‘It is not the cheaper things that we want to possess, but expensive things that cost a lot less’ – John Ruskin
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The tour takes in assorted luxury chateaux hotels, along with various racing circuits, some forgotten that can be driven, and various other attractions. With great driving roads and terrific scenery this is a tour not to miss and will not run again!
Listed below is the itinerary for the event, which is designed to be a relaxing holiday with your car, not just an old car rally. There is no night driving, and absolutely no competition, other than getting to the bar first!
July 17th, Sunday. Arrivals at Hotel La Chartreuse du Val Saint Esprit, which is just 52 miles from Calais and an easy run down the motorway. Country Lane Tours has used the venue several times previously and it never fails to impress. Food is excellent, with vegetables mainly sourced on site in the extensive garden. Overnight - Gosnay.
July 18th, Monday. We set off south , via the war memorial at Vimy Ridge, the old Reims racing circuit at Gueux.
The historic buildings on the pit straight at Gueux are being lovingly restored to their original splendour and as you drive along the circuit you can imagine what it was like in its heyday. After a light buffet lunch in the village bistro, walls lined with period photographs, we travel to Epernay for a tour of the champagne caves by train and a tasting before arriving at our hotel which has an incredible view across the valley. The restaurant has a Michelin star! Overnight - Champillon. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 156
July 19th, Tuesday. A run through the French lanes to the incredible Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte. The chateau predates Versailles. The gardens are truly epic.
After lunch at Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte we travel on to the famous banked circuit at Montlhery where I'm hoping we can take the cars onto the track - currently negotiating! Overnight - Montlhery. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 115
July 20th, Wednesday. A slightly higher mileage day so we're taking the motorway for most of the way to Dijon-Prenois circuit and then through the lanes to Chateau Gilly, our stay for the next two nights. Overnight - Gilly-les-Citeaux. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 196
July 21st, Thursday. Another chance to chill out or perhaps take a sort run via the village of Nuits-St-Georges, famous for its wine, Chateau Savigny-les-Beaune with its amazing collection of motorbikes, Abarth cars, and aeroplanes, before lunch in the historic town of Beaune. Overnight - Gilly-les-Citeaux. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 0 / 38
July 22nd, Friday. Once more some scenic good driving roads via Magny Cours racing circuit to Vichy where our hotel is in the centre but close to the river with views over the park. Overnight - Vichy. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 176
July 23rd, Saturday. Vichy - Clermont-Ferrand circuit - Limoges. More great driving roads and spectacular scenery, climbing initially through hills covered with vines to the Clermont-Ferrand circuit.
Unfortunately Limoges, whilst famous for its exquisite porcelain, doesn't have a hotel in the centre that is upmarket and has a car park, which means using a Novotel about ten minutes out. It's OK (typical Novotel!) so I've not organised dinner as people may wish to go into town. Overnight - Limoges. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 141
July 24th, Sunday. Limoges - Montabazon. A visit to the amazing porcelain museum, followed by a leisurely wander through rural countryside, calling in at Oradour sur Glane where the Nazis massacred 642 men, women and children on 10th June 1944, to our next location, the spectacular Chateau D'Artigny in Montabazon, on the outskirts of Tours in the Loire Valley. Overnight - Montbazon. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 129
July 25th, Monday. There will be a scenic route in the Loire Valley and a boat trip. Overnight - Montbazon. MILEAGE FOR DAY - TBA
July 26th, Tuesday. Montbazon - Le Mans - Bayeux. Once more heading north we stop at Le Mans where you can drive a large section of the historic circuit, including the famous Mulsanne Straight, and visit the museum. Overnight - Bayeux. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 169
July 27th, Wednesday. Bayeux tapestry - Omaha Beach - Overlord Museum. A relaxed day again, taking in local attractions Overnight - Bayeux. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 164
July 28th, Thursday. Bayeux - Honfleur - Rouen Essarts old circuit - V1 Rocket site. A pleasant run initially along the coast via pretty Honfleur, the old Rouen Essarts track and the amazing ruins of the Vi rocket site at Ardouval before arriving at our hotel right in the historic centre of Rouen. Overnight - Rouen. MILEAGE FOR DAY - 162
July 29th, Friday. Rouen. A relaxing final day to just chill and take in the sights of Rouen. Overnight - Rouen. MILEAGE FOR DAY – 0
July 30th, Saturday. Departure for home.
Please note! There may be slight variations to the schedule if circumstances dictate, but regular updates will be issued to registered participants.
The cost for this holiday of a lifetime? £3,950 per person (based on two people sharing) – to include all accommodation on a B&B basis (mostly D,B&B,) Prices can be quoted for extra passengers per car and also single occupancy. A holding deposit of just £225 per person (repayable in full less £10 admin. charge up to January 29th 2022) secures your place, with the balance due by January 30th 2022 - an invoice will be sent. The entry is restricted to just 30 places due to hotel accommodation availability so early booking advised.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
First night's dinner bed & breakfast at La Chartreuse du Val Saint Esprit
Buffet lunch at old Reims racing circuit, Gueux
Guided train tour of Mercier Champagne Caves, along with tasting, Epernay
One night's D,B&B at 5 star Royal Champagne Hotel, Champillon
Entry to Chateau Vaux-Le-Vicomte
Lunch at Chateaux Vaux-le-Vicomte
Entry to Montlhery old Circuit
One night's D,B&B at Montlhery
Entry to Dijon-Prenois Circuit
Two nights' D,B&B at Chateau Gilly
Entry to Chateau Savigny-les-Beaune Museum
Lunch at Magny Cours circuit
One night's B&B at Vichy Celestins Hotel & Spa
One night's B&B at Novotel, Limoges
Guided tour of porcelain museum in Limoges
Two nights' D,B&B at Chateau D'Artigny, Montbazon
River tour on the Loire
Entry to Le Mans museum
Two nights' B&B accommodation Bayeux
Entry to tapestry museum
Two nights' B&B at Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen
Final night dinner, Rouen
All city taxes
Entry to some attractions
Most car parking charges
Backup support vehicle and experienced mechanic
Detailed road book
Marked Michelin map book of France
Rally plates
Experienced tour director present throughout
Plus more and various minor additions
PLEASE NOTE - IMPORTANT! There may be variations to the schedule should conditions dictate. Updated information will be sent out via the usual newsletters.
CHATEAUX, CHAMPAGNE & CIRCUITS
ROUTE IN BLUE
The total mileage on the tour is only fourteen hundred (approximate) in the entire fortnight. The route described gives just a synopsis of the things to do and see on the tour as space here does not allow inclusion of every detail.
BOOKING FORM - CHATEAUX, CHAMPAGNE & CIRCUITS
Name (driver)...............................................Address……………………………………………..
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Post Code....................................................Name (navigator)..................................................
Phone number(landline)………………………………….Mobile.................................................
Please note! Your mobile number will be included on a list provided to other tour members only. If you do not agree please state above.
Email Address……………………………………..Date...............................................................
Car Make/Model………………………………..Year…………………… Reg. No…………………
Number of people in party……………………. Amount of payment included……………………
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS? (double / twin beds, bath, diet, etc). This is very important and will be treated in strictest confidence. If ANY mobility problems please let me know so I can arrange rooms close to lifts, etc.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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Please send completed form and payment to Country Lane Tours, Tirionfa, Bodfari Road, Llandyrnog, Denbigh, LL16 4HP. For more details email countrylanetours@gmail.com, or call me, Ian Glass, on 01824 790280 for a chat.
All tours are carefully reconnoitred by classic car, and all hotels are good quality. All roads are metalled, although some rural road surfaces must be driven slowly, and days involving higher mileages use main roads / autoroutes. You can, of course, use the provided map book to plan your own route – nothing is compulsory! Regular updates will be sent out as information becomes available, including ‘dos and don’ts’ regarding car preparation and driving in France. It will be warm, there are plenty of hills, so the most crucial thing is to make certain your radiator and cooling system is in tip-top condition! PLEASE NOTE!!! IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT CURRENCY VOLATILITY Country Lane Tours RESERVES THE RIGHT TO APPLY A SURCHARGE IF THE POUND DEVALUES SIGNIFICANTLY FURTHER AGAINST THE EURO.
Important! It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure both driver and vehicle comply with all legal requirements in whatever country an event takes place. Country Lane Tours accepts no liability for infringements over which it has no control.
Top: Vaux le Vicomte. Above left: Our hotel in Gosnay. Above right: Our Rouen centre hotel. Left: Chateau Savigny-les-Beaune
