Cross the Millau Bridge 

Fabulous twisties through the Grand Canyon du Verdon

Beautiful tree-lined roads

Yachts in Monte Carlo

Avignon photo stop

Gorges de l’Ardeche

Monte Carlo or Bust ! Including the Millau Bridge, Route Napoleon, Gorgeous Gorges of the Lot, Tarn, Verdon & Ardeche

Tuesday 21st to Wednesday 29th August 2012

Our view: the South of France is a heaven for motorcyclists who like proper bends. This tour isn’t high mileage but it is our twistiest so it’s not for inexperienced riders. Breathtaking scenery throughout. 

This trip starts and finishes in Le Havre (or other agreed meeting/departure points). We spend our first night in the Loire where we all get to know each other over dinner and drinks in the hotel

The next day we ride on some fantastic sweeping roads through the land of “Millevaches” (a thousand cows!) to our hotel with a swimming pool where again dinner is included.

Day three we ride through the Lot gorges to the Millau Bridge (the “Bridge in the Sky”) stopping at the Visitor Centre and the viewing area for photos before riding across the bridge itself. We continue through the Gorges du Tarn on to Uzes in Provence where you have a free night to explore this town famous for its’ truffles.

After a quick stop to see the renowned Pont d’Avignon we pass along tree-lined roads, through olive groves to our hotel with a swimming pool. Ideally situated between Nice and Monaco our hotel for two nights has panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

On our day off it’s ”Monte Carlo or Bust!” Take the 10 minute train journey or ride your bike into Monaco. Try your luck at the Casino and see the luxury yachts of the rich and famous. These two nights are at your leisure.

Back on the bikes we leave the French Riviera behind and ride up the fabulous Route Napoleon and through the Grand Canyon du Verdon – Europe’s largest gorge. Our hotel tonight is in the famous wine-making town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape where dinner is included.

On day 7 we stop to see the original Arc de Triomphe and ride through the Gorges de l’Ardeche – the last of our Gorgeous Gorges! The scenery then changes as we move into Vulcania where we stay overnight surrounded by volcanoes.

Heading home, we spend our final night in the Loire valley with our last supper together and the usual light-hearted review of the trip.

This will be a fully escorted motorcycle trip from the moment you arrive at the port of Le Havre. It will be run at a moderate pace and with a maximum of fourteen bikes. The routes have been extensively researched and as we always stop every hour & a half for coffee, lunch or fuel any pillions will not be too long in the saddle. As we use a tried & tested “drop-off” marker system with a tail-end rider there is no need for you to refer to road books or maps.

We will stay in small, independent hotels, all with plenty of character, biker friendly and all centrally located.

A luggage van – included in the price – follows the same route as the tour and is available for you to store jackets & helmets at any of the stops.

Please contact us for more details – remember there are limited places on this motorbike holiday.

Approx riding stats: Total 1750 miles; Average day 220 miles; Motorway 125 miles

Price: £925 per person – includes:-

• Nine day fully escorted tour led by experienced British guides – who speak French.
• Hotel accommodation with breakfasts for 8 nights in a shared room with en-suite facilities*
• Evening meals with wine on 4 nights.
• Luggage Van
• Train journey to Monte Carlo and your first bet in the Casino!
• Tour Information Pack (to include itinerary, details of hotels, explanation of marker system, contact details etc.)

* Single room supplement £325

Your ferry/tunnel crossing, any entry fees and meals/drinks other than as stated above are not included.

A deposit of £95 per person is payable upon booking with the balance payable 8 weeks before departure.

We need a minimum of 10 guests to run this Tour.

All Terms & Conditions relating to Bike Normandy Tours apply to all bookings. ]]> http://www.bikenormandy.com/monte-carlo-or-bust-tour-page-2012-new/feed/ 0 http://www.bikenormandy.com/testimonial-wsb-champagne-2011/ http://www.bikenormandy.com/testimonial-wsb-champagne-2011/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:38:50 +0000 john http://www.bikenormandy.com/?p=2098 Continue reading →]]> World SuperBikes, Champagne & Stupendous Roads Tour – October 2011

“What a tour !!!!! Great organisation, people, food, roads (now know why you named it WSB & Stupendous Roads Tour), scenery, to say nothing of the weather you ordered which was the icing on the cake, especially in October !!!!!! Not forgetting there were also two world champions crowned – one British…see you next year…” Vic, Triumph Sprint

Day one and Ken clearly needs a t-shirt…     Lunch in the shade

Dinner chez J Mellot in Sancerre                   The guys go to the races

“Thanks very much for the Magny Cours Tour. It was the best riding I’ve ever experienced and the WSB racing at Magny Cours was fantastic. I would recommend this tour to anyone – and probably will ! Having had such a great time I think I’ll book the Black Forest Tour next year…” Ken C, Suzuki GSXR 750

It takes all sorts to get the crowd going…

Fantastic views of the racing

Ken W & Vic enjoying the racing                      Sunset over Sancerre

Dinner our second night in Sancerre…        Sue enjoying a huge ice cream dessert

View over the hotel swimming pool with the morning mist in the valley

            Picturesque coffee stops                         Enough chips for lunch ?

Sue & Orry with ice creams in Beaune          The theatre in Dijon

We all “gatecrash” a private UNESCO function in Dijon – and get free drinks!

Dinner in Dijon – it’s Ken W’s birthday so he gets candles on his dessert !

                 John gives another performance of the Penguin joke!

Terry caught in the act – don’t tell Fran!

                  Scenic lunch stops

John samples the dregs at the Champagne House

Take cover! John opens another bottle!       Ken C & John sample the champagne

               Sue gets the perfect shot – and is suitably rewarded !         

Drinks before dinner                                            Last supper in Reims

          Reims cathedrale by night                       Can anyone spot Ken W?

Terry caught again!                                              And Vic can’t resist either!

It’s Ken Again!   Ken W on his 10th trip with Bike Normandy

“John & Jen, thanks for arranging the luverly weather during the trip, it made the tour even better than expected. Once again your organisation, the group of other riders, the roads, routes and hotels, the wine and champagne, and not forgetting watching Carlos Checa take this year’s WSB Championship at Magny Cours circuit, all made this another reason for Sue and I to come back again next year to sample more experiences with Bike Normandy.

You’ve obviously noticed during the past 8 years that whilst I (and Sue) have been enjoying the Bike Normandy experiences I have seriously neglected your visitors comments book. This is not because I can’t write (or because you wouldn’t do me a special deal on a t-shirt) but because no-one is going to believe it if I keep on and on describing what a good time I’ve had and what a well organised business you both operate.

Anyway, now you’ve honoured my 10th visit with a (free!) “special” t-shirt printed with “Oh no not Ken again!, I felt extremely guilty and compelled to write a few words of gratitude for the many pleasurable visits you’ve provided for us over the years, and to say I look forward to many more – assuming you’ll continue to put up with me? Long may your success continue,. Many thanks…” Ken & Sue, Triumph Tiger 1050.

Another great group with fabulous scenery in the Vosges Mountains

“Our first tour with Bike Normandy – what an introduction! Good Hotels, Great Food, Fantastic Roads and a Brilliant group of people. It is easy to see why you get such a high level of repeat business. Thanks for all the work you put in to making this a really enjoyable trip. We were impressed by the way that you handled the unfortunate incidents that occurred during the trip and the continued support shown to the individuals involved throughout the remainder of the tour. As I said our first tour as part of the Bike Normandy family but it won’t be our last! Thanks again” Shaun BMW K1300S and Chrys BMW F800ST

“Well done on running your first Black Forest Tour. The location of the hotels was spot on, particularly the Black Forest hotel in Schluchsee; the tour group was, as usual, a great mix of characters including some old friends from previous tours – and you even managed to organise perfect weather! See you again on a future tour” Mick & Chris, Pan European.

The shape of things to come ?            The van gets a puncture the first morning !

We all still set off on time…                                 The bikes line up at lunchtime

“Thanks once again John & Jen for yet another lovely holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was lovely meeting old faces and getting to know new ones. Whilst the trip was marred by a couple of incidents that were not your fault, you dealt with them admirably which goes to show that you take pride in what you do and care for the people on the tour. The scenery and roads were fantastic and we look forward to coming on another Bike Normandy holiday” Barry & Lindy, VFR 800.

Take lunch in the shade…                                 Dinner the first night in Belgium

Our hotel in Belgium with bike parking opposite

A briefing each morning before we set off.                             Fabulous roads…

“Another great holiday with such beautiful scenery. Everything was up to your usual standard…obviously the hold-ups were beyond your control and I will look forward to coming on future tours.” Graham, CBR1000RR

“The roads were good, the hotels were very good and the scenery was stunning. The B500 was brilliant – it’s no wonder that it has a reputation – and generally traffic wasn’t too bad. The ride-out on the rest day (just the four bikes) was memorable, as was the trip to the waterfalls on the Rhine. The food was good, varied & nice – virtually all the plates were picked clean. I think you handled the incidents very well & was pleased to see how you followed up on the condition of the two men instead of forgetting about them once they were in hospital…” David S, CB1000RA

The group in Luxembourg with Viandan Castle in the background

Pretty scenery on the way to lunch in Germany

More great roads…                                           Our hotel in Baden Baden, Germany

Out on the town in Baden Baden

Fantastic scenery in the Black Forest

Visit the largest cuckoo clock in the World

Our hotel in the Southern Black Forest.   

Barbara celebrates her birthday !                              Superb views over the lake

On your day off – relax around the lake or take the steam train to Titisee

 Alternatively visit the stunning High Rhine Waterfalls in Switzerland

Only John & Jen and David S ride over to the Waterfalls 

Take a boat trip to get up close !

David S enjoying the traffic free roads in the Black Forest

Jen rides pillion taking photos of Andy “Big Boy”, then David B, David S & Andy

Brilliant roads to ride…

Barry with Chris W - should they really be let out on their own ?

Time for a few drinks before dinner…

Barry tells some tall stories !                       More fab scenery in the Black Forest

Group photo heading out of the Black Forest

Pretty villages…                                                                       hidden gems…

“Pan’s People” enjoying iced coffees…   Shaun & Chrys with Black Forest Gateaux

More spectacular scenery in the Vosges Mountains in France

Stop on top of a “Col” for lunch

John R exposes more hidden gems !

Barry keeps cool with the air pump down his trousers !         Drinks in Epinal

Final night – our hotel overlooks Pierrefonds Castle…          

Our last supper

Speeches during dinner…

Followed by jokes and Rita gives a demonstration of the “marker system” !

“The Penguin” finishes the evening !

Secure parking for the bikes….                                        John G gets a puncture !

Then Alan G gets a puncture – caused by a 6 inch nail !

Final lunch stop at Albert with time to visit the 1916 Museum

Graham enjoys his traditional cream cake !                        Fond farewells at Calais

There were two separate, serious accidents on this tour – the first time this has happened on a Bike Normandy European Tour. Both were “own fault” accidents with no-one else involved. Unfortunately this resulted in several late arrivals at our hotels which could not be helped. We would like to thank all participants on the tour for their assistance and patience whilst we dealt with the emergency services. We wish both Dennis and Ray a speedy recovery.

Fantastic views, great bunch of people, what more could you want ?

“Our third trip with Bike Normandy was everything we expected and more. The roads were brilliant, locations fantastic, scenery amazing, food tasty, our fellow travellers great fun to be with…and of course our hosts were wonderful. The tours are so well organised and the adventure keeps getting better and better with every one. Whatever tour we attend with Bike Normandy, it never fails to amaze us…wading through over 800 photos is keeping us on a high. Special thanks to John & Rita for keeping us all together”.  Jane & Steve, BMW K1200 LT

The luggage van meets you off the ferry…then straight onto the fabulous roads in the Picos.

” Thank you so much for a fantastic tour, as this was my first trip abroad it was better than I ever expected, all the hard work you both put in really shows – for me even the rain didn’t dampen the tour! The Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes tour is a brill experience with some brill people. Hope to see you next year…Bike Normandy fan Marty!” Marty, Suzuki GSX1400

Get to know each other over a few drinks… followed by dinner the first night.

“Just to say thanks to you both for another well researched and organised tour with good routes, lots of beautiful scenery, appropriate hotels and good stop off points. The most memorable moments for me were:- The Picos and Pyrenees Mountains of course. Roads with more hairpins than a forties hairdo; The Col d’Aubisque, scary enough on a motorbike…the Tour de France guys must be really tough and/or mad to cycle up and down it; The nightly pilgrimage at Lourdes, very moving whether you have a faith or not; The laughter and ribbing which never seemed to stop; Amazing how the current model of Goldwing goes round corners; Discovering that the only way to keep up with Jen is to be on a wet road and have half the air mysteriously disappear from her rear tyre – will remember this trick for next time! And finally the impromptu cabaret at the “Last Supper” – John & Rita’s diatribe on the various arm and hand signals used by the “markers”…and subsequent character assessment – or maybe that should be assassination – of those using them was brilliant! Regards ’til next time” Peter, BMW GS1200

John W swaps his wind-up spider for a bottle of wine…Riano lake by night

“Once again you have provided great roads, great company and lots of laughs…particularly enjoyed the Pyrenees…” Mick & Chris, Pan European

“Thank you both for a wonderful trip around the Picos, we really enjoyed the routes and, of course, the company was brilliant…” John & Mary, BMW GS1200

View from the top of Fuente De in the Picos

Fabulous views… pretty coffee stops…

Tapas in Spain…more fantastic roads…

Complete mixture of roads through the Picos…lift to underground parking in Logrono

“The Picos & Pyrenees tour was my second trip with Bike Normandy. After experiencing the quality of the first, delivered in such a professional way by Jen & John, there was no doubt that I would be back. It was just a question of when. The tour started with a meet up at the ferry port of Santander…after informal introductions, a briefing about the drop-off marker system and a fuel stop we were off out of Santander and into the Picos. From then on the tour just got better. Breathtaking scenery, mountain passes with hairpin bends and long sweeping curves through valleys. Regular stops for fuel and refreshments in interesting and picturesque locations ensured both bike, rider (and pillion) were kept in fine fettle. But the best bits were the routes. John & Jen place a lot of emphasis on research they undertake to plan the routes suitable for biking. Riding the routes just proves what a passion they both have for biking. Clearly they know what works and they take care to provide it. The other big plus is the facility to drop your luggage in the van…leaving the bike unencumbered and the rider free to enjoy the riding experience. John & Jen’s subtle and professional choreographing of the tour ensured all were able to enjoy the full experience, including social, cultural and most important of all, the riding. Would I go again? I have already booked the Monte Carlo tour for 2012. If it’s half as good as the Picos tour it will still be a great adventure. But it won’t be half as good, that’s because of the work that has been put into the background research and preparation for each tour. Cheers”  Rob Hughes, Honda Goldwing 1800  [wow, thanks Rob, see you next year! John & Jen]

Street entertainers in Logrono…morning briefing before we set off…

Day three – heading into the Pyrenees

Ride up to the top of the Col d’Aubisque

Meet the locals – no way down until the cattle move on…

Nightly pilgrimage at Lourdes

John & Mary light candles to remember lost friends…

John W & Jen with makeshift umbrellas !  Plenty of restaurants to choose from

Is Martin dressed for the rain or is he going to war ?

Impromptu music festival at Marciac…hotel nestling in the cliffs at Rocamadour

Dinner chez Anne-Marie at Rocamadour

Barbara & John R – John G & Steve with their new friends !

Sue just can’t stop laughing about Martin’s episode in the toilet !!

Stuart & Sam…                                                    Rocamadour by night

On top of the Puy Mary

Gorillas in the Mist !!

Cocktails with dinner at La Bourboule

The brave few venture out in the rain !         Lost in the Volcanoes !

Comfy enough ?                                                      Steve enjoys a meringue at coffee stop.

The Last Supper at Le Mans

We don’t know what was going on but there was definitely something in the water…

Sue & Martin…                                                          Rita & John…

Lyn & Ted with Rob looking for tips…           Rob gets in on the act !

Steve & Jane…                                                            Sam & Stuart

Richard can’t escape Sam & Lyn…                    then Sue joins in as well !

While Marty & Dave get friendly….                   John R tries it on with Traci !!

Even we get drawn in!  John & Rita give a fantastic demonstration of the marker system!

John & Barbara, Mick & Chris – a.k.a. “Pans People” enjoying the cabaret

Last day – heading back to the port

Our thanks go to everyone who made this such a great tour.

Special thanks to Steve for recovering many of the above photos from my corrupt SD card.

Oradour sur-Glane & the Falaise Gap – 22–27 April 2011 

Pegasus Bridge raised just for Bike Normandy guests! 

“Thank you for an extremely well organized WW2 Tour. I am not used to riding with other people but your marker system allowed me to ride at my own pace and yet be part of the group as well. I cannot recommend you enough as this was my first European trip and I felt completely at ease. Many thanks for a great time – I will be back”  

Steve Jones, BMW GS8OO 

Stroll round the ramparts at La Rochelle 

 “Bonjour John & Jen. Well, what can I say? Just an amazing trip, riding with good people on fabulous roads, but over too soon! I can’t thank you enough for a great holiday and showing us what France has to offer…please DO NOT change the way you do things, it really is pretty perfect as it is…”    

 Dave Washington, BMW 1200 GS 

Parking with the Mayor’s permission at La Roche Bernard! 

 “Just wanted to drop you a few lines to say thank you for the wonderful six days WW2 Tour I just had with you. The riding, the roads and all the sites we visited were fantastic. You both put a lot of effort into researching the trip and running it which shows in the great fun and enjoyment we all had. Don’t change anything you are doing, you’ve got it right!”      

Geoff Newnham, Triumph Street Triple 

  Plenty of time to visit the “Martyr Village” at Oradour-sur-Glane 

 “I went on this Tour not sure what to expect as I’ve never been on a bike tour before. Thoughts of flying down motorways and dual carriageways never materialised, only a beautiful mix of winding and open country roads. Did not imagine how good it was going to be. I would like to thank you both for a fantastic six days, I cannot think of a time that I have enjoyed so much. We had the weather, good roads, great sites, great company and fantastic hosts. And I am convinced that even if the weather did not hold out we would still have enjoyed the run.  Again, thanks for a great time!” . Will definitely be back! Whatever you do, do not change the formula!  

 Eddie Hanly, Kawasaki ZZR1400 

Garry & Dave at the Gun Battery    -    and later enjoying a chicken lunch!  

David & Ian at Oradour-sur-Glane 

 “…I wish to let you know how much I liked the Tour, the content and the company were second to none, the riding was good with a variety of roads and how you booked the weather is beyond me! Hope to see you both again”       

Dave Sellars, Honda CB1000R

Dave, Eddie & Garry in the Saumur Tank Museum

Ian & Steve can only dream of their next bike !   Lunch stop en-route to La Rochelle  

Pottery displays at La Rochelle   -    followed by dinner 

Plenty of time for a beer or two!                             Pretty lunch stops  

Surprise visit to the Saumur Tank Museum

Lunch Stop                                                                     Wide Load !     

Stop off at Le Mans 24 Hr Circuit    -     followed by our last dinner together 

Final visit to the Memorial at Montormel overlooking the Falaise Gap