Saturday 1 August 2026, day one of a road trip to Normandy. Rather than driving straight through, we stop along the way: Valmy, Châlons-en-Champagne, then Amiens for the night. It’s very hot, right in the middle of a heatwave.
Valmy, the windmill and the M47 Patton tank
First stop: Valmy, in the Marne, a key place in French history thanks to the famous 1792 battle. The windmill overlooks the plain and the view is superb. Right next to it, an American M47 Patton tank is on display, a treat for military history fans.
Notre-Dame-en-Vaux in Châlons
We continue to Châlons-en-Champagne and its collegiate church of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, a beautiful Gothic church with spires and stained glass. A quiet break in the shade, very welcome in this heat.
Amiens, a cathedral twice the size of Notre-Dame de Paris
We reach Amiens in the late afternoon. Notre-Dame d’Amiens is the largest cathedral in France: around 200,000 m³, double Notre-Dame de Paris. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s as impressive outside as it is inside.
In the evening we stay for Chroma, the light show projected onto the façade. The sculptures get their colours back, as in the Middle Ages, it’s a must if you’re in Amiens in summer.
Moules-frites at Le Baratin
Dinner is moules-frites at Le Baratin in Amiens. Simple, generous, perfect after a day on the road.
Also on Instagram that day
Practical info
- Valmy: windmill and site of the 1792 battle, in the Marne.
- Châlons-en-Champagne: Notre-Dame-en-Vaux, in the town centre.
- Amiens: Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Chroma: free light show on the cathedral façade on summer evenings.