GREAT DESTINATIONS ❘ HAUTS-DE-FRANCE WHERE TO STAY AND EAT Where to rest and refuel as you explore the green wonders of Hauts-de-France
HOTELS Mercure Centre Gare, Saint-Omer Close to the train station and historic city centre, it has 74 rooms, a restaurant (closed Sunday evenings) and parking.
www.allaccor.com
T’aim Hôtel, Margny-lès- Compiègne This modern 80-bedroom hotel on the banks of the Oise is part of the Aiden by Best Western chain. It has a panoramic terrace restaurant with master baker/ pâtissier on site.
www.taimhotel.com
Clos de la Prairie Hôtel, Gouy-Saint-André A charming family-run restaurant on a small 19th-century farm surrounded by 12 acres of meadows. Delicious gourmet dinners are cooked by Sébastien and served by Sandrine.
www.leclosdelaprairie.com
Hôtel Spa Marotte, Amiens 5-star boutique hotel in a former Belle Époque bank, with newly opened restaurant, spa and additional bedrooms.
www.hotel-marotte.com
The Mercure Centre Gare is the perfect base from which to explore Saint-Omer
antiques. Table d’hôte dinner is available on reservation.
www.chateaudepicheny.com
Au-Bois Dormant, Huby-Saint-Leu In the heart of the Seven Valleys, fi ve minutes’ walk from Hesdin Forest. Private parking, garden, outdoor pool. Table d’hôte dinner available on reservation.
www.auboisdormant.fr
RESTAURANTS
L’Industrie, Saint-Omer Near the cathedral and theatre, this friendly family-run restaurant and 2-star hotel has six bedrooms and serves local seasonal produce and homemade bread.
www.lindustrie-hotelrestaurant. com
La Maison d’Aubépine in Sains-du- Nord serves up organic produce
B&B
La Maison d’Aubépine, Sains-du-Nord Guest house in typical Avesnois style with three bedrooms and a micro-restaurant in bright, modern annexe serving delicious dishes made with local organic produce.
www.maison-aubepine.fr
Château de Picheny, Montlevon Deep in the Aisne Champenoise, this former hunting lodge from 1869 has three elegant guest suites and public rooms full of
106 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Jun/Jul 2023
L’Écurie, Hesdin Indulge in gourmet regional dishes in this equestrian-themed town centre restaurant, with its shady terrace for al fresco summer dining. Fixed price menus and à la carte. Two Michelin forks.
www.restaurant-lecurie.com
Englishman Colin Campbell-Austin runs L’Entente Cordiale in Hesdin
TEA ROOMS L’Entente Cordiale, Hesdin This popular salon de thé selling luxury grocery items is run by Englishman Colin Campbell- Austin. Light lunches, afternoon tea, early evening tasting platters.
www.lententecordialefrance.com
L’Encas et L’Échoppe, Gouy-Saint-André Part café, part décor shop, part garden. Open Thursday to Sunday, noon to 6pm from April to December. Creative food for vegans, veggies and pescetarians.
www.leleagouy.com
HAUTS-DE-FRANCE ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE BY AIR Fly to Lille in the north of Hauts-de-France or to Paris, just south of the region.
BY TRAIN Take the Eurostar direct from London to Lille or Paris Gard du Nord, then transfer to regional trains or hire a car.
BY CAR Gillian minimised her
carbon footprint by taking her car with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes,
www.eurotunnel.com.
Or take your vehicle on the ferry from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries or DFDS; from Dover to Dunkirk with DFDS; or Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS.
Enjoy elegant accommodation at the Château de Picheny
TOURIST WEBSITES
www.hautsdefrancetourism.com
www.frenchweekendbreaks.co.uk
Lille
For more hotels and
restaurants, visit
www.francetoday. com/food-and- drink-france
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