Normandy
Trip Start
Aug 25, 2008
1
20
22
Trip End
Oct 28, 2008
Caen,
Normandy,
France
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Well we left the Le Continental after a good breakfast and another Bon Route, maybe the romantic road is here!
We have decided to head for the Normandy coast and Le Mont St Michel. Starting to see a few cars now with English number plates. Empty roads hardly any traffic just perfect sunshine and the roads to our selves.
I have found that with our entire luggage on the bike is happiest at 120Kmh just nice and easy cruising.
The road took us through Le Mans and as we neared the coast the land is very flat then as if arising out of nowhere perched high on a rock is Le Mont St Michel.
What a fantastic place a whole town on a rock surrounded by beach on all sides, we quickly found a hotel then onto the causeway to the town, for the first time on the whole trip we were charged to park the bike, a massive 1 euro.
Then I found that we had been suckered there was a bike park for locals no charge, 10 euros for cars.
Very steep narrow roadways full of American tourists.....oh well its still a fantastic place and full of history.
Back to the hotel as it was going dark then out for restaurant for dinner, great meal even had crepes for a pudding. Back on the diet when we get home!
The next day it was onto the Normandy D day beaches to see the sites for the landings the gun emplacements, the harbour temporarily built for the landings is still there.
We stopped at one of the Military cemeteries that are dotted throughout this area it was a very moving experience as we walked past the grave stones of the fallen who in most cases were in their early 20's or younger.
We moved on towards Le Harve.
As we approached Le Harve we could see this uncreditable suspension bridge that crosses the river Seine, we then were on the bridge up a 1 in 6 climb to the top then drop down into Le Harve.
Then the best bit 5 Euro for cars Bikes FREE!!!!! Why can't we all embrace bikes in same way.
We had booked via the internet a ferry crossing to Portsmouth, if you pre book its cheaper than just fronting up ( thanks for the tip Heinz) so we waited to board the ferry with heavy hearts and chatting to the other bike riders, we all talked as a group as the car drivers sat in their cars alone, no wonder there is a universal bond with all bikers.
We met a great character Paul Griffith who had emigrated to New Zealand and had to return to the UK when his mum got ill, so he rode his bike to the UK on his own no problems just 1 puncture, great to hear his stories.
So its onto the ferry.
See ya
