PLACES TO STAY

AMIENS

It’s a big, bustling city with decent bike shops, loads of restaurants and lots going on. We’d stay on the edge of the city, to make getting out easier. Hotel tip: Novotel Amiens Est (www.novotel.com)

MOUSSY

We like Reims, but it’s a big city. The nearby town of Epernay’s nicer, because it’s smaller. And outside Epernay is the village of Moussy – which we like best because it’s quiet, charming and has a great-value hotel. Hotel tip: Auberge Champenoise (www.auberge-champenoise.fr)

MONTHERME

If you’re looking for a quiet, charming place to stay in the Ardennes, you’re spoilt for choice. Even the small cities of Sedan and Charleville-mézièrs are lovely. But to get away from it all, we’d stay in the village of Monthermé. Hotel tip: Les Boucles de Meuse (www.lesbouclesdemeuse.net)

VERDUN

It’s a bustling small city and a historic wonder all rolled into one. There are some nice hotels in the centre, but they’re on the more expensive side: great for a two-up trip but those on a budget are better-off staying a bit further out. Hotel tip: Ibis Budget Verdun (www.ibis.com)