AUTHORISED HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE TOURS AROUND EUROPE - NORMANDY, BRITTANY & THE LOIRE 2009

This motorcycle tour is an ideal summer break visiting the Normandy coast line over two days and spending two days on the Atlantic coast before spending a further two days following the River Loire upstream all the way to Blois. It promises great back roads, rugged coastlines and riverside views with glimpses into French history through the ages.

Day 1. Saturday July 4. Calais to Honfleur (approx. 190 miles)
Once again, as with the Normandy tour, we will stay our first night in Honfleur. We will take a similar and scenic route via the coast and across the Pont du Normandie Bridge, which crosses the mouth of the river Seine. Tonight you are free to eat out at one of the many restaurants in Honfleur.

Day 2. Sunday July 5. Honfleur to Dinard (approx. 150 miles)
Today we go by way of Caen, towards Bayeux and St. Lo - 95% of which was destroyed during the D-Day landings. After a stop at Mont St. Michel we move on to Dinard, a summer haunt of Picasso, which looks over the bay to St. Malo. Once again you are free to eat out tonight.

Day 3. Monday July 6. Dinard to La Baule (approx. 150 miles)
We switch coasts today from the Normandy to the rugged Atlantic coast of Brittany. We will call in at Vannes, which has a crescent of cafes from the marina gateway into the old town. Then on to la Baule with 9 km of unbroken fine sand, Brittany's poshest and most popular resort. This is home for the next 2 nights. The hotel stands 100m from the beach and used to be four villas built in the 1900. It is decorated with traditional decor and also has a library. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 4. Tuesday July 7. Day off.
Lots of coastal ride outs to be had or just relax in the town or on the beach. Dinner and wine, once again, awaits you tonight.

Day 5. Wednesday July 8. La Baule to Saumur (approx. 145 miles)
We leave the Atlantic coast and follow the mighty Loire River, known to the French as the Valley of the Kings. Not only lots of royal chateaux but troglodyte caves, vineyards and stunning riverside views and hamlets. Tonight we stay on the riverside at the Ann d'Anjou an 18th-century building in the style of Louis XVI and overlooked by the impressive Chateau of Blois. Tonight you are free to eat out.

Day 6. Thursday July 9. Saumur to Blois (approx. 90 miles)
We continue following the Loire towards Chinon, Amboise and on to Blois where once again the hotel is riverside and you are free to eat out in one of the many cafes and restaurants amongst the older buildings and lanes

Day 7. Friday July 10. Blois to Rouen (approx. 200 miles)
North today through the pretty rolling countryside heading back to Normandy and the city of Rouen where Joan of Arc met her fate. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 8. Saturday July 11. Rouen to Calais. Blois to Rouen (approx. 140 miles)
Direct by main road and motorway in time to catch an afternoon ferry back to Dover.

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