Good Roads Back To Calais After LM?

[Marvindodgers]

Hi, have been to Le Mans many times, but this year we're going to the Classic instead. For once, none of us have to be back in a drastic rush on the monday, so I was thinking about a leisurely(ish) drive back via a nice place for lunch, a few things to see along the way etc, before getting to Calais for the 18:20 P&O crossing (could push this back to the 19:45 if needed).
I've heard mention that Honfleur near Le Havre is a nice spot and this then takes in a crossing of the impressive Pont du Normandie (helpfully avoiding Rouen too!) along the way. Has anyone else been that way or are there other suggestions for good roads or good things to see on our return?
Cheers.

[Black Spider]

there are many scenic routes back to Calais. You might like to try http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/tpl/hme... first of all the system has a scenic selection.

Other places for a good lunch are, Trouville/Deauville Etaples and Le Touquet.

[Hoolio]

Marvindodgers said:

Hi, have been to Le Mans many times, but this year we're going to the Classic instead. For once, none of us have to be back in a drastic rush on the monday, so I was thinking about a leisurely(ish) drive back via a nice place for lunch, a few things to see along the way etc, before getting to Calais for the 18:20 P&O crossing (could push this back to the 19:45 if needed).
I've heard mention that Honfleur near Le Havre is a nice spot and this then takes in a crossing of the impressive Pont du Normandie (helpfully avoiding Rouen too!) along the way. Has anyone else been that way or are there other suggestions for good roads or good things to see on our return?
Cheers.

You know it's Bastille day on the Monday right?

[Daaave]

You might find this site helpful, it's for bikes obviously but generally a good biking road is a good driving road.

http://www.bestbikingroads.com/europeanmotorcycler...

I can't check the site where I am at the minute to see if it specifically answers your question so forgive me if none of the routes are anywhere near...

[Marvindodgers]

Hoolio said:

Marvindodgers said:

Hi, have been to Le Mans many times, but this year we're going to the Classic instead. For once, none of us have to be back in a drastic rush on the monday, so I was thinking about a leisurely(ish) drive back via a nice place for lunch, a few things to see along the way etc, before getting to Calais for the 18:20 P&O crossing (could push this back to the 19:45 if needed).
I've heard mention that Honfleur near Le Havre is a nice spot and this then takes in a crossing of the impressive Pont du Normandie (helpfully avoiding Rouen too!) along the way. Has anyone else been that way or are there other suggestions for good roads or good things to see on our return?
Cheers.

You know it's Bastille day on the Monday right?

I did know this, yes. Does anyone know if it is total shut down in France on Bastille Day or is it like a Bank Holiday here, with plenty of things still open? I'm more concerned about fuel to be honest as there's no way I'm getting back on one tank!!

[W111AAM]

What you have to remember in France is that every Sunday everywhere shuts down. So if its Bastille day I would be very nervous.

When I refuelled the car in France recently at the Super U only the self service pumps were working. The petrol station was completey unmanned. Amazing!!!

As to your route. The way I have always gone to and away from Le Mans is:

A16 (Boulogne)
E402 (towards Abbeville)
E402/A28
Exit A28, juct. 10
Onto the D915 to Forges-Les-Eaux
From there on to D921 to Argueil, la Feuillie
Becomes the D321 to Lyons-la Foret (Stop here for Lunch!! Beautiful)
Take the D2 to Ecouis
Cross the N14, and carry on to Les Andelys
D313/D316 to Gaillon
Continue on D316 to Evreux
Pick up N154
N154 Evreux, then on To Dreux
N12 to Verneuil
N12 to Mortagne-au-Perche
D938 toBelleme
D938/D301 to St. Cosme-en-Vairais
D301 To Le Mans

Enjoy.

Edited by W111AAM on Wednesday 2nd April 13:57

[Black Spider]

its not a question of a total shutdown, more that the hotels will be full.

after the 2004 Classic a few of us went to enjoy the delights of Deauville for a few days, squeezed into one of the few hotels with vacancies. If its just a passing visit you shouldn't have too many problems.

[Marvindodgers]

Thanks for the responses guys. This has turned from a request for nice places to visit thread to a desparate cry for evacuation from a shut down country panic!!! I have to be honest, I'd put the whole Bastille Day thing to the back of my mind, but thinking about it, it could be a real problem. I've had problems at self service petrol stations before, not accepting British cards. With chip & pin cards is this still an issue?
We're planning on sailing home monday night, so accomodation is not an issue, but are we going to be able to get a nice lunch somewhere. If we can't get fuel, I guess the tent will be pressed into action for one more night!!!

[W111AAM]

Sorry, don't mean to sound negative. You'll be fine.

Look on the bright side, whats the worst that can happen!!

[Straggler]

Why not take a leaf out of Scott of the Antactic's book (hopefully with slightly more success!!), and leave a couple of hidden plastic petrol can stashes in a bush somewhere en route to Le Mans.

Buy it on the way down, use it on the way back!

[bluest2]

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

[smpaton]

bluest2 said:

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

And if you are making it an overnight stay it has a good casino.

[Skywalker]

bluest2 said:

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

I really rate Bagnoles de l'Orne. Very picturesque and some excellent eateries. Pizza, pasta & steaks in "Le Lido" right on the roundabout with the fountain and then also the "Restaurant de la Terrasse" which is just off the roundabout on the 'main drag' for pukka food (I recommend the hot fish terrine entree and the the pork in normandy sause as the main which are the house specialities). There is a top chocalatier's who makes macaroons as their speciality that make good presents back home.

It's not directly en route to Calais from LM but if you go up to Alencon - or cross country to mayenne and then north, it's not too far away, and then you can make your way up through Falaise and then up to Honfleur cross-country.

[bluest2]

smpaton said:

bluest2 said:

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

And if you are making it an overnight stay it has a good casino.

I been there 5 or 6 times but never been in the Casino. What's it like inside?

[bluest2]

Skywalker said:

bluest2 said:

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

I really rate Bagnoles de l'Orne. Very picturesque and some excellent eateries. Pizza, pasta & steaks in "Le Lido" right on the roundabout with the fountain and then also the "Restaurant de la Terrasse" which is just off the roundabout on the 'main drag' for pukka food (I recommend the hot fish terrine entree and the the pork in normandy sause as the main which are the house specialities). There is a top chocalatier's who makes macaroons as their speciality that make good presents back home.

It's not directly en route to Calais from LM but if you go up to Alencon - or cross country to mayenne and then north, it's not too far away, and then you can make your way up through Falaise and then up to Honfleur cross-country.

I can vouch for Le Lido, had a Pizza there just two weeks ago. Can't beat the one with the egg in the middle! As for proper food, I would recommend Cafe de Paris, next door Restaurant de la Terrasse I think. Their speciality 'Cafe de Paris', Steak with the biggest shrimp/prawn/langoustines and Fois Gras.

[bluest2]

A few pics of Bagnoles

The roundabout in front of Le Lido


The Chateau


The Lake


White building is the Casino, building to the left is Cafe de Paris and (I think...) Restaurant de la Terrasse

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 21:25

[Karussell]

Hi Pete

We are planning on circumnavigating Rouen this year, by heading West of Rouen, to a town called Yvetot, then making a brisk turn South, across a little car ferry type affair, and pick up the N138 south of Rouen.

As i am going to the event proper, I will let you know in time for the Classic

probably find out a definitive about the Bastille Day shutdown on the fuel side aswell

K

[smpaton]

bluest2 said:

smpaton said:

bluest2 said:

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

And if you are making it an overnight stay it has a good casino.

I been there 5 or 6 times but never been in the Casino. What's it like inside?

Very taste full. Used to spend a lot of time in Bagnoles as a friend had property in Domfront which is in betweeen Fleurs and Alencon.

[Marvindodgers]

Karussell said:

Hi Pete

We are planning on circumnavigating Rouen this year, by heading West of Rouen, to a town called Yvetot, then making a brisk turn South, across a little car ferry type affair, and pick up the N138 south of Rouen.

As i am going to the event proper, I will let you know in time for the Classic

probably find out a definitive about the Bastille Day shutdown on the fuel side aswell

K

Cheers mate, that would be great. Wasn't Yvetot the name of the place that guy in the Elise mentioned when we were at the ferry port last year? Rings a bell and he seemed to think it was a great route to avoid Rouen. See you in a couple of weeks at the Christening!

[bluest2]

smpaton said:

bluest2 said:

smpaton said:

bluest2 said:

If you can, maybe you could have lunch at a small town called Bagnoles-de-l'Orne in Normandy. It's really picturesque with a lovely lake. If your in no rush it would be an ideal break if your heading towards Le-Havre. It would take you along some nice roads too.
Edited to add - Honfleur is really nice but gets busy.

Edited by bluest2 on Wednesday 2nd April 18:05

And if you are making it an overnight stay it has a good casino.

I been there 5 or 6 times but never been in the Casino. What's it like inside?

Very taste full. Used to spend a lot of time in Bagnoles as a friend had property in Domfront which is in betweeen Fleurs and Alencon.

Likewise, my in-laws-to-be have property out there, in fact they bought a house through an estate agent in Domfront. The old town at Domfront is very nice. We'll likely be out there as part of our honeymoon in September. i'll make a point to venture in the Casino this time