We are traveling from Bayeux to Bastogne in May. Our first night we are thinking about staying somewhere between Paris and Reims. Any suggestion on lovely little country inns? Thanks!!
Posted by
OP
mcminnville, oregon, US
8 posts
In the few hours since I posted this we have decided to change our route. This is open to suggestion as well, however! I think we will stay north of Paris, going through Rouen, Saint Quentin, and Charleville-Mezieres. Any suggestion on a nice little town to stay in. We are history buffs so the more of that the better. Thanks again!!
Posted by
Springfield, VA, USA
283 posts
Rouen is fantastic. We really enjoyed our night there on the way to Normandy. We stayed in the Cathedral (?) hotel--it is in Rick's book on France.
There is Giverny to see Monet's home and gardens...
Towards Reims there are a myriad of great little towns, like Epernay, etc. All of that area is important in WWI, so there is a lot of history there.
Posted by
OP
mcminnville, oregon, US
8 posts
Thank you for the suggestions. Do we need to make reservations or just stop when we are moved to?
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
We have done many a road trip in France and have never booked ahead, and travelling in May makes it even easier. You can look at the Logis de France website for small hotels in the region you will travel, or just wing it and stop when you feel like it or when you see an inn that appeals to you. The Logis de France hotels are all family-owned and run and very often the owner is an excellent chef, so dinner is available. Bonne route.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1864 posts
I am not sure how far west into Normandy you want to go. However, barely across the border in Brittany are two very interesting historical towns: Dinan and St. Malo. Either would be a good overnight stop.
Posted by
OP
mcminnville, oregon, US
8 posts
Thank you Norma and Cynthia! I started another post entitled "Totally Indecisive: Bayeux to Bastogne".
I think the title may have put some off! Here is the bottom line:
We are leaving Bayeux Sunday morning, May 31. We are on the ferry in Calais at 2:34 Tuesday,June 2. During that time we MUST "do" Bastogne. The rest of the time we would like to see another site: quaint town, castle, chateau, historical site, etc. Because our time is so limited, I thought it would be best to have this additional site either enroute from Bayeux to Bastogne or close to Bastogne.
We have never been to Europe so we are pretty clueless. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!
Lelah
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
A side note: Assuming you are using a rental car, have a basic idea of the towns along your route, especially the larger towns. Road signs will show these in their French spelling, which can be different from some of the maps available in America. Mappy.com can help with your preparations.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"The rest of the time we would like to see another site: quaint town, castle, chateau, historical site, etc. Because our time is so limited, I thought it would be best to have this additional site either enroute from Bayeux to Bastogne or close to Bastogne." Here's some suggestions not too far from Bastogne. For chateaux, try either Chateau de Veves or Chateau de Lavaux St. Ann. For quaint towns (and one that also has a castle overlooking it), try Dinant. The nearby city of Namur also has a castle perched on a central hill.