Normandy Tour!

[pinkkaz]

So it looks as though my husband doesn't have any work until the middle of July (boo!) but that means we can go on holiday earlier than planned (hurrah!)

We are going to get the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre and then take it as it comes. I haven't checked with work how much time I can have off but I'm hoping for 2 weeks which would be amazing! The only downside of going earlier is that my husband has ordered a new bike from Condor but won't receive it in time, which means he'll have to use his old hybrid. Ah well, I have a rack we can fit and we'll go on a trial grocery run and see how it holds up.

New panniers for him have been ordered (Altura dryline 56) and we are going to try and make do with just back panniers. The only bit of kit I'm slightly unhappy with is the tent, as it's bulkier (and I presume heavier - I haven't weighed it yet) than I'd like, but don't really feel we can splash out on a new one.

So if anyone has any must-see places in Normandy, or campsite recommendations, let me know!

 

[rich p]

I've recommended this one before. It is a really lovely camp site with the nicest bar and pool setting
http://www.camping-lecolombier.com/

This is okay too
http://www.campinglebrevedent.com/en/presentation.htm

 

[pinkkaz]

Thanks Rich, I did check out that one before - I think it might be a good location for the first night. I'll plot it on my paper map tonight! By the way, has anyone cycled over Pont de Normandie? Itlooks like it might be quite scary to cycle over...

 

[Cathryn]

I've done it on a tandem with my dad and it's honestly not scary at all, it's quite an exciting adventure. The challenge is finding the little side road from Le Havre Docks that take you to the bridge. We got it wrong and ended up cycling on a motorway which was indeed very scary!!!

If you need a hand, drop me a PM. But basically try and find that road and if you go past any blocks of flats, you're on the wrong road and are west of the road you actually want.

 

[rich p]

I had the same experience as Cathryn. You need to find the correct way on to it for sure. We got hailed down by a friendly French lorry driver just before we inadvertently joined the motorway.

These will give you the idea!

 

[pinkkaz]

Ah, ok there's a cycle path (or a hard shoulder at least!) I was trying to tell from the photos on Wikipedia...

 

[Cathryn]

Yeah, it's perfectly safe when you're on it, as long as you're confident in traffic. But getting there is a shocker ; We and the tandem got escorted off the motorway in a cone-distributing van.

 

[Tony]

Camping Municipal at Arromanches is a good'un

 

[pinkkaz]

Thanks everyone!

It's all settled, we are getting the ferry on Sunday night so I'm very excited. All our gear is being dumped in an ever-increasing pile on the living room floor, although of course I have a very comprehensive list to make sure it doesn't get out of control... It's going to be a challenge fitting it in as we are only taking back panniers.

Rich, I contacted that site you recommended and we are going to stay there for the first 2 nights to get our bearings before venturing further.

Thanks for your suggestion as well Tony - we'll definitely be going to Bayeux so that campsite looks ideal.

 

[rich p]

Another forummer is going there on my recommendation. I'm sure (and hope) that you won't be disappointed. The night we stayed there was a free classical concert by the manor house with free home-made cider and quiche. I hope you enjoy it.