Santander to Cherbourg
Discussion
Convinced the missus that we have the ideal GT but she will have to pack lightly! With that in mind planning a late spring trip taking the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander then spending 10 days working up the coast through San Sebastian, across the Pyrenees, Bordeaux and La Rochelle before heading back up to Cherbourg.
Has anyone driven this route, would welcome location stops, hotel/restaurant suggestions, roads a must, roads to avoid!
Any help appreciated!
Has anyone driven this route, would welcome location stops, hotel/restaurant suggestions, roads a must, roads to avoid!
Any help appreciated!
Hi,
I've done loads of bike trips through France and sorry if it's not helpful but I'd suggest changing your route from the Pyrenees.
On the west side of France, in my experience, it's quite hard to find interesting roads. It's quite flat and the roads are pretty straight.
I've done La Rochelle to the ports many times and I'd almost defy someone to find a good driving road going north from there.
(If you do go though, cross the causeway to the Ile de Re which is superb, especially the town of St Martin. In La Roch my brother says a restaurant called Le Comptoir des Voyages is the best he's ever been to).
I'd cross the French/Spanish border and head a bit east, then north and follow some of the wiggly roads shown on the 1:200,000 Michelin maps. If you didn't know, the ones edged green are specifically marked to be pretty.
Bonne chance.
Simon.
I've done loads of bike trips through France and sorry if it's not helpful but I'd suggest changing your route from the Pyrenees.
On the west side of France, in my experience, it's quite hard to find interesting roads. It's quite flat and the roads are pretty straight.
I've done La Rochelle to the ports many times and I'd almost defy someone to find a good driving road going north from there.
(If you do go though, cross the causeway to the Ile de Re which is superb, especially the town of St Martin. In La Roch my brother says a restaurant called Le Comptoir des Voyages is the best he's ever been to).
I'd cross the French/Spanish border and head a bit east, then north and follow some of the wiggly roads shown on the 1:200,000 Michelin maps. If you didn't know, the ones edged green are specifically marked to be pretty.
Bonne chance.
Simon.
If coming back towards Cherburg and taking in the Brittany coast then you could stay at the Grand Dinard - opposite side of the bay / overlooking St Malo. Great place to base yourself for Brittany coast. Great staff, great restaurant (not cheap), and have secure parking - although you have to let them park it, bring it to you.
Get a room overlooking the bay - fantastic views from your bed.
http://www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/fr/hotel/e...
Have driven over the Pyrannees on the way to Southern Spain, but it was in some of the worst rain / low cloud conditions I've ever driven in, so no recommnedations around there.
Be prepared to be 'papped' when that far South in France - Aston's are very rare and you will literally get chased on motorways by other cars - its OK when you realise that their passenger is videoing you!
Final point you have to do the racing getaway at the toll booths - its the law!
Get a room overlooking the bay - fantastic views from your bed.
http://www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/fr/hotel/e...
Have driven over the Pyrannees on the way to Southern Spain, but it was in some of the worst rain / low cloud conditions I've ever driven in, so no recommnedations around there.
Be prepared to be 'papped' when that far South in France - Aston's are very rare and you will literally get chased on motorways by other cars - its OK when you realise that their passenger is videoing you!
Final point you have to do the racing getaway at the toll booths - its the law!
Thanks for the input, cant really change the route as its where we both want to go. Its not specifically a roadtrip (have a bike roadtrip in July), more of a holiday but although the OH wants to bring back loads of wine, ive told her she will have to ship it as there wont be room! Im sure i can find a few roads and that bridge looks amazing!
Thanks for the restaurant tip, will be sure to check it out!
Thanks for the restaurant tip, will be sure to check it out!
definately!!
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