Are we there yet?
Robert Louis Stevenson said: To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive. Clearly, he hadn't visited Le Mont Saint Siméon - The Holiday Property Bond's idyllic rural hideaway in Ile de France. But he did have a point: there's loads to see en route to Le Mont - without setting foot in Paris. So why not treat the four-hour drive from Calais as an integral part of your holiday experience?
Kent offers quick and easy access to the continent - either via the ferry or tunnel. And, on reaching the far side of 'the pond', you'll emerge onto a clear, fast-moving three-lane highway - just a few short miles from the péage (toll) roads that will quickly propel you to Paris and beyond. To break the monotony of the 200-mile stretch of tarmac that separates you from your destination, a number of stop-offs are recommended. Here are just a few.
Boulogne
Calais is an obvious choice of return journey stop-off - but resist. St Siméon Site Manager Hilary Renault warns: "If you're shopping for wine, cheese, charcuterie and the like, stick to the local supermarkets. That way, you'll avoid the huge 'tourist premium' that is applied to all goods sold in and around the port towns." Besides, Boulogne is a much prettier and more enjoyable alternative. Although it is just 20 minutes away, it is quieter - and has a much more authentic French ambience - than its rather drab, modern neighbour. And its markets, craft fairs, bric-a-brac and speciality stores are a joy.
Amiens
Located 120 kilometres north of Paris, Amiens is the préfecture (capital city) of the Somme département. For centuries an economic and cultural centre, the city suffered considerable damage during the Second World War. Thankfully, its glorious 13th century Notre Dame cathedral was largely unaffected. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, it is the country's largest gothic monument, and is particularly noted for its fine sculptures. A Son et lumière (sound and light) presentation illuminates the cathedral's façade on summer evenings and on New Year's Eve.
Beauvais
This, the préfecture of the Oise départment, lies 90 kilometres north of Paris, at the foot of wooded hills on the left bank of the River Thérain. Its ancient ramparts long since destroyed, it is surrounded by a network of boulevards. The cathedral of St Pierre - Beauvais' principal claim to fame - features a superb collection of tapestries, and is noted for its 19th century astronomical clock (which is said to be the largest in the world). Nearby, the Musée Departemental de l'Oise features a fine collection of paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th century. Other noteworthy attractions within a short drive are the chateaux of Troissereux and Boury-en-Vexin, and the Benedictine Abbey of St-Germer-de-Fly.
Chantilly
Chantilly is best known for its magnificent moated château, with its baroque gardens, ponds, fountains and cascades. Home to the Condé Museum, which boasts one of the country's most noted private collections of ancient paintings, this is a wonderful spot for a revivifying stroll, offering, as it does, an extensive network of footpaths and hiking trails through over 15,000 hectares of oaks, limes, beech, hornbeam and chestnut.
Coulommiers
For most visitors, this is the first port of call on arrival in Ile de France - the place to buy provisions. But don't treat this delightful town merely as an essential stop off. In addition to the numerous shops that adorn its cobbled Main Square and adjoining streets, Coulommiers lays claim to its own slice of history. Particularly noteworthy are the Chapel of Notre Dame des Anges, and the 12th century Commandery of the Knights Templar (which commemorates the fascinating history of the so-called soldier monks).You can afford to idle here a while: Coulommiers is just ten minutes' drive from Le Mont. Follow Mr Stevenson's advice, however, and your holiday will have begun many hours ago.
