Driving from Calais to Vannes - stopover ideas pls

[Fluffywabbits]

Hi,

We’re planning to drive between Calais and Vannes this July and are looking for recommendations for 1 or 2 overnight stops en route to break up the drive. (We know it’s manageable without stops but looking forward to exploring another place or two.)

Must haves are a hotel with parking that reviews well (8+ on trip/booking.com type sites) and a few bistros within a 45mins walk or less. We aren’t travelling with kids if that makes a difference.

We’re Googling for ideas as I type but would really appreciate any recommendations for places to stay or avoid based on personal experience.

TIA

Stopped here last year after a late evening crossing

ibis budget Reims Thillois

We just wanted a cheap place, it’s basic & efficient, just off the motorway & lots of places to eat nearby.

you could then meander through champagne route next day if not in a hurry.

Thanks, we've visited Reims before and really liked it. It's a bit off course for this trip though.

Honfleur
Bayeux

Depends on your interests really but we did a stopover in Bayeux to se the tapestry but also WW2 history eg Pegasus Bridge.

Avranches and visit Mont St Michel.

We’ve stayed near Villedieu-les-Poêles which is a gorgeous town full of history and copper kitchenware. And Vannes is just gorgeous, lucky you

Seconding the suggestions of both Bayeaux and Honfleur - we stayed at a b and b Le Fond de la Cour in Honfleur pre lockdown, which was lovely, pet friendly and walkable to all the harbour restaurants- also having parking in the town was a real bonus! Owners were really helpful also in helping us sort out our vet appointments for our trip back. We are ourselves looking for a holiday in Vannes this summer and driving from Calais so may well stay again...

Dormy House in Etretat - gorgeous sea views and beach access.
La Cour Sainte Catherine in Honfleur - quiet but great access to the town centre. Cute little garden, lovely owners.

Third to staying in Bayeaux and staying in the Ibis. You don’t say how old your DCs are, but we used to get interconnecting rooms and lock their outer door.
The Bayeaux Tapestry is well worth visiting also the WW2 museums.

Thanks for the suggestions. We have passed through Honfleur before and really like it. Havent been to Bayeaux before though so will investigate that option too.