When organising a coach tour, the lunch break is one of the key aspects to plan for. Coach operators, travel agencies and tour organisers need to find restaurants that can accommodate a group quickly, with parking suitable for coaches and efficient service.
In most cases, these lunch stops are located near the main roads used by tourist routes. These roads form the backbone of group travel and are home to numerous establishments specialising in catering for travellers. In this guide from RestoGroupes, we highlight the most strategic routes for organising a lunch stop in France and help you plan your meal stops during a group trip.
Why it’s important to choose the right lunch stop on a group tour
An essential stop for travellers
After several hours on the road, the lunch stop offers the group a chance to rest and socialise. The travellers use this break to eat, chat and set off again in good spirits. On a sightseeing tour, this stop plays a key role in ensuring a comfortable journey and a smooth day’s itinerary.
Specific requirements for coaches
Hosting a group requires effective organisation and suitable facilities. Coach operators prefer restaurants that have a car park accessible to coaches, easy access from the main road, and staff capable of managing the arrival of a group within a set timeframe. This organisation ensures the group’s smooth passage and enables the tour itinerary to be adhered to.
The importance of a location close to major transport routes
On most tourist routes, lunch stops are located near major roads. This location allows coaches to reach the restaurant quickly whilst keeping the itinerary running smoothly. Establishments situated near these roads regularly cater for groups and generally have the necessary facilities to organise a meal stop in comfortable conditions.
What makes a restaurant suitable for groups and coach parties
When a coach stops for a lunch break, the choice of venue plays a key role in ensuring the tour runs smoothly. Tour operators tend to favour restaurants that can accommodate a group in suitable conditions whilst making it easy for the coach to arrive and depart.
A car park with access for coaches
Access to the restaurant is often the primary consideration. A car park capable of accommodating a coach allows the group to alight safely and simplifies the driver’s logistics. Establishments located in the immediate vicinity of major roads have suitable spaces for parking coaches and welcoming passengers.
Catering for groups
The service must be able to cope with the simultaneous arrival of several dozen people. Restaurants accustomed to hosting groups offer tailored menus, coordinated service and spaces capable of accommodating the entire group in comfort. This organisation ensures that meals are served efficiently whilst keeping to the tour schedule.
The most strategic routes for organising a lunch stop
Coach tours often follow the major motorways that criss-cross France. Here are several routes that are particularly popular for stopping for lunch during a group trip.
A1 – Paris ↔ Lille ↔ Belgium
A route frequently used by groups travelling from the Benelux countries and northern Europe to Paris or the rest of France.
A6 / A7 – Paris ↔ Lyon ↔ Provence
The major tourist route linking the north and south of France, used by many tours heading for the Mediterranean.
A10 – Paris ↔ Bordeaux
A major route linking the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and the South-West.
A9 – Rhône Valley ↔ Spain
A very busy route for journeys to Montpellier, Perpignan and Spain.
A63 – Bordeaux ↔ Basque Country
A popular route for groups heading to Biarritz, Bayonne and the Spanish border.
A13 – Paris ↔ Normandy
A key route for tours to the D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel.
A11 – Paris ↔ Nantes
Route taken to reach the Pays de la Loire and Brittany.
A75 – Massif Central ↔ Mediterranean
A tourist route linking Clermont-Ferrand to the south of France.
A36 – Burgundy ↔ Alsace
Very popular with groups from Germany, Switzerland and Central Europe.
A62 – Bordeaux ↔ Toulouse
A key route for tours in the South-West.
A31 – Luxembourg ↔ Lorraine
A route used by many groups from Luxembourg and the Benelux countries.
A20 – Paris ↔ Limoges ↔ Toulouse
A route that runs through the centre of France and links several tourist regions.
How to organise a meal stop for a coach effectively
Book in advance
Restaurants that are used to hosting groups appreciate knowing the number of guests, the arrival time and the estimated duration of the meal. This information enables the staff to prepare for service and organise the group’s reception in the best possible way.
Tailor the menu for groups
Establishments specialising in catering for groups often offer set menus designed to serve dozens of people within a set timeframe. This approach ensures a speedy service whilst maintaining a welcoming experience for guests.
Coordinate the timing of the circuit
The lunch stop is built directly into the day’s schedule. Coach operators and tour organisers adjust departure times, sightseeing stops and meal breaks to ensure a comfortable pace for the group and keep to the tour itinerary.
Easily find restaurants suitable for groups along major routes
When a tour covers several regions, identifying a suitable place to stop for a meal makes it easier to organise the trip. Coach operators and tour organisers often prefer establishments that are used to hosting groups and are able to provide organised catering and efficient service.
Restaurants located near major tourist routes regularly cater for coach parties, school groups, clubs and organised tours. This experience enables staff to adapt easily to the demands of group travel and ensure a smooth service.
The RestoGroupes network brings together independent hotel-restaurants located across many regions of France. These establishments adhere to a common code of conduct for hosting groups and offer services tailored to tourist itineraries.
