Amiens

We often get asked to recommend good spots for short motorhome trips on the continent. The Netherlands and France are the two most obvious places for a short holiday as they are the nearest countries to us. France is probably our favourite for a short hop, although it is such a big country, that if time is limited then you are unlikely to get out of the North.

Tended plots in the Hortillonnages

Many people just fly through the northern parts of  France en route to the sunnier south. However, there are lots of interesting places to visit that are less than two hours from Calais. One of these is the surprising, compact city of Amiens. 

The city is just under 100 miles from Calais and could be reached by a gentle drive down the coast road before heading inland. There is a campsite and (commercially run) aire on the outskirts of the town but they do insist on a two-night minimum. We have used a site around 6 miles north of the city in the grounds of the Bertangles Chateau. It's a simple, clean and very pretty site with large marked pitches.

Bertangles Chateau

There are a few highlights of the city itself, although the star has to be the amazing Gothic cathedral, the largest of its type in France. Viewed from a distance, up-close or from the inside. it's awe-inspiring. Visits are free and the doors are open until 6.30pm. During the summer and autumn they light it up at night, although you do have to stay up late if you visit in June like we did.

Another highlight, just a few hundred metres from the cathedral is the Hortillonnages, an area of ancient marsh land, which has been cultivated into beautiful gardens and allotments. For about a fiver, you can float serenely around the waterways on a small boat for around 45 minutes. The sun was shining when we went and it was magical.

If you have longer for the city there is plenty more to see and do. Have a look here for a few more ideas: www.visit-amiens.com.