Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Calais to Colleretto Giacosa

Driving through Europe can be a memorable experience. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of different countries and explore their unique cultures. Are you looking for a new adventure? A road trip from Calais, Hauts-de-France, to Colleretto Giacosa, Piedmont, would be an exciting way to spend a few days. The journey takes approximately 10 hours covering 880 kilometers.

The best way to make the most of this lovely journey is by renting a car and exploring some of the beautiful towns along the way. Some people take the fastest route with well-paved roads and modern highways. However, we recommend taking the route less travelled, where you can discover hidden gems along the way.

The Halfway Point: Langres, 52

Langres is approximately halfway between Calais and Colleretto Giacosa. It's a small town that sits atop a hill, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Langres is known for its beautiful fortification dating back to the Gallo-Roman times. You can walk around the beautiful city walls and marvel at the impressive structure that has existed for over a thousand years.

The town has a rich history, and it's worth a walk around the streets to have a feel of the place. Langres is also famous for its cheese, Langres AOC, which has a distinctive orange rind and a mild, creamy interior. You can buy some of this world-famous cheese from any of the local shops or visit one of the local restaurants serving it. Do not miss this charming town that has the perfect blend of history and culture.

Stop 1: Beaune

Beaune is a charming town located in Burgundy famous for its wine. It is considered to be the wine capital of Burgundy and offers visitors an intriguing wine experience. You can visit the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th century charitable hospital with an impressive collection of art, or visit the wine cellars and enjoy wine tasting in the city's vineyards.

If you are a foodie, you will enjoy Beaune's specialty dishes such as Beef Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, and Escargots de Bourgogne. Wine pairing is compulsory, so you can enjoy the local wine and see why the town is considered the wine capital of Burgundy.

Stop 2: Ghent

Ghent is a beautiful town located in Belgium, renowned for its stunning architecture and historical landmarks. The town is rich in history and culture, and visitors can explore the splendid St. Bavo's Cathedral or walk around the stunning Gravensteen Castle.

The town also has an excellent food scene. We recommend trying the famous Ghent Waterzooi, a creamy soup with chicken or fish, or the Flemish beef stew, Carbonade Flamande. For dessert, make sure to try the traditional Belgian Fries with a mayonnaise-based sauce.

Stop 3: Strasbourg

Strasbourg, located in the Alsace region in France, is an idyllic town with charming timber-lined buildings and picturesque canals. The town is known for its Gothic cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can climb up to the top of the cathedral's tower to enjoy magnificent views of the city.

The town offers its own unique blend of French and German cuisine, so there is something for everyone. We recommend trying Flammekueche, a thin-crust pizza-like dish topped with cheese, onions, and bacon. Also, make sure to try the Tarte aux pommes, a traditional French apple tart with custard.

Stop 4: Turin

Turin, located in the Piedmont region in Italy, is a historical city that boasts beautiful architecture and world-class museums. The town is home to the famous Shroud of Turin, a piece of linen cloth that many believe was used to wrap Jesus Christ's body. Visitors can marvel at its intricate design at the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.

Turin's cuisine boasts some of Italy's finest dishes, such as Vitello tonnato, a dish made with cold sliced veal served with a tuna sauce, and Risotto al Barolo, a creamy risotto cooked in Barolo wine. Make sure to indulge in some of Turin's famous chocolates, such as the legendary Bicerin, a hot beverage made with chocolate, espresso, and whipped cream.

Conclusion

A road trip from Calais to Colleretto Giacosa can be a fantastic adventure with an experience of different cultures and cuisine. By exploring this route, you can discover hidden gems along the way, from towns with rich histories to towns known for their food and wine. From Langres to Turin, the route offers an excellent variety of destinations. If you want to embark on this journey, have your camera ready to capture the captivating sceneries, and be open to experiencing a memorable adventure.