Bilbao to Dieppe

Hi All, right looking to pick your thoughts on a trip a friend and I are making at the end of July.
It's a short break and we have not done this type of travelling often.

My main question is, we will arrive at Bilbao at 8am on a thurs morn, and will be routing through France to get to Dieppe for a 1330 ferry crossing on the Sat, we would like to avoid toll roads so realistically where should we aim to stay on our first night?
Is La Rochelle a good place?

Can anyone suggest a good route, which will take in the best that West France coast has to offer.

We have two days on the bikes and I know that covering distance avoiding toll roads can be a long process, well in North East France it did, where would you suggest we stay on the Fri night? Is Dieppe worth a night stop?

All suggestions greatly appriciated
Andy

La Rochelle is gorgeous. Especially if you like seafood, wine and brandy.

I'll carry your bags....

Cheers slowdown, do you think it's reasonable to get there from Bilbao on day one, not too far?

According to Mapsource, it's 422 miles avoiding main routes and 320 miles mixed routes (5.5 hours non-stop, add more time for stops).

HTH

Bordeaux might be more realistic (and cheaper. La Rochelle is very yachty & not cheap).

The Holiday Inn, Bordeaux is fairly central and has secure underground parking.

Any Hotel recommendations ?

Slowdown said:

La Rochelle is gorgeous. Especially if you like seafood, wine and brandy.

I'll carry your bags....

Click to expand...

I will be in the La Rochelle area 10th-11th July and have not booked any accomodation yet. Not looking for the cheapest but prefer somewhere bike friendly with secure parking.

Johnny