History and Champagne of the French Picardy

3-night, 4* lakeside hotel

4* Hotel du Golf
Facilities : Lift, Bar, Tea/Coffee facilities, Outdoor swimming, Bike and e-bike rental, Pool free coach parking on site

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: make your Channel crossing and touristic drive towards Saint Quentin and Laon and settle into your hotel base. You’ll reach your destination in only 2 hours from Calais.

Day 2: guided tour of Saint-Quentin and its Basilica. An important key position during WWI, the artillery fire destroyed 80% of the city. During the 1920s and the Art Deco movement, the town was gradually reborn from the ashes. Optional visit of the Fine Arts Lécuyer Museum to admire beautiful pastel portraits. Lunch in town. Afternoon visit of The Museum of the Resistance and Deportation in Tergnier.

Day 3: guided tour of Laon, medieval city once the capital of France. Explore the gothic cathedral and enjoy a sound & light show from the city’s underground, retracing its rich history.A maze of cobbled streets and fortifications dating back to the Middle Ages invites you to stroll around and enjoy some free time. Don’t miss the antique shop! Lunch in town. Afternoon visit of the Chemin des Dames. Three battles were fought here during World War I, including the First Battle of the Aisne (1914), the Anglo-French counter-offensive following the First Battle of the Marne.

Day 4: guided tour of Pannier House of Champagne in Château-Thierry, followed by champagne tasting. At the heart of the Marne Valley vineyard, you’ll visit medieval cellars, dug in the 12th century. Drive to the Château de Condé and enjoy lunch at the chateau. Afternoon guided tour of the chateau and sabring of Champagne. The interior of this private and lived in all year round chateau is an absolute gem. Visitors can admire its sumptuous 18th century décor and the work of famous artists including Watteau. Return to Calais for some last-minute shopping and return channel crossing home.