AUTHORISED HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE TOURS AROUND EUROPE – LOIRE VALLEY – 24-29 SEPTEMBER 2010

As the season draws to an end what better place to be than the beautiful Loire Valley. Warmer than northern France, imagine balmy days riding in the late summer with the leaves starting to turn and the naked vines of this tranquil area of central France. From historic Saumur with it imposing Chateau, sparkling wines and Troglodyte caves to Orleans, steeped in history as the town taken by Joan of Arc from the English. This final tour is on a bed and breakfast basis, except for the final night, giving you the chance to eat out in the centres of these charming old towns.

Day 1. Friday September 24. Calais to Honfleur (approx. 190 miles).
A few miles on motorway before joining the quiet back roads of northern France and Normandy. Accross the Pont du Normandie and into Honfleur. Sitting on the mouth of the river Seine this charming picturesque port is one of the best preserved of the Normandy ports. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the town centre and around the old port, so plenty of choice for dinner tonight.

Day 2. Saturday September 25. Honfleur to Saumur (approx. 200 miles).
After leaving Honfleur we make for the Le Mans circuit where we'll ride the famous Mulsanne straight (if it's not closed for a race). On to Saumur and our hotel for the next two nights. The Hotel Anne d'Anjou, which sits on the Loire river bank, beneath the imposing Chateau, was formerly a private mansion house built in the 18th century. Today many parts are listed including its magnificent staircase crowned by a trompe-l'úil ceiling, which was designed by Percier and Fontaine, two of Napoleon's architects. Once again you're free to eat out.

Day 3. Sunday September 26. Day off to explore Saumur, visit the Chateau, the tank museum or even the mushroom museum or maybe you'd prefer a Loire Valley wine tasting - all are available in and around this lovely old town.

Day 4. Monday September 27. Saumur to Orleans (approx. 120 miles).
Following the river Loire east we follow in the steps of Joan of Arc stopping in Chinon and Blois before arriving at Orleans where our hotel is only a short distance from it's lively centre with a wide range of bars and restaurants, giving you a great choice for dinner tonight.

Day 5. Tuesday September 28. Orleans to Chamouille (approx. 170 miles).
We skirt around the south of Paris and make our way north towards the Champagne region and our final night. Tonight we stay in one of our favourite hotels - set lakeside in the rolling countryside of the Chemin des Dames. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 6. Wednesday September 29. Chamouille to Calais (approx. 150 miles).

Total tour mileage approx. 810

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