Looking for suggestions for a town to stop in between Brussels and Honfleur for an upcoming trip in May. Total drive time is around 5 hours between the two destinations, and I'd love to find a nice location to stop for lunch and do a bit of touring around the middle of the drive. Right now, I've got Lille at the top of my list, but am curious if there are other recommendations.
I can stop for as long as three or four hours if the location justifies that amount of time.
Many Thanks,
Jordan
Lille is only about an hour from Brussels so I don't think I'd use it as a mid-way stop. Amiens is about 2-1/2 hrs so just about half-way. There's a large historic cathedral and a nice old town area. I'm sure someone will suggest some nice places to eat lunch. I didn't eat when I stopped there on my way to Honfleur, just saw the cathedral and wandered around a bit.
When we went from Bruges to Honfleur, we drove along the coast. It was scenic with lots of places to stop for lunch and sightseeing. I tend to avoid the larger cities in favor of the countryside.
I did precisely what Nancy suggests about six weeks ago . We were staying near Ypres , seeing some of the Great War sites and drove to Amiens for several days . While there , we were able to see some other sites pertinent to the Battle of The Somme , and , of course , the magnificent cathedral . Follow your GPS , there is a large underground car park , virtually next to the cathedral .. Come down the Rue Flatters , past the Mercure Hotel , it then becomes the Rue St. Leu , the car park is just on your right , in the basement . As usual , make sure you only enter on the appropriate entrance ramp ! Facing the cathedral ( after you drop the car ) turn to the right and walk in that direction to explore some of the city
Lille or Amiens as mentioned are certainly worth a stop. You can think also about Arras for at least a drink at one of the main squares and a include a visit to nearby Vimy Ridge and Notre Dame de Lorette. Still in Belgium Tournai / Doornik is a nice historical town if you take the route along Lille. But a visit to Waterloo is with the new museum also something to consider and personally I like the little town of Mons / Bergen if you take the more southern route that connects with the A2 freeway in France. Closer to Honfleur Rouen is not to miss.
You can as Carolyn suggests follow the route along the coast and experience more the countryside. Not so touristic but to my opinion get a feel how France really is if not too much focused at high expectations.
