Romantic breaks in Europe
Love Europe
Now that spring is nearly upon us, thoughts turn to travel and getting out and about.
Perhaps you've forgotten Valentine's Day or you fancy a romantic break away.
Whatever the motivation, there are some pretty special destinations all within easy reach of the European ports.
Be prepared
Driving across Europe needn't be daunting and can open up the possibilities for exploring the country you're visiting.
The key to a stress-free trip is preparation.
As with any long journey, make sure you're set for all eventualities.
Firstly, check your car cover. Do you need extra car insurance if you're driving in Europe?
AA Car Insurance policies come with up to 90 days' cover across EU countries as standard.
And can you be 100% sure your car will be up to the journey? That's where AA European Breakdown Cover comes in handy.
The last thing you need on a romantic break is to be stranded on the auto route struggling with the French phrase for 'flat tyre'.
Of course a French phrase book could help, but better still, it's reassuring to know that when your car breaks down in Europe and words do fail you, you can give us a call. We'll liaise on your behalf and get someone out to fix your car.
After all, getting your car back to the UK has been known to rack up a bill of £1,000. So it really does pay to be prepared.
And as an added bonus, you could even save up to 30% off AA European Breakdown Cover when you buy online.
Know the road rules
European roads differ from English in many ways, not least that they all state distances in kilometres. This is key if you're working to a budget.
Talking of budgets, you can get an idea of how much you might spend on fuel by checking out our fuel price reports. We've got a round-up of trends in fuel prices both for the UK and Europe.
Work out the best route to get to your destination. Check for toll roads and above all check your car has the necessary equipment. Most European countries stipulate that you must carry prerequisite items in your car. Warning triangles and reflective jackets – and that's just in France. If you're travelling anywhere in Europe, make sure you've consulted our compulsory equipment list before you leave.
** Some of the events have already passed, but most are annual so we'll update in time for next year. **
10 top drivable destinations
Now all you need to do is decide where to go. And with so many romantic places to choose from, here is a just a small pick of the bunch.
Love flora and fauna
Amsterdam
At just over three hours' drive from Calais, Amsterdam is a popular destination for all. (Remember, you could opt for the port of Ostende instead to shave an hour off the driving time.)
Tulips aside, there is plenty to do in Amsterdam. The Dutch capital features quaint cobbled streets, or you might fancy a boat trip along the canals
Events coming up:
March–May 2009
The Keukenhof Gardens opens its doors to the public.
3–8 March 2009
Amsterdam Boat Show
21 March 2009
Stille Omgang – The Miracle of the Host – a religious procession through the centre of the city
June 2009
Open Garden Days – around 25 private gardens are opened to the public during this special time.
Get an AA Travel Guide for Amsterdam.
Love culture
Barcelona
OK so a 14.5-hour drive may be stretching it a bit, but with sights such as the awe-inspiringly intricate La Catedral de la Sagrada Familia (left) as well as the olde worldly Las Ramblas, the Catalan capital is hard to pass by.
The beach is close by and there's some pretty good golf to be had in the area too. Indeed the PGA Catalunya course was commissioned by professionals.
And remember, if you're planning to take your golf gear, you may need to upgrade your travel insurance cover.
Events coming up:
May 2009
Corpus Christi – L'ou com Balla
Following hot on the heels of Easter, this is the must-see parade of the season.
Get an AA CityPack Guide to Barcelona.
Love arts and crafts
Chantilly
Known for its lace, the frou-frou sounding Chantilly is not just a frilly choice. It is famous for its forests and race courses, as well as whipped cream!
The awe-inspiring Chateau dates from the 14th to the 19th centuries and is set in spectacular surrounds.
Getting there:
Short breaks by ferry or Eurotunnel
Need a travel guide? 'AA Key Guide France'
Brussels
Where better for Belgian chocolate than the capital of the country (and of the EU).
But at just two hours' drive from Calais, Brussels is also steeped in medieval history. At the other end of the spectrum, Art Nouveau has also had a heavy influence on the capital – the trendy communes of Ixelles and St Gilles play host to a number of buildings from luminary architects, such as Victor Horta, Blérot, and the Delune brothers.
If fine art is more your bag, try the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
Activities in the area:
March 2009
Festival Pistes de Lancement
A clown festival that features Espace Catastrophe's revolutionary circus antics
20–29 March 2009
Eurantica fine art and antiques fair at the Brussels Expo.
April 2009
Festival Bruxelles-Babel – a lively show at the Marni Theatre staged by 250 kids.
Get an AA Travel Guide for Belgium.
Short breaks by ferry or Eurotunnel
Love beer and chocolate
Bruges
Sticking with Belgium for a bit, we head to the home to canals, narrow cobbled streets, Gothic architecture and of course, lace. Bruges is a picturesque option to visit, and its added attraction is that it's about one-and-a-quarter hours from Calais.
Of course, the Belgians are also known for their beers – over 400 apparently. And true to form, Bruges is home to the Halve Maan Brewery, which is the only family-run brewery still functioning in the heart of Bruges. It has a firm tradition in brewing and is even said to date back to the 16th century, at least. So, remember to leave the car at the hotel if you want to get tasting.
Activities in the area:
Choco Story
Discover the history, cultivation and preparation of the world's favourite confectionery.
De Halve Maan (the Half Moon) Brewery
Tour the facilities and sample the produce.
Get an AA Travel Guide for Belgium.
Short breaks by ferry or Eurotunnel
Berne
Just shy of an eight-hour drive from Calais, Berne (not Zurich) is the capital of Switzerland and more importantly, the home of Toblerone, which is bound to be a hit with chocolate lovers.
Set on the river Aare, Berne is a medieval town that has been identified as a World Heritage site. Sadly Toblerone has moved out and is now based in Brünnen, whihc is just outsiode Berne. The former factory now houses the arts and social sciences library of the university and is called Unitobler in the founder's honour.
Activities in the area:
8 March to 25 May 2009
Combine beer with music at the annual Berne International Jazz Festival.
Get an AA Travel Guide for Switzerland.
Love pampering
Clermont-Ferrand The Massif Central is home to various spa towns. We've honed in on Clermont-Ferrand, where the Puy de Dôme is (home to Volvic), but there are oodles of destinations in the Auvergne Valley, such as the famous spa town of Vichy.
The sulphurous waters feed many of the towns in this volcanic region. Facilities range from public baths and spas to five-star hotels all catering for every budget.
The drive is a scenic one and is roughly six-and-a-half hours from Calais.
Activities in the area:
18 March–11 November 2009
Vulcania, European Volcano Park
Head for Auvergne's Regional Nature Reserve in Saint-Ours les Roches, just 15 km from Clermont-Ferrand, for Vulcania – the thermal take on theme parks.
Need a travel guide? 'AA Key Guide France'
Love shopping
Paris
Talking of France, no list would be complete without mention of the romantic capital of the world, which is just under three hours' drive from Calais.
Paris is a haven for all shoppers and like London, New York and Milan, it offers a range of designer labels, with illustrious names such as Chanel and Dior.
But when you're done shopping, the bistros and buzz of the city offer much to tantalise your tastes. Why not walk down the Champs-Élysées after dark?
According to the AA's Key Guide to France, there's a walk that allows you to take in Montmartre, along with the cobbled streets and amazing views.
Activities in the area:
La Vallée Village
A designer factory outlet just 30 minutes' east of Paris.
Need a travel guide? 'AA Key Guide France'
Short breaks by ferry or Eurotunnel
Milan
Unable to ignore Italy, we opted for the capital – Milan, a must for people who love great food and equally great shopping.
The drive may be over 10 hours from Calais, but it's worth it.
Situated in an industrial part of Italy, Milan features some spectacular gothic architecture in the shape of the Duomo di Milan, while the city also houses one of the most famous frescos in the world, namely 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo Da Vinci.
But let's not forget Milan is one of world's fashion capitals and oozes big names, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci, Ferragamo, Versace, Cavalli, Missoni, Moschino and Prada, all of which hit the runways at the biannual Fashion Weeks.
Even our own Alexander McQueen left British shores taking his catwalk shows with him to Italy's couture capital after Gucci bought a controlling stake in his company.
So if the one you love loves all things fashionable, then this is the place to head. And no doubt the car will come in handy when it comes to transporting all your newly acquired designer goodies.
Activities in the area:
Serravalle
A Milanese designer factory outlet.
Useful tips
Wherever you're going, AA City Guides can help you make the most of everything your destination has to offer. And make sure you're prepared with European breakdown cover. Why not get a quote now?
Last updated: 26 February