Northern France Adventure

Northern France Adventure. Whilst trips to the Continent are still in the minority, they do offer something really different and a great way to enjoy pot hole free roads!

If you like the idea of smooth roads, plenty of overnight options and a motorhome friendly approach (not to mention the cheese and wine) then you should definitely consider a trip to France.  For those whose time in limited this 10 -14 day Northern France Adventure is a perfect taster and takes in some wonderful seaside towns alongside the hugely interesting war museums and if time allows, Paris!

If you are starting off from our Buckinghamshire base you will need around 2-3 hours to reach the Eurotunnel at Folkestone.  It is such an easy way to cross the channel and for this trip works really well.  For your first overnight spot head to Le Touquet.  It’s only a 45 minute drive from the tunnel so you should reach there in good time for sunset.  The Hotellerie de Plein Air Stoneham is ideally located a short walk from town centre and close to beach.

Your next stop is the idyllic town of Honfleur where the picturesque old harbour is lined with 16th-18^th Century townhouses (pictured above).  It is no wonder that over the years it has been a subject for artists including Claude Monet.  What’s great here, like so many places in France, you can park overnight at the aire in the centre of town.

Further along the Normandy coast is the town of Bayeaux, home to the famous tapestry, the highly acclaimed Normandy war museums and gateway to the D-day landing sites.  Stay at the Municipal des Bords de l’Aure which is in the centre of town so easy to walk to museums.

For those keen to explore the war museums you can follow in the footsteps of World War II soldiers on an insightful and moving tour of the Normandy battlefields from Bayeux. Visit sites such as the Airborne Museum, Pegasus Bridge, the Merville Battery Museum and the Hillman Bunker and delve into the intriguing history of D-Day and the turbulent battles that occurred. Admire the sandy stretch of Omaha Beach, the site of one of D-Day’s bloodiest battles, and pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

The jewel on the Normandy coast is Mont St Michel, a small island accessible via walkway into the sea.  If you stay close you can get to enjoy this gem outside of the peak tourist times which I would highly recommend.  The nearest campsite is the Ardevon Le Mont Saint Michel which is a 30 minute walk to ‘Le Mont’.

Head inland towards Le Mans, famous for its motor racing circuit but also stunning countryside.  Stay at the Municipal Camping Du Houssay which overlooks a lake.  Here you can relax and unwind and enjoy swimming and paddleboarding in the lake.

If time allows this route can easily take in Paris (stay on the West or North West side to avoid the Peripherique!)  Camping Sandaya Paris Maisons Laffitte is on the west side, a short walk to the train which will whizz you into central Paris in 20 minutes.

Having visited the Chateau de Versailles last year I would factor in a day there.  In addition to the Chateau which is hugely impressive, the gardens are fabulous and extensive – plan a full day exploring.

I hope this Northern France Adventure trip idea provides plenty of inspiration.  For latest availability click here.