First solo tour - normandy france

[garvey2003]

Hi guys,

Now I have comfy bike I thought I woudl head out over to Normandy for about four days taking in the sites.

Looks like I would more than likely get the farry to la halve.
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay. Anyting considered but would prefer to be cheap so I can spend the money on fuel oh and food

Feb/march time so not really keen on camping

Any places a must see when I go?

 

[Bugbear]

Depending on where you are going but Kim & Les will make you welcome at

http://www.brittanybikerbreaks.com

Or Paul & Sandra at

http://www.jthebs.com

Just mention me when you contact them
.

 

[Wapping]

Outside of the (usually) Brit-run B&b's which have nothing wrong with them, any of the major towns will have a chain type Ibis or Campanille hotel. Most will be pretty cheap in February. They are a 'safe' bet, if you get my drift. Different, and maybe not a lot more, are the private hotels, coming under the Logis banner. The advantage is that they may well be in some of the smaller towns, which may suit your plans better.

The Normandy beaches cover a front that is about 100 miles long, right along the coast. So work out what you want to see and where, having in mind that you arrive (and I assume, depart) from Le Havre.

Have a look at the UKGSer WW2 section and the separate accommodation section. You are not the first to make the jaunt and you'll not be the last.

PS Get yourself a decent 1:200000 scale map of the area. Some of the more interesting sites are well signposted but some not so well. It's easy to waste time piddling about, which you won't want to be doing in February and March, I assure you, not least as the light will still be at a premium.

 

[garvey2003]

ww2 section, spot on, Having a butchers now

I have a couple of mates on bike but none want to do the trip so it's a solo one, still think it will be fun

thanks guys

 

[Wapping]

Hoorah

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I'd really suggest March rather than February. And late March rather than early March too.

Away from the WW2 beaches, further inland, there are some lovely roads and scenery in Normandy. They'll be even nice if they're not freezing cold and wet.

 

[garvey2003]

Sounds like a better plan, End of march it is

 

[Wapping]

Good decision

Would you by choice go on a mini-tour in the UK in February or early to mid-March? OK, if you KNOW it's going to be fine.... but this far in advance? We could be feet deep in snow and France is no different.

This worked well: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284737

You may well find this book helpful: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mrs-Holts-Battlefield-Normandy-Landing-Beaches/dp/0850526620

The old Michelin map is quite fun: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1QSB8ASVZ26APF4EX04N

And if you really want to understand what went on: http://www.amazon.co.uk/D-Day-Battle-Normandy-Antony-Beevor/dp/0140285865

 

[garvey2003]

Think a mini tour in the uk would be ideal, would be a good test for the bike as i've not had it long and she's old

 

[Wapping]

Away you go then. It will save the Channel crossing.

 

[JH]

Some sound advice from Wapping as usual, may I also suggest looking at

http://www.normandiememoire.com/

I have found it useful when I was planning my first jaunts to Normandy to explore the WW2 sites. It does have an itinery planning facility as well. You could do a lot worse than consider staying with Adrian and Karen at Normandy Beaches B&B. Situated in Arromanche it is well placed for costal exploring and further afield.

http://www.normandybeach.co.uk/

Whatever you decide there is more than enough to see and do, but to make the most have an idea of a few things you might like to see before you go. I would also suggest late March at the earliest as some stuff will be closed as it will not be in season.

 

[Dave h]

Normandy trip

Hi

Another vote for Normandy beach BB,All along the coast road plenty to do and see,just stop off and have a gander anywhere you fancy.just take your time no need to rush and try and see everything at once, if you dont get to see some thing it gives you excuse to go back again,enjoy it Normandy very nice destination



Dave

 

[bisbee]

We stayed in Honfleur which is definitely worth considering lots of great places to eat and stay for any budget and not far from some famous places
Hth

 

[Dazzle]

Suisse Normandy area is lovely and often over looked for the coast
Nice little hotels and campsite next to river in cliche ? Think that's how you spell it