France (Calais to Champagne) 11-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Campsite

Travel from your arrival point in Calais (ferry terminal or Eurotunnel) to Camping Le Château du Gandspette in Éperlecques.

Check in and set up your camping pitch.

The campsite is about 35 minutes drive from Calais.

Pool & Playtime

Unwind and let the kids enjoy the campsite's aquatic area, featuring two outdoor swimming pools (one heated).

Towels and swimwear recommended. Check pool opening hours upon arrival.

Family Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed family dinner, either cooking at your pitch or trying the campsite's pizza bar.

Cap Blanc-Nez Hike & Views

Visit Cap Blanc-Nez, one of the two famous 'Caps' of the Opal Coast.

Enjoy a refreshing walk along the cliffs with stunning views of the English Channel and, on a clear day, the white cliffs of Dover.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Free parking available. Great spot for family photos.

Lunch in Calais

Grab a casual lunch in Calais town center.

Many brasseries and cafes offer quick and tasty options.

Calais Beach & Lighthouse

Spend some time on Calais Beach, building sandcastles or collecting shells.

You can also admire the Calais Lighthouse from outside, offering views over the port.

The beach is wide and sandy, perfect for families. The lighthouse can sometimes be climbed for a fee, check local availability.

Campsite Leisure Time

Return to the campsite for more swimming, playground fun, or just relaxing at your pitch.

Campsite BBQ

Enjoy a classic camping experience with a family BBQ at your pitch.

Pack Up & Check Out

Enjoy a final breakfast at your pitch, pack up your camping gear, and check out from Camping Le Château du Gandspette.

Scenic Drive to Lac du Der

Embark on a picturesque drive south towards the Champagne region, heading for Lac du Der.

This journey will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Plan for comfort breaks and perhaps a picnic along the way.

Late Lunch / Picnic

Have a late lunch or picnic either on the road or upon arrival near Lac du Der.

Check-in at Yelloh! Village

Arrive at Yelloh!

Village En Champagne, check in, and set up your new camping pitch.

Water Park Exploration

Dive into the campsite's impressive water park, complete with slides and various pools, perfect for winding down after the drive.

Beach & Swimming at Lac du Der

Spend the morning enjoying the sandy beaches and calm waters of Lac du Der, France's largest artificial lake. Ideal for swimming and relaxing.

The lake has several supervised beaches. Great for families with young children.

Lakeside Lunch

Enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants or cafes, or pack a picnic to enjoy by the water.

Watersports on the Lake

Rent a pedal boat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the lake from the water.

Equipment rental typically available near the beaches.

Life vests are usually provided. Good fun for all ages.

Campsite Relaxation/Activities

Return to the campsite for some downtime, or check out any scheduled family activities or evening entertainment offered by Yelloh!

Village.

Dinner at Campsite Restaurant

Dine at the campsite's restaurant, offering a convenient and family-friendly meal option.

Morning Swim / Water Park

Enjoy a final refreshing swim at the campsite's water park or a quiet morning by the lake.

Perfect for a leisurely start to the day.

Explore Montier-en-Der

Visit the nearby village of Montier-en-Der, famous for its impressive abbey and national stud farm.

Stroll through the charming streets and learn about its history.

The Abbey of Montier-en-Der is a notable historical site.

Lunch in Montier-en-Der

Have lunch in Montier-en-Der, sampling some local Champagne cuisine or enjoying a traditional French meal.

Relax & Prepare for Travel

Return to the campsite for some relaxation, reorganize your gear, and start preparing for tomorrow's journey to Nancy.

Farewell Dinner at Lac du Der

Enjoy a final family dinner in the beautiful Lac du Der area, perhaps trying a different restaurant or cooking a special meal at your pitch.

Campsite Aquatic Park

Start your Sunday with a splash!

Enjoy the impressive aquatic area at Yelloh! Village En Champagne, featuring pools, slides, and a paddling pool for all ages. It's a great way to cool off and have fun as a family.

Remember sunscreen and towels. Lifeguards are usually on duty during opening hours.

Lakeside Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch by Lac du Der, or grab a bite at the campsite's snack bar or restaurant.

Beach Time at Lac du Der

Spend the afternoon at one of the beautiful sandy beaches around Lac du Der.

Go for a swim, build sandcastles, or try some pedal boating on the lake. The lake views are stunning and perfect for relaxation.

Some beaches may have designated swimming areas. Check for watersport rentals if interested.

Campsite Relaxation

Wind down with some family time back at the campsite.

Enjoy a quiet dinner or participate in any evening entertainment offered by Yelloh! Village En Champagne.

Check the campsite's schedule for evening activities or shows.

Breakfast & Pack Up

Enjoy a final breakfast at Yelloh!

Village En Champagne before packing up your belongings and preparing for your journey to Nancy.

Ensure all camping gear is securely stowed for the drive.

Scenic Drive to Nancy

Embark on a pleasant drive from the Champagne region to Nancy.

The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, offering views of the French countryside.

Lunch Break

Stop for lunch at a service station along the motorway or in a small town en route to Nancy.

Check-in at Camping Le Brabois

Arrive at Camping Le Brabois in Villers-lès-Nancy, check into your pitch or accommodation, and begin to set up your camp.

Familiarize yourselves with the campsite map and facilities upon arrival.

Campsite Pool & Mini-Farm

After settling in, head to the campsite's heated indoor swimming pool with its retractable roof, massage jets, and waterfall.

Kids can also enjoy the educational mini-farm.

The indoor pool is a great option regardless of the weather. Check mini-farm opening times.

Campsite Dinner

Enjoy a casual dinner at the campsite's restaurant or prepare a meal at your pitch after a day of travel.

Travel to Nancy Center

Take a short drive or public transport from Camping Le Brabois to Nancy city center.

Parking is available near the center, or use the bus for convenience.

Explore Place Stanislas

Begin your exploration at the magnificent UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas, a grand 18th-century square.

Admire the golden gates, fountains (Fontaine d'Amphitrite, Fontaine de Neptune), and the elegant architecture, including Nancy City Hall.

Lunch in City Center

Enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes or brasseries around Place Stanislas or in the nearby pedestrian streets.

Parc de la Pepiniere

Adjacent to Place Stanislas, this large park offers playgrounds, a rose garden, a small zoo, and plenty of space for children to run around. It's perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Don't miss the puppet shows or pony rides if available (seasonal).

Return to Campsite

Head back to Camping Le Brabois to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Campsite Dinner

Enjoy another family dinner at the campsite, perhaps a barbecue or a meal from the on-site restaurant.

Museum of Fine Arts

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy), one of France's oldest museums, housed in an 18th-century building on Place Stanislas.

It features a rich collection of European paintings and a significant collection of Daum crystal.

Check for family-friendly tours or activities. Closed on Tuesdays.

Lunch in the Old Town

Enjoy lunch in Nancy's charming Old Town (Vieille Ville), with its narrow streets and historical buildings.

Musée de l'École de Nancy

Explore the Musée de l'École de Nancy, dedicated to the Art Nouveau movement.

This museum showcases furniture, glass, ceramics, and art from the prominent Nancy School artists, offering a unique glimpse into the city's artistic heritage.

This museum might be more engaging for older children or those with an interest in art and design. Closed on Tuesdays.

Dominique Alexandre Godron Garden

Take a leisurely stroll through the Dominique Alexandre Godron Garden, a beautiful public park near the Musée de l'École de Nancy, perfect for children to stretch their legs.

A peaceful green space for relaxation.

Campsite Dinner & Relaxation

Return to the campsite for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Enjoy the amenities or simply unwind.

Museum-Aquarium de Nancy

Visit the Museum-Aquarium de Nancy, a fascinating attraction that combines a natural history museum with an aquarium.

It's an excellent choice for families, offering diverse marine life and interesting exhibits.

Engaging for all ages, especially children. Consider arriving early to avoid crowds.

Lunch Near Aquarium

Have lunch at a restaurant or cafe conveniently located near the Museum-Aquarium.

Basilica of Saint Epvre

Take a short visit to the impressive Basilica of Saint Epvre of Nancy, known for its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture and stunning stained glass windows.

Respectful attire is recommended when visiting places of worship.

Campsite Free Time

Enjoy some free time back at Camping Le Brabois.

Children can revisit the mini-farm, play on the sports courts, or have more fun in the swimming pool.

Farewell Dinner in Nancy

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Nancy, perhaps trying some local Lorraine cuisine, to celebrate your journey through the region.

Consider reserving a table, especially if dining at a popular restaurant.

Musée de l'École de Nancy

Immerse yourselves in the Art Nouveau movement at this unique museum, housed in the former home of industrialist Eugène Corbin.

The museum showcases stunning furniture, glass, and ceramics from the turn of the 20th century.

A fascinating museum for all ages, offering a glimpse into a distinct artistic period. Check for specific family workshops or audioguides for children.

Stroll in Parc de la Pépinière

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Nancy's largest park, located adjacent to Place Stanislas.

It features playgrounds, a rose garden, a small zoo, and plenty of space for children to run around.

A perfect spot for families to relax and for kids to burn off some energy before lunch. Entry is free.

Family Lunch in Nancy

Enjoy a casual final lunch in Nancy.

There are many brasseries and cafes around Place Stanislas or in the old town offering local Lorraine specialties or simple, family-friendly fare.

Look for restaurants offering 'menu du jour' for good value. Many places are family-friendly.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping around the charming streets of Nancy.

Look for local delicacies like Bergamotes de Nancy candies or traditional crafts.

These streets offer a good mix of independent shops and boutiques.

Campsite Pack-up & Check-out

Head back to Camping Le Brabois to finish packing your belongings, ensure your pitch is tidy, and complete the check-out process.

Allow ample time for any last-minute tidying.

Confirm check-out time with the campsite reception upon arrival.

Depart from Nancy

Begin your journey homeward or to your next destination, concluding your wonderful 11-day camping trip through France.

Ensure your vehicle is fully fueled and navigation is set.