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We're driving to L'etang de la Breche on Sunday/Monday  but are looking for somewhere to stop overnight on the Sunday night as we're not booked in till Monday and our tunnel crossing is Sunday. We're driving from Scotland so wanted to take it as easy as possible (and also have 2 kids - 7 & 5).

Can any one recommend anywhere to stay that is child friendly en route? Looking at other posts I think the best way to go will be via Rouen and not Paris - so possibly somewhere Rouen way??? Thanks - we have really valued all the advice on the board which is why we're off to L'etang de la Breche after all the great recommendations.

You dont say how you travelling, are you towing a caravan or you using a tent. I travelled this road last year, going camping, and stayed overnight in the BB hotel in Boulogne. Then easily travelled down to Saumur the next day. But there are also lots of municipals all along that route. And yes it is much easier going via Rouen.

Are you wanting to camp/caravan, or find a hotel?  What time are you setting off, and what time do you want to stop?  If the first, (campsite) then the municipal site at Pont de l'Arche, just south of Rouen, is fine for an overnight stop, and just off one of the potential routes through (or past) Rouen.

If the latter, than any one of the cheap budget hotel chains should be fine.  This link http://www.eurapart.com/budget.html will tell you the names of many of the chains, but I don't think the links from there to the company websites works anymore.  Still, you could google the names.  Formule 1 is the most basic, with no en-suite bathrooms, but Mister Bed, B and B, Villages, Quick Palace, and Noctuel all offer family rooms.  These are often a double bed with a double bunk over, and quite basic, but fine for just an overnight stop.   You usually order breakfast separately (and the price per person is on top of the price for the room) - and can usually do it when you book, or when you arrive, or simply turn up and breakfast and order it then - it's very easy!  It's usually quite simple to locate a hotel on a map on the company website.

Sorry for not replying sooner - internet was down yesterday . We're travelling in an unconverted Mazda Bongo but are looking for a campsite where we can rest and get a decent rest but not have to unpack and put up the awning (which will be our main living area). Ideally a municipal site or other type of campsite (but not an aire) where we can put up our gazebo and table and chair and sleep in the van.

Will have a look at the site recommended. Thanks.

ETA - Our tunnel crossing arrives at 6:10am on Sunday morning so hoping to arrive somewhere late morning/lunchtime.

orbec is a peaceful and spacious minicipal just south of rouen just off the motorway . follow signs for camp or if i remember the college.

my directions for this was in an old book that was printed before the motorway was finished . sorry its not much help but the site is cheap and lovely.

we would use this again.