Where to break journey en route to Béziers

[doradoo]

We're heading off to Béziers this summer and are undecided whether to do the run in one day or take two. If you were driving down via Paris to the south of France, where would you break the journey and why?

As an aside, would the corona situation make you think twice about overnighting in a hotel?

We did this years ago in a day and it was hell - but we had two children under 3 in the car, which made all the difference. I might have quite enjoyed it otherwise.

When we did it, Clermont-Ferrand seemed like a halfway-ish sort of point. You're in the Auvergne region there, so I should think there would be some pleasant places to stay. Don't know about C-F itself though - all we saw was some motorway services.

Have you decided which route you're taking?

yes i was going to say Clermont-Ferrand too. We stopped at a campground.... was about 20 yrs ago tho

Were coming round the east of Paris - not coming from the UK.

The whole journey should be about 12 hours - we'd normally do it all in one, but our last few trips have been painful, heading down the east of France into Provence. We've also got a couple of extra days to play with.

Clermont-Ferrand would be 2/3ish of the way through, so the Saturday should be easier, just wondering really if anyone else had stopped in that neck of the woods for a night and where might be nice and if there was anything in particular to see/do if we were to stop.

Down the A71

We tend to avoid Paris and go via Reims stopping off at Dijon or Beaune, the other thing is avoid Lyon on Saturdays!

We normally get stuck from Valence onwards so thought we'd come down the middle this time!

We usually stop at the Kyriad La Pardieu at Clermont Ferrand to break our journey to Perpignan. It's in a handy spot close to a71/a75. If you've got time I would recommend the trip up the Puy De Dome, the children loved the train and the view from the top was beautiful. We love driving down the a75 as it's so scenic. If you check the Bison Fute website they can tell you the expected busy days for travel which usually includes most weekends in July and August although we found if we set off very early morning or late afternoon the traffic was fine. After Clermont Ferrand if your route takes you over Millau Viaduct we like to stop at visitors centre just before the viaduct. You can walk up to the viewing platform for an amazing view of the viaduct and down the valley

We’ve had a lovely stay at a small B&B called Manoir du Moulin, which goes all out to make families welcome. Its garden has a trampoline and play equipment for the kids, and deckchairs under willow trees for the adults.
A short drive from the A71 before Clermont-Ferrand, there are some lovely wooden cabins at Le Bois Basalte. They’re well equipped and the view is amazing! Breakfast is delivered in a hamper to the door each morning, and if you have time for a hike before the next part of your journey, they can pack you a picnic too.

That sounds amazing @Ricekrispie22

We either stop at Clermont-Ferrand or Bourges.

We used to stop at Beaune when I was a kid
Happy memories

We've stopped at Beaune too en route to Drome.

(And subsequently Reims/Arras back to Calais too).

I'm all for the cheap campanile / kyriad hotel en route.

Thanks all - some ideas to follow up