Lonely Planet Normandy and D-Day Beaches: Road Trips

WELCOME TO NORMANDY & D-DAY BEACHES

Northern France is primed with possibilities whether that means sampling Norman cheeses, getting close to WWI and WWII history or simply moseying around Rouens old town. And with its abundance of coast and countryside, its a pleasure to drive, too.

This is a region with a long (and turbulent) history that is plain to see. The scars of war can still be traced on the fields of Flanders and the beaches of Normandy. Elsewhere, be awed by the landscapes and villages that inspired artists such as Claude Monet.

Yann Guichaoua-Photos/Getty Images

NORMANDY & D-DAY BEACHES HIGHLIGHTS

Walk through one of the only surviving trench systems from WWI. See it on Trip

LUCENTIUS/GETTY IMAGES

Learn about the eponymous soft cheese in this picturesque Norman village. See it on Trip

PICAVET/GETTY IMAGES

Remember the fallen at the site of the most brutal of the D-Day fighting. See it on Trip

SPOOKIEPOWER/GETTY IMAGES

CITY GUIDE

Basilique du Sacr-Cur, Paris
KYOLSHIN/GETTY IMAGES

If ever a city needed no introduction, its Paris a trendsetter and style icon for centuries, and still at the cutting edge. Whether you want tick off the landmarks or seek out secret corners, Paris fulfils all your expectations and leaves you wanting more.

Driving in Paris is a nightmare. Happily, theres no need for a car. The metro is fast, frequent and efficient; tickets cost 1.90 and are valid on the citys buses.

Paris is increasingly bike-friendly, with more cycling lanes and efforts from the city of Paris to reduce the number of cars on the roads.

Most bike rental places will require a deposit (usually 150 for a standard bike, 300 for electric bikes). Take ID and your bank or credit card.

Freescoot (www.freescoot.fr)

Gepetto et Vlos (www.gepetto-velos.com)

Paris Vlo, Cest Sympa (www.parisvelosympa.fr)

Parking meters in Paris do not accept coins; they require a European-compatible chip-enabled credit card.

Municipal public car parks, of which there are more than 200 in Paris, charge between 2 and 6 per hour or 20 to 36 per 24 hours (cash and compatible credit cards accepted). Most are open 24 hours.

Le Marais is one of the best areas for eating out, with its small restaurants and trendy bistros. Dont miss Paris street markets: March Bastille, rue Montorgueil and rue Mouffetard are full of atmosphere.

Base yourself in Montmartre for its Parisian charm, if you dont mind crowds. Le Marais and Bastille provide style on a budget, while St-Germain is good for a splurge.

Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/paris) Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more.

Paris Info (www.parisinfo.com) Comprehensive tourist-authority website.

Sortiraparis (www.sortiraparis.com) Up-to-date calendar listing.

Bonjour Paris (www.bonjourparis.com) New openings, old favourites and upcoming events.

HiP Paris (www.hipparis.com) Not only vacation rentals but articles and reviews, too.

Bar, Vieux Lille (Old Lille)
MICHEL HINCKER/GETTY IMAGES

Lille may be Frances most underrated major city. This once-tired industrial metropolis has transformed itself into a stylish, self-confident city. Three art museums, lots of stylish shops and a lovely old town make it well worthy of investigation.

Driving into Lille is incredibly confusing, even with a good map; just suspend your sense of direction and blindly follow the Centre Ville signs.

Public transport tickets (1.60, plus 0.20 for a reusable ticket) are sold on buses but must be purchased before boarding a metro or tram; there are ticket machines at each stop. A Pass Journe (24-hour pass) costs 4.80 and needs to be time-stamped each time you board; two- to seven-day passes are also available. A Pass Soire, good for unlimited travel after 7pm, costs 2.20.

Transpole has a ticket office ( 03 20 40 40 40; www.transpole.fr; Gare Lille-Flandres; 6.30am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat; Gare Lille-Flandres) adjacent to the Gare Lille-Flandres metro station.

If youre driving, the best idea is to leave your vehicle at the park-and-ride at Champ de Mars on bd de la Libert, 1.2km northwest of the centre. The ticket includes return travel for five people to central Lille on bus 12.

The city has a flourishing culinary scene. Keep an eye out for estaminets (traditional Flemish eateries, with antique knick-knacks on the walls and plain wooden tables) serving Flemish specialities. Dining hot spots in Vieux Lille include rue de Gand, home to small, moderately priced French and Flemish restaurants, and rue de la Monnaie and its side streets, alleys and courtyards.

Most hotels are within striking distance of the city centre, but Lilles business focus means many are short on charm. On the plus side, rates drop at weekends.

Lille Tourisme (www.lilletourism.com)