France is home to some of the world’s finest culture history, fine food and wine, so why not plan a short break in your motor caravan this Autumn. Discover new places, cuisines and pastimes, while indulging in precious moments with friends, family or that special someone.
Some of the finest of French destinations are easily reachable using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle departing from Folkstone three times and hour
A Channel crossing only takes 35 minutes, so Northern France is just a hop, skip and a jump away.
Here are our top picks for those looking for the perfect motorhome getaway; combining relaxation and indulgence with history, culture, architecture, and stunning scenery:
As far as we are concerned there is no better way to toast a gorgeous French getaway than with some of the best Champagne in the world, freshly poured in the region it was created.
Reims, in the Champagne-Ardenne region is less than a three hour drive away from Calais.
Reims is a curious city with a mismatch of architecture, set in the picturesque verdant landscape of vineyards.
Tour the historic houses and discover the fascinating history and process of growing, making, and storing Champagne. Choose from famous brands such as Laurent-Perrier and Veuve Clicquot or explore some of the small, family-run companies that have been in Reims for hundreds of years.
Better still consult your France passion Guide and park your campervan overnight as guests of Champagne growers and producers.
There’s simply nothing more you need to do than soak up the scenery and sip on bubbles.
The city of Lille is closer still just an hour or so from Calais. This delightful city is the perfect destination for a romantic day trip or weekend break with your special someone. The rich history of the town is reflected in the beautiful architecture as well as the wealth of museums and monuments allowing you to truly step back in time.
Designated the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Lille, leads the way in the field of for culture, history, fine food and wine. From great museums to art centres, the Opera to the National Orchestra, culture meets you at every street corner.
Proud of its tradition of festivities and fine food, Lille is a welcoming city filled with Northerners’ generosity and warmth. Thanks to its unique charm, Lille offers visitors a tempting mix of Flemish cheerfulness and French elegance, making it a fascinating and enchanting place to visit.
Amiens is a surprisingly quaint and colourful town and packed with culture, history, fine food and wine. An hour and a half away from Calais by campervan it is often overlooked when planning an easy escape to northern France. Canals wind through the picturesque streets and visitors can shop for fruit, souvenirs, and art from the floating markets that line the water’s edge.
The absolutely-can’t-possibly-miss attraction in Amiens is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens, and is the largest in France. Beautiful stained-glass windows light the interior with a rainbow glow when the sun shines and if you happen to be visiting in the summer, this will be the highlight of your trip.
If we are truthful and have to share our secret, we will admit that Boulogne-sur-Mer just a 35 minute drive from Calais is one of our favourites. We get off Le Shuttle head into City Europe and use the dedicated car park reserved for motor homes seeking to shop in Carrefour.
We load up with fresh goodies and head of towards the aire de camping that overlooks the beach.
When it comes to culture, history, fine food and wine, this coastal town with its busy fishing port has it all. It lets you sample the northern coast’s finest fish and seafood, simply relax on the beach, or channel your inner culture vulture and visit a castle.
Outside, the old town of Boulogne boasts pretty cobbled streets, wooden shop fronts, and 13th-century buildings that look like the backdrop to ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Up the brownie points and book a table at Le Cave de Monsieur Guy for the best local cuisine in town – you’ll be treated like royalty! Don’t forget to call in at Fromagerie Philippe Olivier to pick out some delicious cheeses to take home.
Book your campervan trip with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from as little as: £84 per vehicle carrying up to 9 passengers each way on a Short Stay Saver ticket that is valid for 5 calendar days.
Or use a Flexiplus ticket, which allows you and your motorhome to turn up any time and get on the next available train,and gains you full unlimited access to the club lounge for any duration.
Sterling, our Maine Coon cat always joins us on our trips to France, and his ticket adds just £22 each way.
If you want to save money, remember that UK residents are now eligible for tax-free shopping in France. Find out more on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s tax free page.