On long journeys, it can never be repeated enough: for road safety, you have to take a break after two hours of driving. To relax your legs or treat yourself to a sandwich in the cafeteria, motorway stops are an integral part of holidays. Whether they offer a children's playground, a gas station to refuel or a mini-market where you can buy regional products, they all allow you to take a nap for a few minutes before heading back to the road more serenely. Some highway areas are worth a visit and could almost become tourist attractions! Here are our five favourite rest or service areas on the French motorway network, for more pleasant breaks on the holiday route
The service area of Somme Bay, the bucolic
Recently renovated, the Bay of the Somme highway area is located north of the A16 highway, between Abbeville Nord and Rue. In the middle of a setting of water and greenery, it is the ideal place to relax before discovering the region. The area has a charming garden and a wooden terrace where you can enjoy a picnic while enjoying the landscape. The belvedere at the disposal of users also offers a very beautiful panoramic view.
The rest area of the cliffs of Widehem West, the panoramic
Still on the A16, in the direction of Boulogne-Paris, between the Neufchâtel-Hardelot and Le Touquet exits, the rest area of the Widehem cliffs bears its name well since it offers a splendid view of the cliffs south of Boulogne-sur-Mer: take your cameras out! A real postcard of the region for all holidaymakers going to the seaside resort of Le Touquet.
The Beauchêne Sud rest area, the theme
On the A13, in the direction of Caen-Paris, between the Gaillon and Vernon exits, the Beauchêne Sud rest area seduces the children who should be kept busy during the big starts! While the parents are resting, the little ones can watch a reconstituted drakkar here or have fun in outdoor games on the theme of the Vikings. It will be difficult to convince them to take the road again after a break in this landscaped area!
The Chevrières rest area, the ecologist
On the A1, in the direction of Paris-Lille, between the Pont-Sainte-Maxence and Compiègne Ouest exits, the Chevrières rest area highlights the biodiversity of the Oise Valley along a discovery trail. We stop in front of a small pond populated by amphibians and learn to recognize birds. A great way to learn before getting back behind the wheel! Note: the toilets are powered by photovoltaics, ecological and smart!
The Rosny-sur-Seine Sud service area, the most stylish
On the A13, in the direction of Caen-Paris, between Bonnières and Mantes Ouest, the Rosny-sur-Seine Sud motorway area is impressive for its original architecture: all services are located in recycled containers. The idea is simple, but you had to think about it! Everything is found in these huge metal blocks, including a restaurant and a mini-market. Only the colour has changed, from grey to orange for more visibility
The Saverne-Monswiller service area, the mountain range
Located on the A4 in the Paris-Strasbourg direction, between the Phalsbourg and Saverne exits, the Saverne-Monswiller service area offers a panoramic view of the Alsace plain. Among the services offered, there is a charming rose garden, the Roseraie de Saverne, an enchanting place to relax before going back on the road! Children will appreciate the play areas at their disposal
