Northern France has a vast array of exciting days out well placed for those looking to stop off on their way back to the Channel, as well as fantastic family-friendly places to stay and eat.
After hours on the road, have a break at one of many attractions within easy reach of the motorways. With the peace of mind of family friendly accommodation, you’ll feel restored for the rest of your journey and go home with wonderful memories.
Between Paris and Lille:
Perfect family day out with a visit to Camelot from the BBC Merlin series
Near the A1, the Château de Pierrefonds – setting for the BBC’s Merlin – catches imaginations with its moat, drawbridge and gargoyles, while the surrounding forest of Compiègne is ideal for stretching your legs with a bike-ride or a treetop adventure course.
Between Paris and Calais:
Combine fun and learning at the incredible Nausicaa aquarium
Handy for the A16, Boulogne-sur-Mer’s Nausicaà, the National Sealife Centre, focuses on marine conservation and is an easy ½ days entertainment for kids of all ages.
Near Reims:
A unique way to stretch the legs, climb the historic mine slagheaps near the Louvre Lens
For local heritage, tour the windmills of French Flanders and also Les Terrils du 11/19, an old mining site with Europe’s tallest slagheaps plus free family activities.
