Driving through central France: the best spots to take a break
Covers routes that converge around Paris
The best places to take a break in central France
Picnic stops:
Aire de la Baie de Somme (A16): An unusually picturesque service station with a lake and viewing platform.
Aire du Viaduc de Millau (A75): A service station with such an amazing view of the famous viaduct that local families come here for a day out.
Sightseeing:
Monet’s House and Gardens (A13): This needs little introduction, but it might come as a surprise to some that this Giverny attraction is so close to the autoroute. Culture and a haven of peace – apart from the crowds (claudemonetgiverny.fr).
Maison Picassiette (A11): This house, previously featured in The Connexion for its naïve art and architecture, was a product of one man’s obsessive vision: Raymond Isidore decorated his home all over with mosaics made of found pieces of pottery and glass (maison-picassiette-chartres.com).
Vatan (A20): An official village étape, which means it is recognised as a good place for a stopover on a long journey with suitable facilities (look out for signposts to others), and it is a ville fleurie. Its name, sounding like Va-t’en! (go away!), has become a popular joke.
Oradour-sur-Glane (A20): The scene of a notorious Nazi massacre in 1944 and an important place to visit, but not one to be taken lightly. On the orders of Charles de Gaulle, the village was preserved in the ruined state it was left in after the SS murdered 642 civilians there. Always free to visit, with an excellent welcome centre.
Saint-Flour (A75): The medieval upper town, built of local volcanic stone, is on a plateau with impressive views. Stretch your legs on a walk around the old ramparts and admire the ancient fortifications.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (A20): One of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, and definitely one to tick off if you have never visited. Situated on a cliff above a bend in the river Lot, it was described as “a place of enchantment” by Surrealist writer André Breton, who lived there.
Overnight:
Amiens (A16): Although damaged in both world wars, Amiens remains an attractive city. Head for the largest Gothic cathedral in France – and watch out for the free summer light show on its façade at night. Look out too for the hortillonages, a network of canals and gardens.
Chartres (A11): Another one for lovers of Gothic cathedrals: although part of the city was destroyed by bombing in 1944, the medieval stained-glass windows are largely intact. If you have time, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the former bishop’s palace next door.
Compiègne (A1): There is a 16th-Century hôtel de ville, but most people know Compiègne because of the clearing in the adjacent forest where the 1918 Armistice and the 1940 surrender were signed.
Bourges (A71): Another of those cities that is little known to foreign tourists but is well worth a diversion. Stroll around the ancient streets after dark and gaze up in wonder at the illuminated cathedral.
Cahors (A20): Famous for its wine and food – and also for its Valentré bridge, a 14th-Century World Heritage site that spans the river Lot.
Major tourist attractions:
Disneyland Paris (A4): Mainly for the children, though unaccompanied adults seem to like it too. Europe’s most popular theme park, it is enormous – so allow plenty of time.
Guédelon castle (A77): A medieval castle – except that construction did not begin until 1997. A project to recreate a 13th-Century-style fortified chateau using only period techniques and tools (guedelon.fr).
What are your favourite stops while driving through France? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com
