France by Eurotunnel

[janeandian]

Hi, we are considering visiting France by the Eurotunnel in June and staying in the Loire valley (or similar if there is a region that anyone else has traveled to that they enjoyed). Has anyone ever done a similar journey by car and can recommend a stop over in France on route to the Loire Valley as we would rather not do the 5 hour + journey having already traveled through the tunnel. Thanks Jane.

You could try looking up the logis website of small hotels and b&bs.

How far into France do you want to travel before you stop over?

Do you just want an overnight on route stop to eat and sleep, or would you like to stay somewhere for a look around? Do you want to stop quite soon after the tunnel? How old are your children?

We went to the Loire valley last year and found it easiest just to stop in Calais. Unless you're very near Folkestone, by the time you've travelled there, waiting about to get on the Euro Tunnel and had the train ride over you're ready for a break! Then we had about a 5 hour journey the next day.

We either stop in Calais, next to the tunnel (Ibis/Novatel/Ibis Budget)or if timings are right aim for just before Paris - there are lots of hotels suitable for travellers just off the motorway (A1) near CDC airport, although if you are new to France you might prefer to avoid built up areas. If you want a bit of culture, Amiens (NE of Paris) has a lovely Cathedral without going too far off route. Depends on the tunnel crossing time, and your route around Paris. Time of day around Paris will also affect your route ( you do Not want to be driving around it at busy times). We used to travel as far as CDG (from home) on a Saturday, to travel around Paris on a Sunday morning as the roads are quieter then. You may prefer to avoid Paris altogether by going west via Rouen (also a good stop). We sometimes use the A16 coastal motorway ( and stops for seaside air), on the way back.

I think it depends on what time of day you are travelling - and how far you have had to drive to get as far as Folkestone, in the first instance.

We are in W Yorkshire - and usually weI book us on a crossing at about 6.00/7.00 am. that was we drive in the nighttime and avoid the rush hour traffic on the way. It's v tiring, but we allow 5 hours anyway (to incorporate a coffee/toilet stop).

So, we are in France by 9.00/10am - which is too early to check into a hotel.

Last summer we stayed in Bayeuxx for a couple of nights prior to a house in the loire valley. Totally opposite direction, mind, but we wanted to fit it in.

But that was fine - as we just took it steady and got used (again) to driving abroad, and using our new toll auto tag device.

If you are travelling on the afternoon/evening and want to stop over - then I would suggest somewhere near Calais. Rest up and do your journey the next day.

It is only 4 or 5 hours to get to most parts of the Loire region - it's much more pleasant driving than in the UK too.

Rouen is v nice - and we once stayed there en route to the Dordogne. Nicce way to spend an afternoon and evening. In fact it is nice to go that direction to avoid Paris anyway :)

We stayed www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g2335903-d2309032-Reviews-Les_Nympheas-Chaufour_les_Bonnieres_Yvelines_Ile_de_France.html when we did a back drive back from the South last year, was just under 3 hours to Calais and that's with getting lost around Rouen

Was a motel with good rooms -as we have 3 kids they gave us 2 facing rooms that had their own external front door so it was like having a mini apprtment.

Would only be 3 hours max for the next day, it was under an hour to Chartres from there if it helps?

Good luck