Towns in Northern France

[isaune]

Hi all

The GF and I fancy a couple of nights in Jan/Feb - just a long weekend really - drinking some French beer and wine and eating some French food.

Not too bothered about scenery, lakes, rivers countryside etc.

Not looking to travel too far from Calais (say 50 miles-ish).

Can anyone recommend a few good town centre wild camping spots where we can go out for the day/night - stagger back at midnight - and move on the next morning?

I was thinking Amiens, Arras, Abbeville, Lille, Lens - somewhere like that?

The town has to have a little life though (a few bars, a few restaurants - we have simple tastes!!).

Any ideas chaps?

Many thanks

Ian

[AdrianC]

Arras is nice. Alternatively, Montreuil-sur-Mer or St Omer.

[trucker]

I'll second Arras, lovely town, plenty of bars and restaurants. you might get away with parking nr the railway station at weekends.
Lille is more lively, last time I went we ended up in a restaurant that was an old brothel then after that a porn cinema
http://www.omnia-restaurant.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
La Goudale beer, mmmmm

[Ian Hulley]

Bavay is nice, there's an Aire and bars & restaraunts in the town.

Ian

[isaune]

Thanks everyone - some good suggestions there.

I am also thinking about Bruges - anyone know much about that place?

Where to park?

Eating?

Drinking?

etc etc

Thanks

Ian

[AdrianC]

I am also thinking about Bruges - anyone know much about that place?

It's gorgeous.

Where to park?

The main town centre parking's in an underground car park that you turn into from an underpass - dunno what the headroom is, though.

Eating?

There's a really good beer restaurant (yes, really) next to one of the main canals - expensive, but worth it - especially if you get the set menu and the recommended beers with each course.

Drinking?

Are you kidding? It's BELGIUM! You can't go wrong.

etc etc

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780536/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[koendd]

Thanks everyone - some good suggestions there.

I am also thinking about Bruges - anyone know much about that place?

Where to park?

Eating?

Drinking?

etc etc

Thanks

Ian

Hey,

I live 10km from bruges, about 15min from the center of town (I live in Ruddervoorde).

I've you're looking for a place to stay overnight, let me know, you can use my garden to camp

and yes, bruges is very nice!

just asked my girlfriend about food etc:
try to avoid the restaurant around the main market, because they are awefully expensive!
go in the tiny streets and it'll be a much better atmosphere

Drinking:
few bars on the "eiermarkt" (egg market) are good for partying, but loads of other bars if you just want to grab a beer.
There's a real good one with a massive amount of diferrent beers called "Brugs Beertje" https://www.google.be/search?q=brugs+be ... =firefox-a" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

let me know if you want some more info

[isaune]

Hey thanks koendd

We've decided to stay at the main Aire near the town centre by the coach park. Nice and near plus electric hook up.

Thanks for the offer though.

Will definitely look up the places you have recommended though. Especially Bruggs beertje

Thanks again

Ian

[Splurt]

Bruges is fantastic. We didnt have the van but spent a flying weekend in the place, was gorgeous. Found this guide by chance when we were there and it was really good for some free things to do and some things off the beaten track too. Also for finding the odd authentic bar/cafe that might not be mentioned in the usual tourist guides if you want to live like a local for a bit!

http://www.use-it.be/bruges/map/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Number 20 is a must if you like your beer!

You should also watch In Bruges before you go too. Great show, great little city!

[isaune]

That's a great little guide, Splurt. Thank you!!

I think number 20 is the same bar recommended above so it is DEFINITELY on the to do list!!

Thanks again.

Ian

[isaune]

Sorry I was getting mixed up. I saw number 20 recommended on a different site. Not above. Cheers

[Splurt]

Definitely a must see anyway, even if it is for a quick drink. Its seriously strong stuff though so maybe not too quick!!

Hope ye have a great trip, winter is a great time to see it, wrap up warm, enjoy!