The Alsace bit of France, over to the east and not a bad area for some good bendy roads in the hills without too much traffic if you don't fancy going as far as the Massif Central.

Starting in the north roughly between Nancy and Strasbourg and running some 60 miles south towards Mulhouse, the hills and valleys of the Alsace offer quite a few decent runs even if the area doesn't seem that big.

Once out of the flat land and into the hills proper on the superb D993 and then head south on the N420 towards St. Dié, left on the N59 and the D416 to Ribeauvillé - a good place to stay, plenty of hotels and restaurants; not the cheapest but a pretty, reasonably lively town.

There are plenty of hotels in the hills, but they tend to be isolated, so no choice of restaurants or bar. Depends on your preference.

There are a dozen decent twisty D roads without too much traffic in the area, and many more smaller roads over the hills, but you have to like hairpins to really get excited by these.

Heading south check out the main roads such as the D48 and the D417 which offer excellent fastish bends and little traffic, before trying the D430 south towards Mulhuse. This one turns out to be excellent - imagine the Isle of Man mountain road but three times as long, more bendy and with decent weather! Although not too busy there are a few viewing points with people about, so care needed now and then. But the views are good.

The Alsace is only some 400 miles from Calais, so an easy run for a long weekend. The cross-country route isn't too bad but if you want to add a bit more interest then divert via the Ardennes and Luxembourg - it only adds 100 miles but does improve the road choice.