Northern France Motorhome Route: An unforgettable road trip from North Brabant
Description
Discover the breathtaking coastline of Northern France during this unforgettable motorhome road trip. Experience the historic beaches of Dunkirk and the iconic chalk cliffs of Étretat, while exploring the medieval charm of Saint-Malo and the lush Loire Valley. This journey combines culture, history, and natural beauty for the ultimate motorhome experience in France.
Our adventures always start and end centrally at Beijs Roadtrips in Rijen (perfectly situated between Tilburg and Breda). Thanks to this ideal home base in North Brabant, we gladly welcome holidaymakers from all over the Netherlands every week. Haven't rented a motorhome with us (yet)? Then let this route inspire you anyway and start your journey wherever you like!
Enjoy at your own pace and discover the beautiful routes along the coast. Bring your own bikes on the bike rack or rent extra bikes with your luxury rental motorhome, giving you even more freedom to explore everything. Tip: This route is also very suitable to shorten and use for a long weekend away in France. You will drive a few more hours a day, but you will truly have a holiday feeling in just 3 days. Also, see the travelogue by Marcel de Vries on our Instagram page.
The complete 15-day motorhome route through France
Day 1-2 NL-BE-FR: Start your motorhome adventure towards Bruges
Because we are going to France and mainly want to be there, we have to cover some miles on the first day, but it is a holiday so we won't overdo it! We drive to the Bruges area (about a 2-hour drive from Rijen). You can find an overnight location nearby and visit the city on the second day. Bruges is beautiful, with a historic center full of cobbled streets, canals, and impressive architecture. It almost feels like walking through a museum. The city has countless cozy cafés and restaurants to try local specialties, such as Belgian chocolate, waffles, or a Belgian beer. Halfway through the day, we drive further towards France and stop near Dunkirk.
Day 3-4 Dunkirk and Côte d’Opale: Discover the French coastline
Dunkirk is a great place for a stop during your motorhome trip. It is known for the "Battle of Dunkirk" during the Second World War. The 'Dunkirk 1940 Museum' offers an impressive and educational experience. In addition, you can take a beautiful walk along one of the largest ports in France. The next day you descend further along the Opal Coast. Visit Cap Blanc Nez near Escalles, Cap Gris Nez near Audighen, or the medieval town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Here you will find places where you can enjoy wonderful beach walks, (kite)surfing, or a nice day at the beach.
Day 4-7 Étretat and Honfleur: The chalk cliffs of Normandy
Today you drive a bit further along the coast. The coast of Normandy is characterized by high chalk cliffs that are unique in Europe. The most famous ones can be found in Étretat. Drive over the spectacular Pont de Normandie (which spans the Seine) towards Honfleur. In Honfleur, you can visit the beautiful old harbor or view the wooden Sainte Catherine Church.
Day 7-9 Mont Saint Michel and Saint Malo: Medieval cities
Explore the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, wander through the medieval streets, watch the impressive tides, and enjoy the view over the bay. In Saint Malo, you can walk on the city walls, visit the old town (Intra-Muros), view the cathedral, or enjoy the beaches.
Day 9-12 Loire Valley – Blois – Tours – Orléans: Castles and vineyards
Beginning of the journey back! Stop in the Loire Valley: Visit Château de Chambord and the city of Blois. Explore the vineyards and visit a local wine estate for a tasting. Also visit the city of Tours, full of old half-timbered houses and the beautiful Saint-Gatien Cathedral. In the city of Orléans, you will find the iconic equestrian statue of Joan of Arc on Place du Martroi. Enjoy a lovely bike ride or walk along the banks of the Loire river.
Day 12-13 Épernay & Reims: Champagne and culture
Épernay is the champagne capital of France. On the world-famous Avenue de Champagne, you will find the largest champagne houses. Stroll through the gardens of l’Hôtel de Ville or take a balloon flight above the champagne fields (the tethered balloon takes you 150m into the air for a 360° view). Also visit Reims, a city full of impressive buildings like the Notre-Dame Cathedral. An ideal place to soak up some extra culture or taste champagne.
Day 13-14 Dinant: Belgian Ardennes
Visit the Citadel of Dinant in the Belgian Ardennes, located 100 meters above the river Meuse (accessible on foot or by cable car). In addition, the city is rich in monuments pointing to the life of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.
Day 14-15 Return to Beijs Roadtrips in Rijen
At the end of the trip, you drive back to the Netherlands. Tip: Have one last relaxing overnight stay at Luxury Minicamping Petit013 in Tilburg, before returning the motorhome to Beijs Roadtrips in Rijen.
Book your customized French road trip?
You may use the information above completely free of charge as inspiration for your tour. It is also possible to request a quote for booking a complete road trip including overnight stays. The road trip is completely tailored to your wishes. You can choose your route and pace, but we will secure the certainty of an overnight stay for you in the most beautiful places. Or we plan everything from A to Z for you! Feel free to contact us without obligation and ask about the possibilities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where does this motorhome route through Northern France begin and end?
The route starts and ends at Beijs Roadtrips in Rijen (North Brabant). Thanks to our central location between Breda and Tilburg, this is an ideal departure location for renters from all over the Netherlands.
Can I also drive this route in a shorter time?
Yes, this route can easily be shortened for, say, a long weekend away in France. You will drive a few more hours a day, but will still have the ultimate holiday feeling in 3 or 4 days.
