Chateaux and Battlefields
Tuesday 2nd September - Sunday 7th September 2008
| Duration |
5 Nights / 6 Days |
| Tour Area |
Loire Valley / Normandy |
| Status |
Escorted Tour (E) |
| Accommodation |
2 & 3-Star Hotels, one with Swimming Pool |
| Mileage |
200 - 250 miles per day - longest day 340 miles |
| Approx Tour mileage |
1000 miles |
| Roads |
Combination of Motoway, A and B Roads |
| Skills |
Suitable for intermediate rider - first time abroad |
From the River Valley's of the Loire to the Beaches of Normandy
We
have been asked for many years to run a tour to the WW2 Battlefields - well,
we have finally got round to it. However, we also wanted to pay another visit
to the beautiful Loire Valley, so we have decided to combine the two together.
Our first base for this tour is a hotel overlooking a medieval town on the
banks of the river Indre. From here, we can explore the rivers and
Chateaux of the Loire Valley. This is very much a sightseeing tour,
offering opportunities to visit some of the finest Chateaux in France. Everyone
will have their own favourite, but we challenge you not to be impressed by
the sheer opulence and grandeur of the architecture in this region.
Away from the Chateaux, there are some lovely scenic riverside roads, taking
you past the numerous caves carved out of the soft limestone (tufa), which
were homes for early Troglodyte settlers. Today, many of these caves
are still in use for wine storage, growing mushrooms and even as trendy second
homes!
Our second base will a 3 star hotel in Honfleur, a picturesque harbour
town on the Normandy coast. Lying as it does on the estuary of the
River Seine; it has always been an important port for travellers. Many
of the French people who left to found Canada sailed from here - today
it is a popular stopping-off point for less adventurous travellers on their
way to the cross channel ferries. More importantly for us, it provides
a good location to visit the Battlefields of WW2.
There are many interesting things to see in Honfleur but, without doubt,
the centre of attraction has to be the old harbour of ‘Le Vieux Basin’,
with its boats, quays and distinctive tall and narrow slate-fronted buildings.
Its once busy quays have been transformed into a busy cosmopolitan meeting
place, with numerous shops and restaurants.
Tour Format
Day 1: Tuesday 2nd September (340 miles) Following an early morning tunnel
crossing, we travel across France to our first location, a lovely hotel overlooking
a medieval town on the banks of the river Indre. Time to relax and
enjoy a drink on the hotel terrace before our evening meal, which is included
in the package.
Days 2 & 3: Wednesday 3rd - Thursday 4th September (free days) We
spend the next two days exploring the lovely Loire Valley. As we ride
the scenic riverside roads, it seems that every turn brings into sight yet
another of the Loire’s magnificent Chateaux. With over 300 Chateaux
to choose from, we can but hope to visit some of our favourites. To
the south, we are reminded of the second reason for this tour, as a morning’s
ride will take you to the village of Oradour-sur-Glane. This village
was the site of one of the greatest atrocities of the Second World War, when
occupying SS troops massacred the entire population and destroyed the village
in reprisal for French resistance. Today, you are able to walk around
the village, which was left unchanged, as a tribute to the French people
who died. If time allows, this is well worth a visit.
Day 4: Friday 5th September (260 miles) Leaving the Loire Valley,
we make our way to our second location, the Battlefields of Normandy. Although
I have visited various locations, I don’t claim to be an expert, but
luckily we will be accompanied by one of our customers who have been many
times before and knows the area well. Our day finishes at the lovely
port of Honfleur, where a 3 star hotel will be our base for the next two
nights.
Day 5: Saturday 6th September (free day) Today,
you have the opportunity to spend further time visiting the WW2 Battlefields. However,
if you prefer some time off the bikes, Saturday morning is market day, and
the Le Vieux Basin quays become a mass of stalls. You may like to wander
through the maze of old streets and shops and find the 15th century church
of St Catherine, the largest surviving wooden church in France. Alternatively,
take a boat trip under the mighty Pont de Normandie Bridge - completed in
1995, this mile and a quarter suspension bridge has a central span of some
914 metres and towers of over 200 metres high.
Day 6: Sunday 7th September (168 miles) Impressed by the bridge? -
well today you will get the chance to ride over it, as we leave Honfleur
and make our way up the coast to Calais. A quick tunnel crossing gets
us back mid-afternoon, from where we make our way home.
Accommodation
Our first hotel is one we use on a regular basis, which enjoys panoramic
views over a medieval town in the Loire valley. All rooms are en-suite,
with satellite TV, hair dryer and air-conditioning. Buffet style Breakfast
and 3 course evening meals (fixed menu) are included in your stay. The
hotel facilities include a Games Room, tennis courts, indoor swimming pool,
sauna and jacuzzi. The local town with its many shops, restaurants
and medieval castle is a short 10 minute walk away.
Our second hotel is in the lovely port of Honfleur, some 5 minutes’ walk
from the harbour and town centre. All rooms are en-suite with hairdryer,
satellite TV, mini-bar and Wi-Fi internet access, should you want it. The
hotel has no restaurant, but breakfast is included and there are numerous restaurants
near the harbour. Secure parking at the hotel is included in your package.
| Tour prices are inclusive of the following |
| * return eurotunnel crossing (alternative
cross-channel ferry for those that wish) |
| * 5 nights en-suite accommodation at 2-3 star
hotels |
| * 3 evening meals (fixed
menu - but vegetarian option available) |
| * 5 buffet breakfasts |
| * full use of the hotel's leisure facilities |
| * secure paking as necessary |
| * maps and route notes as appropiate -
Garmin routes available |
| * Services of experienced Tour Guide |
| Tour Cost |
|
| Two persons, one bike, shared room |
£392 each |
| One person, one bike, shared room |
£452 each |
| One person, one bike, single room |
£518* |
| Deposit £95 |
|
* We regret the number of single rooms available on this
tour is limited. However, if you are willing to share, there is a good chance
we can get you on the tour, and save you money.
Insurance
On all European tours (including Southern Ireland) we require clients to take
out some form of Personal Travel and Accident/Breakdown cover. This is
essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of
an accident or medical emergency. We can offer cover through Gold Cover Insurance
Services Ltd, a company that have specialised in travel insurance for many
years and are used by many Motorcycle Tour Operators.
It is not a condition of your tour that you use our insurance; we only
offer this as a service to our clients.
GOLD COVER INSURANCE
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