Planning to be in Northern France in mid to late August for about a week. Would like to base ourselves in a pretty little town or village that's centrally located for leisurely explorations of the countryside by car - with an emphasis on historical sites (WW1 mainly), gardens, etc.
Any suggestions? TIA
Posted by
Surrey, UK
911 posts
There are not many quaint towns left in the WW! part of northern France!
Have a look at Metz, or one of the towns/villages in the Champagne region.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8136 posts
There are quite a few lovely little villages in Champagne region. People shouldn't sleep on the region even if they don't like the beverage.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4322 posts
Not a " quaint town or village " but if you base around Lille a it puts you in easy striking distance for quite a number or First War sites and Memorials . A drive to Ypres should be among them . Going back toward Paris , The Thiepval Memorial and Compiegne are also important https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiepval_Memorial
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36718 posts
I also agree the area around Lille. You can get to Ypres, Passchendaele and the other Belgian sites; Amiens and Arras and the Somme, even over to Dover.
No it isn't small, but it is the birthplace of General de Gaulle and the Belgian suburbs are pleasant as are the French suburbs. Lille is very well connected by rail. There are less well connected villages and towns between Lille and the Channel which are incredible loaded with history going back hundreds of years, some with walls and defensive fortifications.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8136 posts
Close to Lille is Amiens and Arrras more midsize towns, though. Lille is pretty.
Posted by
OP
Midway, UT
3237 posts
Was originally considering Arras, but will take a closer look at Lille. Tx