08 - 11 May 2008

If you’re not able to get much time off work or haven’t toured before, this tour might be just the one for you. The Champagne region of France is less than 4½ hours ride from Calais and is an ideal location for a Grape Weekend. After a short channel crossing we shall ride towards the Champagne region where we’ll stay for three nights in a three star hotel with secure parking, swimming pool and its own excellent restaurant. We shall ride around the beautiful Lac d’ Orient and through the ancient Foret d’ Orient where we might choose to stop for a spot of lunch and a scoop or two of ice cream. With lunch sorted, we’ll continue towards the medieval city of Troyes for a leisurely stroll around its narrow streets and perhaps a cup of coffee. From here we’ll ride back to the hotel for a well deserved gourmet evening meal and a glass or two of the local wine. The following day will be shared between visiting an XVIII century chateau and a guided tour of one the region’s most famous champagne houses. At the chateau we’ll be shown around by curator who has an extensive knowledge about local history and the champagne tradition. At the champagne house our host Pierre, a member of a wine making family dating back many generations, will expertly take us through all the different stages of champagne production…. and the best thing regarding this day is that at the end of both visits we’ll be presented with the opportunity to sample and perhaps purchase some of the local produce. This one-centre holiday will give us ample opportunity to explore the French countryside and its picturesque villages, to ride perfect motorcycling roads, to admire magnificent scenery and to enjoy the rich flavour of French cuisine. This tour might be short but it’s certainly bubbly.