There's so much more to a romantic stay in France than a trip to Paris so why not head to Hauts-de-France, France's northernmost region, which offers a fabulous choice of romantic breaks - all of which are easily accessible for a short break or long weekend.  As the UK's closest international self-drive destination and easily accessible by Eurostar, the region offers romantic stays to suit all tastes, from a luxury 5-star chateau offering locally produced champagne to a cultural city break in Lille or from a tantalising foodie break near the Somme Bay to the wide expansive beaches of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.

Sparkling Champagne and Romance on a French Vineyard Stay:

Indulge in a champagne-inspired stay at Port D'Arcy, a beautiful boutique bed and breakfast located on the champagne trail between Paris and Reims. Transformed from a traditional stone farmhouse which once formed a gatehouse to the town of Fere-en-Tardenois, Port D'Arcy is a peaceful weekend hideaway on the edge of the forest, with a choice of simple yet stylish suites.  Port D'Arcy is offering a special stay which comes complete with a relaxing massage, half a bottle of perfectly cooled champagne and a visit to a local champagne cellar.  With a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and pretty gardens, it makes the ideal location for a romantic break or as part of a trip to explore the local vineyards.  

Owner Caroline comes from a family of champagne producers so is a true expert in all matters champagne related and can point guests in the direction of the best vineyards and cellars.   Nearby sights to visit include the romantic ruins of the Chateau de Fere, Chateau Thierry – where there are far reaching views over the Marne river below and 'Hottee du Diable', with its unusual and mystical rock formations.  Delicious freshly made breakfast is included, and for dinner, Caroline offers a superb Table D'hote, or can recommend some delicious local restaurants within easy reach.

Prices from £78 per person for one night on a bed and breakfast basis, including a relaxing body massage, use of the pool and tennis courts and a half bottle of champagne to share. 

A Fairy Tale Chateau in Chantilly:

An escape to a luxury fairy tale chateau hotel in the heart of the Chantilly Forest ticks all the boxes for a romantic break.  Once the home of the French composer, Fernand Halphen, the beautifully restored 5-star Tiara Chateau Mont Royal blends classic and contemporary style with a focus on light and space.  With its grand entrance, sweeping staircases and stylish interiors, it instantly transports guests to another world. Savour haute cuisine in the elegant L'Opera Restaurant, once the music room, or the more informal Stradivarius Restaurant and Bar in the former smoking lounge, with its private member's club feel.  Enjoy treatments in the spa, relax in the splendid indoor pool, try your hand at tennis, petanque or billiards, or just stroll through the beautiful grounds.

The hotel is perfectly placed for a visit to the magnificent Château de Chantilly, the work of Henri d'Orléans who was considered the greatest collector of his time. Interiors are lavish and sumptuous and the amazing collection of antique paintings on display is second in size only to the Louvre.  The gardens are equally breathtaking, with several different gardens reflecting the fashions of specific periods.  The French-style garden was created in the 17th century by André Le Nôtre, creator of the gardens at Versailles and it is said they were his favourite. 

And a stay in Chantilly is not complete without sampling sweet Chantilly cream in its home town.

Prices from £138 per person for one night on a bed and breakfast basis including afternoon tea and use of the spa and indoor pool.

Coastal Couples Retreat in Le Touquet:

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage's white sandy beach is just one of the highlights of this chic seaside town. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was Europe's most fashionable resort, frequented by the British smart set with guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Noel Coward, P G Wodehouse, and Winston Churchill all regular visitors.  These days it continues to impress with a cocktail of the very best of French art de vivre and the opportunity to make the most of the great outdoors and fresh sea air. 

Set between the sea and pine forests, Le Touquet's natural environment gives visitors plenty to enjoy in the great outdoors from sand yachting along the wide flat beaches, a relaxing horse ride to exploring on its walking trails through the forest and over the natural sand dunes where seals can sometimes be spotted.  As the golfing capital of Hauts-de-France, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is also home to three sensational golf courses including La Mer which is the top course in France. With a great choice of restaurants, cafes and boutiques, all in under an hour from Calais, this seaside resort is a real romantic gem to be explored.

For classic glamour, the iconic, flagship hotel The Westminster was recently renovated with a redesign of the hotel's rooms, bar and two restaurants blending its original Art Deco details with contemporary style.  Alternatively the 3 star Hotel Castel Victoria offers a cosy stay in a listed building and is the ideal setting for a romantic beach break where guests can unwind and concentrate on enjoying time together.  With complimentary champagne, a quiet roof terrace and even bikes to hire, relax and escape to the perfect romantic spot to unwind and recharge.

Prices from £69 per person per night on a bed and breakfast basis at the Hotel Castel Victoria including bike hire.

Lively Lille:

The vibrant, dynamic city of Lille, the easily accessible capital of French Flanders, is the ideal city break destination for a romantic escape for two.  With fantastic architecture, a great choice of art museums and superb shopping, it's easy to reach there is also plenty to tempt foodies from fine dining to delicious street food. 

Lille's rich art offerings range from fantastic fine arts collections to contemporary art and sculpture as well as unusual modernist architecture. A must-see is the 'Musee de La Piscine', a converted art deco swimming pool complex which has maintained a central water feature with sculptures either side of it whilst around the pool, the old shower cubicles have been converted into display cases all lit through fabulous stained glass windows.  For modern art fans, LaM is a modern art museum and sculpture park which is renowned for its collections of 20th and 21st century art as well as for its iconic building complex. 

Explore the city's famous market, Wazemmes – one of the largest in France - with its bustling colourful stalls selling a huge array of local produce including fruit and vegetables, olives, charcuterie and cheeses, with the surrounding streets also home to a diverse range of Tunisian bakeries, shops and restaurants.

The historic 4-star Carlton hotel in Lille is the perfect base with its central location and views of Lille's Opera House combined with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and great facilities.  Splash out and spend a night in the 'Coupole Suite' in the domed penthouse, a split level spacious, luxurious suite with a spiral staircase, comfortable lounge, spa bath and steam shower.  All the perfect ingredients for a break to remember.

Prices from £207 per person for 1 night in the Coupole Suite at the Carlton Hotel, based on two sharing on bed and breakfast basis.  https://www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk/hotel-carlton-lille-centre-xxl-suite-view-and-spa-bath

Peaceful Indulgent Break near Somme Bay:

Les Myrrhophores & Spa is a beautifully restored old house tucked away near the Somme Bay in Abbeville.  Set in beautiful gardens, there's an outdoor swimming pool for summer visitors, and a sauna and jacuzzi for relaxation, whilst inside, comfortable lounges offer the perfect setting for just curling up and switching off in peace. 

Host Eric's cooking is not to be missed. A pastry chef by trade, Eric worked in some of Paris' top patisseries including Lenôtre, Peltier and Cassel as well as being the head pastry chef in several Michelin starred establishments in France, Switzerland, the UK and Asia.   Enjoy a tempting array of pastries at breakfast, alongside freshly baked bread, and later in the day, choose from homemade pistachio financiers, chocolate cookies, orange blossom madeleines, lemon cake, muffins and apple tart. Wonderful dinners are also available 2-3 evenings per week when Eric showcases organic products from small local producers.

The Somme Bay with its beaches, walking trails and golden sand banks is just 15 minutes away offering a whole host of activities including horse riding, nature walks, seal watching, kayaking, hiking, quad biking, sand sailing and kite surfing.  A great way to work up a healthy appetite for Eric's irresistible cakes.

Prices start from £40 per person for 1 night based on two sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. 

To find out more and to plan a visit to Hauts-de-France, visit Hauts-de-France Tourism – Official Website (hautsdefrancetourism.com)

For further ideas on accommodation in Hauts-de-France, visit www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk

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