I'm taking my NX650 Dominator down to my place in Southern France the last week in June/ 1st Week in July. I do this run most years on either the GS/Rt or the Honda and stick to the RN routes, no autoroutes. Its 640 miles from Calais so I dont push it in one day anymore even on the R1100Rt. I will be taking two days from Calais with one overnight stop around Dijon. Not yet finalised the dates, anyone fancy linking up in Calais and taking an easy 300 mile per day run down?. For anyone new to touring it makes the first couple of days easier and I speak enough French to cover most problems, I also know the routes. I can provide accomodation in the South but I'm not pushing for business it would simply be easier for me to have someone or a small group around on the trip. PM me or email [email protected]
South of France June/July
- Thread starter thornley
- Start date
samwise
Registered user
Hit right between my trips on my Dommie - I go to Aix between the 16th and 25th June, and to Pieve Di Cadore via Dole on 7th to 17th July. May see you going in the opposite direction on both trips 
I'm down until second week of September maybe a little longer depends on bookings. Shame you aint travelling down at the same time. My Dommies a 99 and it was bought purely for mountain use and back lanes in Northern Provence and taking guys out on local trips. I took it down last year and I was truly impressed with its rideability around the mountains and RN's. Did the trip from Bolton to Buis les Barronnies 940 miles in two days, hard on the butt but enjoyable on the old routes. Could do with a larger tank range especially after 19.00 hrs and on Sundays, most garages on RN's shut. I check e mails regular in France so if you are around the area drop me a line. [email protected] or if stuck you can always call 0475 28 3214. Have a good trip.
samwise
Registered user
Unfortunately, I'll be blasting (well, you know what I mean on a Dommie 
) back up through France to Calais on the way back from the Dolomites, as I'm heading to see the family in Somerset for a few days on the way back to the island. Thanks for the offer though 
) back up through France to Calais on the way back from the Dolomites, as I'm heading to see the family in Somerset for a few days on the way back to the island. Thanks for the offer though Have now finalised the travel dates Thursday 22nd June out using the tunnel at 16.03. Stop overnight in Calais before heading south on the RN43, 44, 74 and RN7. No motorways or high speed dashing. The NX650 is superb at 60/70mph but not a motorway bike at French speeds.
Meeting with one other GS'er so far so anymore welcome.
Meeting with one other GS'er so far so anymore welcome.
Hope to book into the Village Hotel off junction 15 of the A16 just minutes from the tunnel. It is basic but clean and cheap for the night. I've used it twice now and it has the advantage of being very easy to find with a locked carpark and only 10 minutes walk from Calais centre for a beer or something to eat. They have 70 rooms so usually have no problems getting in. Used to stay at Bethune junction 5 A26 Campanile but its 20 Euros a room dearer and the only choice of restaurant/bar is the one within the hotel. By the time I get to the tunnel I will have done 300 miles on the Honda and I wont be in the mood for another run!
If you see a Dominator and a GS give us a wave.
If you see a Dominator and a GS give us a wave.
For a spot near Calais, we stayed at Les Sapiniere at Wisques, just West of St Omer last week. It is a Logis so may be more expensive than you want (rooms were about €69 for a double). Rather a lot of English but inevitable I suppose that close to Calais. Excellent food. Pleasant location for Northern France - I think they have garages but didn't really feel the need to use them for the bike - it is a quiet and secluded spot.
Further afield is another good Logis. Le Renard at Chalons en Champagne (also known as Chalons sur Marne). Old building with an eccentric attempt to make the rooms modern - doesn't really work but its made up by being welcoming, good secure parking (locked car park and at least one bike can go into the gargae within the car park) and superb food.
Paul
Further afield is another good Logis. Le Renard at Chalons en Champagne (also known as Chalons sur Marne). Old building with an eccentric attempt to make the rooms modern - doesn't really work but its made up by being welcoming, good secure parking (locked car park and at least one bike can go into the gargae within the car park) and superb food.
Paul
worthy said:
There's a good Logis hotel in Caudebec en Caux which is on the Seine close to the Pont de Brotonne, just north of Rouen. The rooms are a little dated but the restaurant is superb. Secure parking in the rear courtyard. Caudebec itself has a pleasant square with a few bars & restaurants.
Click this link , it's the Normotel la Marine
Autoroute says 145 miles from Calais.
rone
Guest
I will be joining thornley on his journey down, really looking forward to it, and other than a run to the hebrides last year (which was almost as far) - it's my first euro run (GS850R)
I've got to say Thornley has been so helpful and so friendly and a real credit to these forums. Thanks.
I've got to say Thornley has been so helpful and so friendly and a real credit to these forums. Thanks.
rone
Guest
I've not been in these forums for ages, but just a heads-up to say thornley's place is great.
The area is a real treasure and Mt. Ventoux is amazing.
Thornley is a superb host, and always lots of advice and the best places to eat.
The area is a real treasure and Mt. Ventoux is amazing.
Thornley is a superb host, and always lots of advice and the best places to eat.
I've not been in these forums for ages, but just a heads-up to say thornley's place is great.
The area is a real treasure and Mt. Ventoux is amazing.
Thornley is a superb host, and always lots of advice and the best places to eat.
Still owe you a free night for two. Hope to see you again soon. Remember the jet going overhead on Mt Ventoux?, superb experience.
rone
Guest
Wow - the Jet!
Will come again soon. Cheers.
Will come again soon. Cheers.
Will be doing this again this year, already had enquiries for the trip. Looking like last week of June as last year. Meeting up at the tunnel, through and then 1st night in Calais before setting off to Dijon for overnight followed by last day run to my place. As last year you don't have to stay at my place and can poodle off at your own rate. No speed merchants I'll be taking the NX650 again for use in the mountains.
Trip is on RN routes only once clear of Calais.
Thornley, we're booked on the 1800 ferry from Dover on June 22nd and also intending to stay at the Villages Hotel - by the way have you managed to book into it yet, I tried but it only allowed 3 months prior booking
. We are heading down towards Languedoc and then Provence. We are meeting Shenzi in Languedoc. I have booked our second night in a Logis hotel in the medieaval town of Chauvigny between Poitiers and Limoges. We could link up with you if you fancy it.
. We are heading down towards Languedoc and then Provence. We are meeting Shenzi in Languedoc. I have booked our second night in a Logis hotel in the medieaval town of Chauvigny between Poitiers and Limoges. We could link up with you if you fancy it.Thornley, we're booked on the 1800 ferry from Dover on June 22nd and also intending to stay at the Villages Hotel - by the way have you managed to book into it yet, I tried but it only allowed 3 months prior booking
Not finalised the date yet, might be the day after you (Saturday) as I'm linking up with another bike. Will keep you informed, sounds good. Village hotel has 70 rooms and although they don't allow booking more than 3 months ahead I've never failed to get a room if you arrive before 17.00. With the one hour difference and the ferry time you've booked it'll be worth booking early April. Village is less than 40 euros per night and breakfast is 4/5 euros.
My plans have changed and I will be staying to carry on with the house, second floor is in and I've got the bug to finish. Why not link up in buis for a beer? and give me some encouragement in the ruin.
madness on a dominator
Arrived back at 9pm last night on my faithful Honda NX650 Dominator. 940 miles two days one stop at St Quentin. Must be mad but the bike eats RN's and A roads. Averaged 58 to the gallon, not so much as a cough from the bike. The gel seat , home made from a bicycle seat cover is superb, nip down to Halfords, comfort for less than £20. See some more of you lot next year, thanks to those who stayed this year. I know you had a good break at chez Thornley.
Arrived back at 9pm last night on my faithful Honda NX650 Dominator. 940 miles two days one stop at St Quentin. Must be mad but the bike eats RN's and A roads. Averaged 58 to the gallon, not so much as a cough from the bike. The gel seat , home made from a bicycle seat cover is superb, nip down to Halfords, comfort for less than £20. See some more of you lot next year, thanks to those who stayed this year. I know you had a good break at chez Thornley.
Taking the Dominator back again around the 25th of May. Anyone heading south and wants to link up drop me a line. Speak French know the routes and ride to enjoy and survive! No commitment to stay at my place or book but it breaks the trip up for me.
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