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France Tour – September 2015

Ta Tour France

A Special Treat

This was an invitation only tour, we’d had a great year with some great friends and decided to treat a few of the closer people to our business. These people had helped out or been part of our ongoing efforts, so it was a fitting way to say thank you.

Tour Summary:

🗓️ Duration: 5 Days

🌍 Countries Visited: England, France

📍 Highlights: Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Granville, Utah Beach, Barneville-Carteret

🫶 Tour Vibe: Laid-back, gourmet-focused, celebration of long-time riders

🏍️️ Riders: 10 invited riders

🛠️ Adventures: Late-night ferry arrival, champagne & oysters on the lawn, lobster dinner, muppetry awards

Route Overview

Ferry Crossing to France – Portsmouth to Caen

Route: Home – Portsmouth – Caen – Brix – Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue – Blaineville Sur Mere – Normandy beaches – Ouistreham – Portsmouth – Home

Accommodation: Chateau Epinguet, 10 miles south of Cherbourg
Total Tour Distance: Approx. 1,200 miles approximately

Day Itinerary

Day One – Departure & Arrival at the Chateau

The group left Redditch at 09:00 hrs, heading south to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to Caen France. While on board, instructors were treated to a fine A la carte dinner to mark the start of the gastro experience.

Disembarking at 23:00 hrs in dark France was not nice, the group rode straight to the Chateau for a late-night arrival and nightcap.

  • Mileage: Redditch to Portsmouth – 150 miles
  • Caen to Chateau – 80 miles
  • Total Day One: 230 miles

Day Two – Champagne & Oysters in France

After a late start and a relaxed breakfast, riders headed out on a short familiarisation loop to ease into riding on the right-hand side again.

Stops included a local shop for champagne and a visit to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue for fresh oysters.

The day concluded in true gastro style with oysters and champagne on the chateau lawn, followed by a home-cooked evening meal.

Mileage: 170 miles

Day Three – Coastal Curves & Culinary Surprises

A twisty coastal ride to Granville showcased Normandy’s west coast. Lunch at “The Worst Restaurant in the World” (a humorous misnomer) brought plenty of laughs.

The group rode scenic inland roads back to the chateau, where the surplus oysters from Day Two made a grand return, along with another bottle of chilled champagne.

Mileage: 210 miles

Day Four – Sightseeing & Lobsters

The day was dedicated to visiting Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, including Utah, Juno, Gold, and Sword. Lunch was taken in Barneville-Carteret, a lovely setting on the west coast of France.

Despite plans to buy live lobsters, pre-cooked ones were sourced locally and enjoyed with, of course, another round of champagne. This final full day captured the very essence of the tour: rich history, great food, and unforgettable camaraderie.

Mileage: 190 miles

Day Five – Farewell & Reflections

After a final breakfast at the chateau, riders stopped at the American War Cemetery to pay their respects before riding to Ouistreham for the ferry.

Onboard cabins allowed for rest before arriving back in Portsmouth and riding home in the dark.

Mileage: 250 miles

What Made This Tour Unique

This was not your typical motorcycle tour, it was an invitation-only celebration for long-time supporters and repeat riders of RMT Motorcycle Training. Known affectionately as the “Gastro Tour,” it focused on enjoyment, discovery, and culinary indulgence.

With oysters, lobster, champagne, late-night chats, and laughter, this trip proved that riding and relaxing can go hand-in-hand.

What Was Included

  • Return ferry crossings (Portsmouth–Caen)
  • 4 nights accommodation at the 17th Century Chateau Epinguet
  • Breakfast and evening meals included
  • Daily ride-outs with flexible plans
  • Optional sightseeing and culinary experiences
  • Muppetry awards and evening laughs

Riders brought funds for lunches, fuel, and any personal extras. The trip was all about relaxed riding, cultural food, and shared appreciation for good company.

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