Driving In France: make your way around the battlefields of France
For people who are interested in history and culture the battlefields of France are a must-see. They are also extremely easy to get to by car, meaning that you can take a wonderful holiday this year without having to get on a plane.
Ypres and Albert are both within a two hour drive of Calais meaning that there is no mammoth driving to do once you cross the channel. This would be an excellent trip to embark upon as a new driver in France as there is not too far to go and you still get to see a whole new country without the stress of flying and luggage restrictions and plane food.
There are a few things to consider if you are going to the battlefields under one's own steam. One of the most important things if you are not an expert is to either take someone who is or buy a really good guide book which can explain to all about the historical perspectives. It would be extremely disappointing to arrive there and find that you are not too sure what you are looking at. Bear in mind that it can be difficult to relate to the battlefields nearly one hundred years after the historical events took place.
A good alternative to taking on the tours of the battlefields blind is to take what is a called a self-drive tour. This means that a specialist in tours to the Somme and Ypres Battlefields organises your trip, booking channel crossing and accommodation on your behalf as well as providing you with materials that you need to be as well prepared as possible including maps and tour information which can lead you quite literally all the way along the front line.
If you are more interested in World War II history then there is plenty of things to see in France. The most popular perhaps are the beaches of Normandy where the D-Day landings took place in June 1944. If you visit here then you can visit the invasion beaches, local museums, American and Commonwealth war cemeteries and special sites of interest such as the German battery at Pointe du Hoc and Pegasus Bridge on the Orne Canal near Caen. An added bonus for history buffs in this area is that the Bayeaux Tapestry is also close by.
If you are thinking of driving in France it is extremely important that you make yourself aware of the requirements. There are certain things that you need to do and have with you in order to drive in France and failure to comply can get you into serious trouble. Here is a list of the things you need to have: Full Driving licence, Proof of vehicle ownership (V5C document) or hire, certificate of motor insurance, headlamp beam deflector, Spare set of bulbs, hazard warning triangle, spare set of car keys, high-visibility waistcoat / jacket, breathalyzer kitVehicle condition.
Ypres and Albert are both within a two hour drive of Calais meaning that there is no mammoth driving to do once you cross the channel. This would be an excellent trip to embark upon as a new driver in France as there is not too far to go and you still get to see a whole new country without the stress of flying and luggage restrictions and plane food.
There are a few things to consider if you are going to the battlefields under one's own steam. One of the most important things if you are not an expert is to either take someone who is or buy a really good guide book which can explain to all about the historical perspectives. It would be extremely disappointing to arrive there and find that you are not too sure what you are looking at. Bear in mind that it can be difficult to relate to the battlefields nearly one hundred years after the historical events took place.
A good alternative to taking on the tours of the battlefields blind is to take what is a called a self-drive tour. This means that a specialist in tours to the Somme and Ypres Battlefields organises your trip, booking channel crossing and accommodation on your behalf as well as providing you with materials that you need to be as well prepared as possible including maps and tour information which can lead you quite literally all the way along the front line.
If you are more interested in World War II history then there is plenty of things to see in France. The most popular perhaps are the beaches of Normandy where the D-Day landings took place in June 1944. If you visit here then you can visit the invasion beaches, local museums, American and Commonwealth war cemeteries and special sites of interest such as the German battery at Pointe du Hoc and Pegasus Bridge on the Orne Canal near Caen. An added bonus for history buffs in this area is that the Bayeaux Tapestry is also close by.
If you are thinking of driving in France it is extremely important that you make yourself aware of the requirements. There are certain things that you need to do and have with you in order to drive in France and failure to comply can get you into serious trouble. Here is a list of the things you need to have: Full Driving licence, Proof of vehicle ownership (V5C document) or hire, certificate of motor insurance, headlamp beam deflector, Spare set of bulbs, hazard warning triangle, spare set of car keys, high-visibility waistcoat / jacket, breathalyzer kitVehicle condition.
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