Overnight stay in France (midway between Calais and Roanne)

[maanderx]

I have booked to take part in the Semaine Federale in Roanne, France, this year and intend to travel
via the Eurotunnel in my car. The drive down to Roanne will be up to 8 hours and my intention is to break
up the journey and stay somewhere around the halfway distance (+/-) between the two locations.

Can someone recommend a place where they have stayed and had an ok night's sleep without any
issues? I'm not looking for five-star luxury, nor a dive. Ideally I would book a room for both legs of
my journey.

(Mods: feel free to put this where you think most appropriate).

[Jdsk]

How do you feel about chain hotels?

Jonathan

[maanderx]

Not too bothered, providing it is clean. A location about halfway between the two locations would entail about
a four hour drive. That will be in addition to three hour drive to Folkstone (where I'd be able to rest and get
some food/drink).

[Jdsk]

We've stayed at a couple of Campaniles recently, including this February. Cheap, clean and food was OK.

There's one in Troyes:
https://troyes-sud-bucheres.campanile.com/fr-fr/

You could probably get a better meal elsewhere in Troyes, and you certainly can in Rheims.

Jonathan

[roubaixtuesday]

I have booked to take part in the Semaine Federale in Roanne, France, this year and intend to travel
via the Eurotunnel in my car. The drive down to Roanne will be up to 8 hours and my intention is to break
up the journey and stay somewhere around the halfway distance (+/-) between the two locations.

Can someone recommend a place where they have stayed and had an ok night's sleep without any
issues? I'm not looking for five-star luxury, nor a dive. Ideally I would book a room for both legs of
my journey.

(Mods: feel free to put this where you think most appropriate).

No specific recommendations, but Chambres d'hotes are normally very good

https://www.chambres-hotes.fr/index_en.html

[maanderx]

We've stayed at a couple of Campaniles recently, including this February. Cheap, clean and food was OK.

There's one in Troyes:
https://troyes-sud-bucheres.campanile.com/fr-fr/

You could probably get a better meal elsewhere in Troyes, and you certainly can in Rheims.

Jonathan

Thank you for the details. That is definitely one to consider.

[simonhill]

You only want a stopover, so something like a Campanile is great. Can do cheaper, but if you are happy.....

Can't remember about them, but if you join their frequent user scheme you might get a discount.

How are you paying. Beware UK credit card charges that could add a few percent

As said, they have food. It isn't great, but it's OK for an evening meal. You won't want to be traipsing around town looking for somewhere. Plus they do single meals and a drink. Proper restaurants can be a bit daunting as a single.

Check there is car parking. Where will your bike be? You may want to take it into your room or a safe storage place.

Bon voyage.

[maanderx]

@Simonhill.
My bike will and luggage will stay in the room with me. You mentioned credit card charges.
To avoid them, would you recommend using a debit card, one that is used for 'holiday purposes
only'?

[simonhill]

Presumably you'll book and pay by card.

It doesn't matter if credit or debit it's what YOUR BANK charge for doing foreign exchange. Look at the small print. It can be an extra 3%, plus something for cash.

I use a Halifax Clarity credit card which is 0% on all foreign transactions (payments and cash withdrawn).

Matin Lewis moneysavingexpert has good info on cards abroad.

Generally a credit card is better because you get more protection but I doubt you'll be spending that much.

NB I spend a lot of time abroad so extra charges add up for me. Not so much for one off payments.

Don't forget your GHIC health card.

[Jdsk]

...
How are you paying. Beware UK credit card charges that could add a few percent
...

I use Revolut for this, and this year there were no problems with paying for fuel on the autoroutes:
https://www.revolut.com

My wife uses Starling:
https://www.starlingbank.com

Which? review the options quite often.

Jonathan

[Jdsk]

...
Don't forget your GHIC health card.

Yes. And health insurance.

Jonathan

[maanderx]

Finance and health card now sorted. Just the accommodation to finalise.

[Jdsk]

Finance and health card now sorted. Just the accommodation to finalise.

You need a Crit'Air sticker if you're going into Reims:
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motori ... ch-cities/

Jonathan

[maanderx]

Finance and health card sorted. Just the accommodation to finalise.

You need a Crit'Air sticker if you're going into Reims:
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/motori ... ch-cities/

Jonathan

I've driven to France many times before. I acquired the sticker (which I acquired 12 months ago).
Any recommendations on places mid-way between Calais and Roanne where you have stayed?

[ANTONISH]

Over a number of years my experience of Campanile is mixed - generally ok if you just want a bed for the night.
They usually have an associated restaurant which I cannot recommend.
We usually use a "Logis" hotel restaurant or find a hotel with an independent restaurant nearby if it looks reasonable.