Summer and holidays are here. Whether it's a getaway for two or a family trip, here is a plan for charging your own batteries before going back to school next month. Fancy a visit to Amsterdam and its canals? Here is our suggestion of a trip by electric car, starting from the Nice area, with our take on the perfect route to take advantage of the many fast charging points along the way. After all, you'll be covering some 1,427 km. So it's essential that you plan your route to avoid any nasty surprises, as well as remembering to take all the necessary accessories for such an epic journey.
With this in mind, here is a selection of the fast chargers in our network between Nice and Amsterdam. From their location to the advantages of each stage, discover our tips for traveling with peace of mind. And don't forget the Electromaps summer promotions to save even more: you won't regret it!
Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
With its pebble beaches bordering an azure sea, bustling markets and luxury boutiques, the city of Nice is rightly considered the pearl of the Côte d'Azur. To keep you busy while your electric vehicle is at the charge point, you can choose to walk along the Promenade des Anglais or go shopping near the old town.
Moreover, if necessary, you can recharge your car near these two places, at 34 Boulevard Dubouchage, where you can also take advantage of the Casino supermarket if you need to do some last-minute shopping. A 50 kW type 2 socket, compatible with Electropass, awaits you there.
Marseille, Rhone Valley
If there's one thing you can't fault Marseille for, it's its lack of attractions. As well as strolling around the Panier district to pick up some souvenirs, you can explore the bays or visit the Mucem, the must-see museum of European and Mediterranean civilisations.
And there's no shortage of fast chargers to recharge your electric car after those 200km. Just a few minutes' walk from the old port, at 68 rue Pierre Puget, you'll find two 50 kW CCS2 fast charging stations. It's the ideal place to discover the magnificent boats at anchor while enjoying a drink on the terraces of the nearby bars. Near Prophet's Beach, at 369 Corniche Pdt JF Kennedy, there are also two 50kW CCS2 fast chargers.
Aix-en-Provence, Provenza-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Famous for its rich architectural heritage, Aix-en-Provence is a city of cobbled streets, ancient fountains and a gentle pace of life. It is, with no doubt, the ideal city for a break if you prefer not to stop in Marseille -at only thirty kilometres away. And if you're an art lover, Aix-en-Provence is also home to Cézanne's atelier, which you should visit at least once in your life.
At 24 Galicia’s route you'll find two 50 kW CCS2 and CHAdeMO plugs.
Valence, Drôme
Valence, 200km north of Aix-en-Provence on the banks of the Rhône, has a lively town centre, medieval streets, the Jouvet Park and the Museum of Art and Archaeology, not forgetting the delicious local gastronomy, especially the pogne. You won't regret stopping for a few hours to charge your electric car at one of the city's many fast chargers.
On Président Herriot Avenue, for example, you'll find a 50 kW CHAdeMO connector just a stone's throw from the Drôme Government Office and numerous restaurants.
Mâcon, Saône and Loire
Some 170 km away, in the south of Burgundy, Mâcon attracts tourists with its rich historical heritage, its internationally renowned vineyards and its natural environment, especially on the banks of the Saône. The architecture of old Mâcon and its half-timbered houses will certainly win you over. You can also visit the Saint-Pierre church and the Saint-Laurent bridge, or the Maison de Bois, another architectural landmark.
If you want to fast charge your electric car, you can go to the north and south ends of the city. At 1 rue de la Madone, in the heart of the shopping area, there is a 50 kW CCS2 connector. To the south, at 509 rue Jacquard, next to the Ibis Budget hotel, you can also charge your EV at one of the four fast charging points available: 200 kW CCS2, 2x100 kW type 2 or CHAdeMO, 50 kW CHAdeMO.
Rheims, Marne
Why not take advantage of a stopover to recharge in Reims and spend a night in the city? You'll find several fast-charging stations in the Croix Blandin business park, including Hyper U at 1 rue Jacques de la Giraudière. There are also plenty of services and shops nearby, as well as hotels and restaurants where you can relax and unwind.
Reims is famous for its Gothic cathedral, where the kings of France were once crowned. The Palais du Tau and Saint-Rémi Basilica are also well worth a visit, as are the surrounding champagne cellars. After all, you are in the heart of the Champagne region!
Ardennes Regional Nature Park
A hundred kilometres from Reims, the Ardennes Regional Nature Park is a paradise for nature and outdoor activities lovers. You can go cycling, hiking, canoeing or even horse-riding. Don't miss the Roc La Tour viewpoint and the megalithic site of Pierres Jaumâtres.
As far as fast charging is concerned, you will find two 50 kW CHAdeMO and CCS2 connectors not far from Charleville-Mézières, at 33 rue Paulin Richier. You can also grab a bite to eat at Flunch or do your shopping at Carrefour.
Charleroi, Belgium
Charleroi is located about 100 km north of the Ardennes Regional Nature Park. There are many places of interest to visit, including the Museum of Photography, one of the most prestigious in Europe. The Bois du Cazier, a historic mining site, is also worth a visit if you are interested in the region's past. In general, the city is best known for its thriving arts scene.
To charge your electric vehicle in just a few minutes, head to the Avenue du Millénaire, where there are two connectors: a 60 kW CHAdeMO and a 180 kW CCS2. The same applies near the airport and the Bois-Lombut estate, at 155 Chaussée de Fleurus, where a double 240 kW CCS2 fast charger is available.
Brussels, Belgium
Only 50 km further, you can stop off in Brussels, without a doubt one of Belgium's must-see cities. Known for its Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also for the futuristic Atomium and the charming Marolles district, you will have a great time. If you like art, don't miss the Magritte Museum.
There are plenty of fast charging stations to choose from. At Brusselsesteenweg 605, for example, there are four 435 kW CCS2 plugs compatible with the Electromaps application. Near the Bois de la Cambre, on the Chée de Waterloo, there are also four fast chargers: 2x 50 kW CCS2, and 2x 60 kW CHAdeMO.
Antwerp, Belgium
About 45 km from Brussels, Antwerp and its many charms are not to be missed. If you have a chance, visit the diamond district to get an idea of the region's influence on the diamond industry. The MAS Museum and the Rubens House are also a must for art and culture lovers.
As for charging, at 94 Desquinlei you will find two 60kW CHAdeMO and CCS2 fast plugs, both compatible with the Electromaps app and Electropass.
Breda, The Netherlands
Breda, which is your first stop in Holland and less than an hour's drive from Antwerp, offers pleasant surprises if you want to charge your EV. You can explore its castle, the big Our Lady of Breda Church and the Valkenberg park, which is a must-see. During the summer, the city is well-known for its outdoor cafes and festivals.
Here, you can quickly charge your car and benefit from two 150 kW CCS2 fast connectors at 56 Graaf Hendrik III laan.
Utrecht, The Netherlands
Depending on how far you want to go and the stopovers you have planned, you can also choose to stop in Utrecht, about 70 km north of Breda. You will enjoy visiting this university city with a rich history for a few hours. For instance, you can visit the Domtoren which is the tallest church tower in Holland and take a walk along the canals. The Railway Museum and the Miffy Museum are also recommended destinations to visit.
At the meantime, you can recharge your electric car at 15 Nijverheidsweg that has two 150 kW CCS2 fast charging connectos available. This location is particularly ideal, especially since you are very close to Julianapark which is one of the must-see attractions of the city.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Utrecht is only a 45-minute drive to our destination: Amsterdam. If you've been planning your holiday, you probably already know which places to visit and which ones not to miss. With its famous picturesque canals, gabled houses and numerous museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, you'll have enough to keep you busy for several days. And if you're more of a nature lover, don't forget to take a boat trip along the canals or a bike ride to explore the city, especially the Red Light District and the street markets, such as the Bloemenmarkt flower market.
Depending on where you're staying, you'll find plenty of fast charging points for your electric vehicle, like this 150 kW charger with two CCS2 connectors at Volewijkshof 1, right next to Noorderpark, the local central park.
By keeping this information in mind, you will surely have an unforgettable holiday. Remember, our Electromaps app allows you to quickly locate our network of charging points throughout Europe. Use every stop to charge your car batteries, and don't forget to bring all necessary items for long trips in an electric vehicle!
