Touring N France ideas?

[Pegasus123]

This has most probably been covered previously, but no harm in re-asking the question!!

Me and the wife (well me really) are thinking of doing a tour of the Northern france WWI battlefields and was hoping for some advice/ guidance from you lot, as I imagine some of you have done this sort of ride before.

Basically looking for say a sail out on the Thursday lunchtime, head somewhere for Thursday night, then spend two full days riding round the sights, with a view to riding home on the Sunday.

Unfortunately with kids (good old mum, although she doesn't know yet!!), I can't really do any longer.

So what help do I want, preferably some advice with regards where to stay, is it best to stay in one place or stop at different places? Where are the best places to visit, etc? And any other useful info really.

I know there is a company out there that organises trips, but would like to keep on our own, that way we don't have to follow an itinerary!!!

Anyway I digress, any advice, tips, ideas, would be gratefully received, even it is what wine to drink!!

[Realbark]

Anglia have a trip orgaised for June - bit longer than you want - but might be worth the few days. WW2 battlefields n beer.

[BaZa®]

pm Batman re visiting the war graves the British Legion riders section do it all the time. They/he will give you information about the best routes and advice on the trip.

Info from our Search

WW11........North France..... ( 1 2 3)

france and belgium ( 1 2 3)

[pebble35]

Originally Posted by Pegasus123

I know there is a company out there that organises trips, but would like to keep on our own, that way we don't have to follow an itinerary!!!

I tend to look at the itineraries for the guided tours and then plan my own trip around them - saves a lot of time researching where to go/what to see etc.

[fortuna]

Bonsoir Pegasus 123! Well...we think we could help you!? Not only are we easy to reach from Calais/Boulogne/Dunkerque, we are right in the area to visit WW1 sites and we just happen to be the Sussex Coasters' French Connection B&B (ie bike friendly!) Have a look at our website Les Ballastieres B & B Website to see what we offer. Will be happy to help (free of charge) with your itinerary! We are in Gauchin Verloingt, walking distance from the town of St Pol sur Ternoise. Half hour to Arras/Vimy Ridge, 3/4 hour to Thiepval/Beaumont Hamel/Albert (great museum) just to name a few. And then also the Somme about 3/4 hour away.... Hope this is of some interest! Come and see us anyway, whether you stay or not.

[Pegasus123]

What can I say, thanks very much for the replies, lots of information there, lots to be getting on with, very much appreciated.

[Framie]

Originally Posted by Pegasus123

What can I say, thanks very much for the replies, lots of information there, lots to be getting on with, very much appreciated.

Can really recomend Les Ballastieres, stayed in the "Hayloft" last year and enjoyed so much going again in a couple of weeks. It couldn't be anymore biker friendly or secure if it tried!

[Hal]

If you are only able to go for 2 days, then a good spot to stay is at Ieper (Ypes) then you would be able to attend the evening Last Post tribute at the Menin Gate at 8.00 pm and also the In Flanders Fields Museum in the Cloth Hall on the main square.

We stayed at the Novotel Hotel, which has secured parking underground, and if you are careful you can ride around the barrier which would save you from paying for parking . The square in the town has some lovely restaurants and good beer and is very relaxing. This hotel is a 2 minute walk to the Menin Gate and the Town Square.

Wherever you visit it is a really moving experience. You can purchase a "In Flanders Fields Route" map (about £3) and this will help. You must visit Tyne Cot Cemetary at Passendale it just makes you appreciate the great loss of lives during WW1.

Enjoy your trip.