🇫🇷 Clermont Ferrand – Campanile

This is one of the best Campanile hotels I’ve ever stayed in, recently refurbished with excellent staff and good restaurant.

We checked in on a blistering mid July afternoon as the mercury pushed past 40 degrees. Our room was superbly clean and the air conditioning running, the maid even helped us with our bags, not just for the tip but because she could see were oldies.

Light and airy, the motel style room was very comfortable and clean. The restaurant is superb and convenient.

Just down the road is a lovely bakery with wonderful croissants and sandwiches. The Pain aux chocolate with almonds is a particular favourite.

Campanile – Le Brézet
44 Rue Claude Guichard
63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
+33 4739 18891 (direct)
Website
Comfy bed and easy parking

Clermont Ferrand is in the Auvergne and conveniently situated near major autoroutes. An ancient city with a thriving centre easily accessed by buses and trains and trams. Visit the Michelin museum and cathedral.

Puy de Dome is a popular destination. You can drive to the peak, but the train is such a nice ride and at €18 adult (€12 child) round trip it’s not expensive. A family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) is €49.

Nearly 1.5km above sea level the ancient volcano Puy de dome is a nice place to walk and enjoy the views over the French countryside. With a cafe and museum, there is plenty to do even if the sun isn’t shining.

Visiting Troyes?…Try this self catering apartment HERE

🇫🇷 Roubaix – La Piscine museum…

**The finest Art Deco swimming pool in France**

**Classic and modern art exhibitions in a spectacular Art Deco setting**

Top floor apartment in central Roubaix
Vanessa +0033 682273658
🐾 Animals are welcome, just let the owners know in advance.
Fabulous views over the city

**Approximately 90 minutes from Dunkirk**

Albert Baert, born 23rd April 1863 was one of France’s finest architects. He built numerous temples and municipal swimming baths including one in Lille and Dunkirk. Roubaix however is masterpiece and well worth a visit.

🇫🇷 Reims – Hotel au Tambour…

Reims Cathedral is famous for its stunning stained glass windows and gothic architecture. Many of the leading champagne houses are based in the city and there are several good visits and guided tours.

The *** hotel au Tambour is a convenient small hotel in the centre of Reims. The recently renovated rooms (23 in total, including 2 family rooms) all have comfortable beds, modern ensuite facilities, and free hi speed internet.

There is a fridge, TV and air conditioning in all rooms, and free secure garage parking is available 50 metres away. 🐾 Pets are welcome (charged €8). Check their website for Special Offers – Rooms often available for €55. Click Here

Part of the Logis group, guaranteed high quality

The tram service runs 5am until midnight daily

The train station is 20 mins walk from the hotel and high speed services take you to Charles de Gaulle airport in 30 mins and central Paris in 45 mins.

Charles de Gaulle airport website Here

Hotel Au Tambour
60, rue de Magneux, 51100 Reims
00 33 (0)3 26 40 59 22
https://www.hoteltambour.com
Convenient and comfortable in city centre

Did you know? Tambour is the French word for drum. Hence tambourine is little or shallow drum.

What to do in Reims?…

Visit the Indoor market Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Originally opened in 1929, the indoor market is well worth a visit if you like art deco design. A concrete structure that fell into disrepair and was almost demolished by Reims city council in 1988. However, in 1990 the building was placed under protection and declared a historic monument. In 2015 this project was awarded the Europa Nostra prize for European cultural heritage.

**Madame Clicquot – visit the museum Here**

Born in Reims, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot is known as the widow who created the champagne industry. For more information about this formidable woman go HERE

Another good hotel is the Hôtel Azure, also in reims city centre and great prices on their website > HERE

🇫🇷 Dijon – Moulin de Belle Isle…

The Mill of the Belle Isle is in the pretty village of Beze, 25 kilometres south of Dijon. Christine and Eric Gaillard welcome you to luxurious accommodation in the lovingly restored water mill.

🐾 Animals are welcome, just let the owners know in advance.

Breakfast (€10) of fresh fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice, delicious yoghurt, pastries and jams with tea and coffee is served in the large dining room where you can sit and enjoy the scenery and watch the water rushing by.

Take a walk into town (10 minutes) where there is a choice of restaurants, a boulangerie and an interesting antique shop. Walk on further to the source of the Bèze river where the turqoise water rises from the ground at 25 cubic metres per second.

Visit the Abbeye de Bèze which was founded as a monastry in 629AD

The caves of Bèze are fascinating. Follow the signs for Le Grottes de Bèze

50 minute tours on foot and boat are spectacular, dates and times are Here

Christine & Eric Gaillard, Maison de Belle Isle, 5 La Forge. 21310 Beze
c.gaillard@numericable.fr
www.moulindebelleisle.fr
Relax in tranquil surroundings