

Nothing wrong with driving in Paris. A million people do it every day. It's good fun. A bit like Wacky Races.

[Harryturbs]

Thanks so far guys... I've driven in Paris a few times - absolutely crazy!

I'll have a look through all your suggestions.

[supercampeao]

I would go to Normandie - lots of nice places to visit, Deauville, Honfleur, Villers sur Mer etc and then you have all the landing beaches.

Or Bruges/Reims. I don't know if the roadworks have finished now in Bruges - they were awful!

[Bluebarge]

I think with 3 days you're pretty much limited to Paris and places to and from there (assuming Paris is a fixed destination) - have a look at Fontainebleau (its forest and chateau).

Nearer to the ports you could try Montreuil-sur-Mer or Cassel.

[Actus Reus]

Another one for Reims. A bit more expensive, but the Best Western (Hotel Paix or something) has underground parking and is very nice indeed, and near the cathedral and the two main streets full of restaurants. I recommend the Moroccan place nearby and any of the big bistro style places on the main street.



ETA: why do iphone shots always do this? FFS!

[Leadfoot]

Actus Reus said:

Another one for Reims. A bit more expensive, but the Best Western (Hotel Paix or something) has underground parking and is very nice indeed, and near the cathedral and the two main streets full of restaurants

Stayed there last Sunday, and have done before a few times years ago.
I think they've done the place up in between & I was quite impressed.
As above, its only 50 yards to the bars/restaurants & 5 mins walk to the cathedral.
The car park is reasonably accessible for low stuff as well.
I think we paid 130 for a night + 14 for the parking.

[Actus Reus]

Yep, car park had a 599 and a couple of 911s in there when I was there, but be warned, the spaces are a little tight unless you can get one of the spaces on the end. Also worth considering WW1 battlefields if in that area - the big US cemetery about an hour away is staggering.

[Harryturbs]

Just about to get on the ferry to Calais. Then staying in a cheap hotel in Calais tonight and then the hotel reccommended above! Rough route is Reims, Francorchamps, Brussels and then Bruges!

Any more suggestions on what to do along that route? Apart from Spa obviously haha...

[williamp]

Harryturbs said:

Just about to get on the ferry to Calais. Then staying in a cheap hotel in Calais tonight and then the hotel reccommended above! Rough route is Reims, Francorchamps, Brussels and then Bruges!

Any more suggestions on what to do along that route? Apart from Spa obviously haha...

Thats a great route. Take time to enjoy the scenery. Theres a great car museum un brussels too. http://www.autoworld.be

With a military museum next door. Quiz: why are so many pre-war french, dutch and Belgium cars right hand drive???

Answer in the museum...

[ILoveMondeo]

Rovinghawk said:

Do not drive in Paris.

Agreed, unless you drive a bumper/dodgem car of course.

Parking is essentially nudge the next car out of the way to make a space.

[chopper602]

The Novotel in Bruges is good. Very central and has a car park underneath. The ring road around Brussels is a bit of a nightmare and there are loads of roadworks on the road from there to Calais (experienced this on Monday!)

Edited by chopper602 on Friday 23 May 23:34

[Output Flange]

I stopped for a photo by the old pits in Reims yesterday!

If you've got time, drive the extra half hour south to Epernay and go visit one of the Champagne houses.