Panther Car Club Loire Valley 2010

Itinerary

Friday 25th June Hinfahrt aus England / nicht für uns Departure from the UK to Calais by Ferry or Eurotunnel from Dover or Folkestone respectively. Onward journey starts by motorway to our overnight destination of the Hotel Chateau de Montvillargenne for our first meet up by dinner time. Notable worthwhile sightseeing stops en route are: Arras – With its 21 beautifully restored medieval squares and the fascinating museum under the Town Hall and Tourist Information office where you can discover the ‘Boves’ tunnels where troops hid during World War 1 Compiegne – In the woods nearby is the Armistice Carriage, where the German army officially surrendered to terminated the First World War, and where just 22 years later, the French signed a treaty of surrender to Hitler’s Nazi occupation. Senlis – An attractive old town, close to out overnight hotel, the main feature is one of ’s great gothic cathedrals. Chantilly – Again, close to our overnight hotel and one of the great Renaissance Castles of France, also famous for its great stables, where more than 3000 horses are kept and trained to this day.

Routing: Follow signs for A26 motorway south towards Arras, Reims, Paris. Outside Arras, take the turn off for the A1 motorway towards Paris and continue south. - For Arras, take a turn off a junction earlier (junction 7) and head 4 miles to the town centre parking. - For Compiegne, turn off the A1 at junction 11 and continue another 10 miles south on the D935 into the town centre. For the Armistice Carriage, take directions east on the N31 towards Soissons for 3-4 miles, before a left turn off. Take junction 8 turn off from the A1, and take the directions into Senlis. From Senlis continue west on the D44 into Chantilly. From Chantilly, take the D909 west to Gouvieux. There are signposts for the Hotel Chateau de Montvillargenne. Dinner and overnight.

Mileages: Calais to A26 / A1 junction near arras 70 miles A1 / A26 junction to junction 8 turn off to Senlis 88 miles A1 junction 8 turn off to Senlis 1½ miles Senlis to Chantilly 6½ miles Chantilly to Gouvieux 2½ miles Total 168½ miles

Start aus Deutschland

Wir werden Freitag, den 25.06.2010 auf Samstag in Namur (Belgien) übernachten. Es ist aus Thüringen und Norddeutschland ca. 510 km entfernt. Von dort aus fahren wir am Samstag alle zusammen nach (ca. 520 km).

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Saturday 26th June Departure in your own time towards the Loire Valley and Amboise. Our first Rally meet up in Amboise is in the evening for a welcome dinner arranged by Jean-Louis Lambin. Overnight in the Novotel Amboise.

Notable worthwhile sightseeing stops en route are: Rueil Malmaison – The chateau was the residence of Napoleon’s empress Josephine, and is still a place of pilgrimage to those interested in Napoleon’s life. Chateau de Versailles – Regarded at the greatest of all Renaissance Palaces and Gardens. If you have never been, this is a must. Chateau de Rambouillet – Not only a royal castle and palace, but now one of the official residences of the President of France

Routing: From Gouvieux, take the D909 south through Viarmes and south until reaching the D104 dual carriageway. Head west in the direction of Pontoise and continue round south on the N184 in the direction of St Germain en Laye. From here, continue taking directions in towards Paris and then Versailles on the N13/D113 then N186 retrospectively. You will meet a junction for the A13 motorway and take the entry westbound (not into Paris) and upon joining there will be exit signs for the A12 towards Rambouillet. You have now bypassed Paris. Continue south and the motorway becomes the N10 dual carriageway. Bypass Rambouillet and head south. You will eventually cross over the A11 motorway, then take the N191 south east in the direction of Etampes. Well beforehand you will come to a junction for the A10 motorway, which you join southbound towards Orléans. Near Orléans take the junction for the A10 motorway towards and passing Blois, exit at junction 18 on the D31 south towards Amboise. To access the Hotel Novotel once crossing the D31’s main road bridge over the River Loire. Follow the D31 around Amboise to the south side and just after the exit for Amboise on the D81, there is a small right turn onto the Rue des Sablonnieres. Take this turn and then you will soon see the hotel entrance.

Rueil Malmaison – A 5 mile detour in towards Paris on the D113 from the D113 / N186 junction. Chateau de Versailles – Keep on the N186 for 3½ miles into Versailles town centre instead of accessing the A13 motorway. Rambouillet – A 2 mile detour off the N10. The chateau is on the west side of Rambouillet centre.

Mileages: Gouvieux to D909 / D104 junction 10 miles D909 / D104 junction to N184 / N13 junction 25 miles N184 / N13 junction to N13 / N186 junction 2 miles N13 / N186 junction to N186 / A13 junction 3½ miles N186 / A13 junction to A10 junction for Rambouillet 22 miles A10 junction for Rambouillet to N191 / A10 junction 16 miles N191 / A10 junction to A10 junction 18 turn off to Amboise 90 miles A10 junction 18 to Amboise 11 miles Total 179½ miles

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Sunday 27th June Morning Rally get together on the Ile d’Or island on the Loire River just outside of Amboise. Lunch arranged by Jean-Louis Lambin followed by his arranged afternoon Rally itinerary. Dinner and overnight in the Novotel Amboise.

Monday 28th June A day to relax and enjoy the local surroundings. Take in the sights at Amboise including the Royal Chateau and the Manoir de Clos Lucé, home during the final years of Leonardo da Vinci, where 40 models of his incredible ‘ahead of time’ inventions are kept. Amboise is a highly scenic little heritage town in which to browse and relax. Afternoon excursion is recommended to the Chateau de Chenonceau, built as a bridge with 6 arches over the river Cher and with stunning gardens, it is regarded as the most beautiful castle in France. Another stop en route to or from the chateau is the Chanteloup Chinese Pagoda, standing 44 metres high and with great views. A visit to the private cellars and Italian gardens of the owners of Chateau de Valmer to taste the famous local wine can be pre-arranged, but we must know who is interested prior to our trip.

Routing: From Amboise, take the D31 south to La Croix en Touraine and take the left turn at the D40 T junction towards , the chateau will be singposted on your right entering the village (yes, strangely the Chateau has no ‘x’ in it’s name, unlike the village). Retrace your steps to Amboise and for the Chateau de Valmer Gardens and wine cellars, take the old bridge from the centre of town across the river Loire and take the D5 north for 2 miles until reaching a junction with the D1, turning left towards . Within 1 mile take the D79 left turn towards Chancay, and follow the meandering road for about 5 miles until you see a sign for the Chateau de Valmer entrance. Dinner and overnight at the Novotel Amboise.

Mileages: Amboise to the Chateau de Chenonceau 9 miles Amboise to Chateau de Valmer Gardens 8 miles

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Tuesday 29th June Morning scenic convoy tour before lunch through local towns and countryside. We have a scheduled lunch stop all together at the Auberge Restaurant du Chateau de Montpoupon (charged locally).

This afternoon is left at your own leisure to explore. Local options within easy reach are: - The local Chateau at Montpoupon next to the Auberge Restaurant, renowned for it’s hunting artefacts from the past. - is nearby south with a fine medieval town and castle to wander around (13 miles) - Tours, with its medieval streets and great shopping is just over half an hour away (27 miles) - Just the other side of Tours is the fabulous Castle at , housing one of the great Renaissance gardens (36 miles) - Along the route of the convoy and an easy return stop in the afternoon is the equally magical Castle and Gardens de Chaumont at Chaumont sur Loire (19 miles) - Also along our convoy route and a great alternative return stop is one of Europe’s top Zoological Park’s at Saint Aignan, packed full of wild and endangered species in parkland grounds (12 miles)

Convoy Routing: Depart into Amboise, then along the south bank of the Loire heading eastbound on the D751 to Chaumont sur Loire. Then head south on the D139, until taking a left turn on the D764 into the little town of Montrichard. Cross south over the river Cher and just after the N76 left turn towards St Aignan, take a left on the little D17 road, heading for the same town. At St Aignan, turn right through the town and climb the D675, continuing south as far as Nouans les Fontaines and turn right on the D760 to Montrésor, then the D10 to Genillé before taking the D764 north a short distance north for lunch. The Auberge Restaurant at the Chateau de Montpoupon is specially prebooked to be open for us to finish with a lunch.

Mileages: Amboise to Chaumont sur Loire 12 miles Chaumont sur Loire to Montrichard 11 miles Montrichard to St Aignan 13 miles St Aignan to Nouans les Fontaines 11½ miles Nouans les Fontaines to Genillé 12 miles Genillé to Auberge du Chateau de Montpoupon 6½ miles Total 60 miles

Shortened convoy route. At Montrichard, head straight south on the D764 to the Auberge Restaurant (8 miles). Total routing 31 miles.

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Wednesday 30th June 2 itinerary options with 1 scheduled stop for all those taking a particular itinerary

Azay le Rideau – – Chateau d’Ussé

We head south , crossing the river Cher and joining the banks of the river Indre at , following the scenic course of the river west, through until we reach Azay le Rideau. Here the beauty of the moated castle is an unmissable experience. We head to Chinon, a fine little medieval town on yet another of the Loires’s scenic tributaries, the river Vienne. Chinon provides a good lunch stop for browsing and, yes, there is another castle although this one is ruined. Afternoon return to stop at a truly breathtakingly beautiful Chateau d’Ussé, inspiration for Charles Perrault’s classic novel ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ (this is our scheduled stop for all taking this itinerary). We cross the bridge over the Loire at , overlooked by it’s fortress and follow the north bank through Tours back to Amboise.

Routing: Head south from Amboise on the D31, crossing the river Cher at turning right on the N76 towards Tours for 1 mike before a left turn on the D45 to Truyes. Turn right on the N143 again towards Tours for half a mile, then turn left on the D17 following the course of the river Indre, past Montbazon and continuing to Azay le Rideau. From here join the D751 towards Chinon and head into the old town. Exit the town along the river bank on the D749 for 6 miles, until reaching a junction with the D7 and turn right for a scenic drive along the south bank of the river Indre for some 7 miles before you arrive at the Chateau d’Ussé. From the Chateau d’Ussé, continue on the D7 along the south bank of the river Loire, crossing over the river Indre, then after another 2 miles, taking a left turn to cross over the river Loire to the north bank at Langeais. Turn right on the N152 main road following the north bank right through Tours, past Vouvray until the bridge appears to on your right to cross back over the river into Amboise.

Mileages: Amboise to Truyes 13 miles Truyes to Azay le Rideau 21 miles Azay le Rideau to Chinon 14 miles Chinon to D749 / D7 junction 6 miles D749 / D7 junction to the Chateau d’Ussé 7 miles Chateau d’Ussé to Langeais 9 miles Langeais to Amboise 31 miles Total 101 miles

Saumur – Troglodyte Caves – Candes St Martin – Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

To save time this morning, we head north to catch the A10 motorway west to Saumur. Like Amboise, this is one of the great heritage towns of the Loire. Attractions to see are the world famous ‘Cadre Noir’ school of equitation where you can see a public display of horsemanship, the lovely old town and castle, the famous Saumur sparkling wine cellars of

5 which there are a number, the Tank Museum, with one of the world’s biggest collections, and even the mushroom growing caves! We have a scheduled lunch stop for all taking this itinerary close to Saumur at the troglodyte restaurant next to the Chateau de Marson (must be pre-booked and payable locally). Heading east from Saumur along the south banks of the Loire, are a number of remarkable villages. Turquant is a Troglodyte village and you can visit some of the houses including a cave where dried apple slices have been prepared for generations. Just along the river is Candes St Martin, where the rivers Vienne and Loire converge, one of the most scenic villages in all of France and well worth a stop. Close by is Fontevraud, a fascinating last stop. The Abbaye de Fontevraud is one of the great Medieval Abbeys and Monasteries in Europe. It’s history is closely linked to British royal heritage as it is the place of burial for the greatest Plantagenet monarchs, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son Richard the Lion Heart as well as King John’s wife Isabelle of Angouleme (known as the Helen of the Middle Ages). Retrace your steps back to Candes St Martin and over the bridge over the river Vienne, following the south bank of the Loire to a bridge crossing north over the river Loire towards Bourgueuil. Take the motorway east back past Tours and retrace your steps back to Amboise.

Routing: Depart on the D31 north out of Amboise, over the river Loire up to the junction with the A10 motorway and head west towards Tours. After Tours take the A85 motorway junction towards Angers and exit at the Saumur turn off. Follow the N147 southbound to Saumur and take directions for the town centre, crossing the river Loire. Leaving Saumur, take the D947 Eastbound along the south bank of the Loire until reaching a right hand turn off into Turquant. Leaving Turquant, rejoin the D947 and head east to Candes St Martin. After Candes you will see a right turn off the D947 on the D751 to for a short distance to Fontevraud. From Fontevraud, return along the D751 and take a left turn on the D947 before shortly taking the right turn on the bridge over the river Vienne on the D7, where this river scenically joins the river Loire. Continue 4 miles along the D7, until a left turn on the D749 towards Bourgueuil. You recross the river Loire to the north bank and shortly after join the A85 motorway eastbound to Tours. At Tour rejoin the A10 motorway and exit at the Amboise junction, following the D31 road south back to Amboise.

Mileages: Amboise to A10 / D31 motorway junction 11 miles A10 / D31 motorway junction to Saumur A85 / N147 motorway junction 69 miles Saumur A85 / N147 motorway junction to Saumur 6 miles Saumur to Turquant 6½ miles Turquant to Candes St Martin 4 miles Candes St Martin to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud 3½ miles Royal Abbey of Fontefraud to D749 / A85 Borgueuil motorway junction 10 miles D749 / A85 Borgueuil motorway junction to A10 / D31 Amboise motorway junction 57 miles A10 / D31 Amboise motorway junction to Amboise 11 miles Total 178 miles (including 126 miles on motorway)

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Thursday 1st July 2 itinerary options with 1 scheduled stop for all those taking a particular itinerary

Blois – Beaugency – Chateau de Chambord

Morning departure following the north bank of the river Loire to Blois with one of the region’s most important historic royal castles and the steep narrow streets of the old centre overlooking the river Loire. Continue with a worthwhile scenic drive along the banks of the river Loire, east to the scenic heritage town of Beaugency. Here you can still drive over the medieval bridge, a miracle of engineering at the time, which became a lynchpin of access for armies during the 100 years war over 500 years ago. Now on the south bank of the river we head inland to Chateau Chambord (this is our scheduled stop for all taking this itinerary, the Loire’s biggest and most magnificent castle and one of the world’s great cultural sights. Also at the castle are the Marchal de Saxe stables, where subject to availability, shows are carried out in costume by the riders and horses. Scenic return to Amboise through the villages of Bracieux, Cour Cheverny (with yet another famous local castle!) and Contres.

Routing: Cross over the river Loire northbound on the D31, then take the N152 main road towards Blois along the north bank of the River Loire into Blois. From Blois, the route to Beaugency is east along the river bank on the N152 main road. At Beaugency, cross the Medieval bridge south over the river and take the D925 to La Ferté St Cyr, then a right turn on the D103 and D33 signposted to Chambord. You can not miss the huge castle! From Chambord, head south on the D112 to Bracieux before a left turn on the D102 to Cour Cheverny. Continue on the D102 to Contres. Take the D30 west through Pontlevoy, Vallières les Grandes and Souvigny de Touraine before finally the D23 still west back into Amboise.

Mileages: Amboise to Blois 23 miles Blois to Beaugency 20 miles Beaugency to La Ferté St Cyr 9 miles La Ferté St Cyr to Chateau de Chambord 9½ miles Chateau de Chambord to Bracieux 5 miles Bracieux to Cour Cheverny 6 miles Cour Cheverny to Contres 7½ miles Contres to Pontlevoy 9 miles Pontlevoy to Amboise 16 miles Total 105 miles

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Loir Valley An excursion into a beautiful, deeply rural, sleepy river valley, the Loir. Not to be confused with the Loire, its bigger neighbour into which it eventually runs. This is a landscape of small castles, charming villages and half forgotten towns. Head first to Vendome, a highly picturesque little town with its ruined medieval castle and a beautiful gothic abbey. Then continue down river, westbound to Lavardin, a truly beautiful village overlooked by a ruined fortress. Just across the river from Lavardin is Montooire-sur- le-Loir, which houses a musical instruments museum with 500 instruments from all over the world. Some you can try out! Following down river, you arrive at Troo, a troglodyte village built on a steep slope, this is well worth a stop. Next point of interest is Poncé-sur-le-Loir, with a fine little Renaissance castle and gardens. The route terminates along the river Loir at La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, and the Hotel de France, headquarters of the Aston Martin Le Mans racing team in the 1950s and 60s (scheduled end of afternoon meet point for the day for those taking this itinerary). Over coffee you can browse through the nostalgic pictures of Le Mans legends that line the walls of this famous hotel. Return on small country roads to Chateau Renault and back to Amboise.

Routing: Departure north on the D31 over the Loire and onwards to Chateau Renault, then continue along the N10 main road up to Vendome. From Vendome we follow smaller roads tracing the Loir river down stream starting on the D917 west to the direction of Montoire-sur-Loir. Take a left turn after 8 miles into the signposted village of St Rimay, there may also be a sign for Lavardin and follow this little road. At Lavardin take the D108 over the river to Montoire-sur-Loire. From here take the D917 to Troo. The same road continues westbound on the north side of the river through Poncé-sur-le-Loir up to La Chartre-sur-le-Loir. The route now heads south on the D9 to Chemillé-sur-Deme. Here take the little D72 road left to Les Hermites through to Chateau Renault. Here you meet the D766 at a T junction and take a left turn towards Chateau Renault, passing though the town on leaving the town, take the southbound D31 back towards Amboise.

Mileages: Amboise to Chateau Renault 16 miles Chateau Renault to Vendome 15 miles Vendome to Lavardin 11 miles Lavardin to Montoire-sur-Loire 2 miles Montoire-sur-Loire to Troo 5 miles Troo to Poncé-sur-le-Loir 6 miles Poncé-sur-le-Loir to La Chartre-sur-le-Loir 5 miles La Chartre-sur-le-Loir to Chemillé-sur-Deme 7 miles Chemillé-sur-Deme to Les Hermites 5 miles Les Hermites to Chateau Renault 10 miles Chateau Renault to Amboise 16 miles Total 98 miles

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Friday 2nd July Departure from the Loire Valley, to Le Mans for a visit by all to the world famous Sarthe Motor Museum, close to the famous Sarthe and Bugatti Racing Circuits. Exhibits cover everything from the early history of motor racing through to what makes a car engine tick. The ‘Musée Automobile de la Sarthe’ also includes a superb collection of 150 vehicles dating back as far as the late 19th century, including racing cars connected with some of the biggest stars past and present. Other attractions include audio-visual shows, a simulated high-speed track and a chance to walk the track. Continue this afternoon by the faster route via Alencon or the countryside route towards Bagnoles-sur-l’Orne to relax in this famous countryside spa resort.

Routing: By Motorway to Le Mans, take the D31 north from Amboise to the A10 motorway junction. Head west towards Tours and take the A28 motorway north to Le Mans. Exit on the junction for Ecommoy and follow the N152 main road north, towards Le Mans. By main road, cross the Loire river north from Amboise on the D31 then turn left on the N152 into Tours. In the city, follow the signs right to Le Mans on the N138 and keep on this road. You will see signs for the museum on your left about 5 or 6 miles outside south of Le Mans from the N152 From the Sarthe Motor Museum, head into Le Mans on the ring road and exit north on the N138 towards Alencon. You can either join the A28 motorway up to Alencon or follow the main road. At Alencon, follow signs west on the N12 in the direction of Fougeres, then after the town of Pré en Pail, take the right turn on the N176 in the direction of Domfront and at the village of Couterne, take the right turn on the D916 in the direction of La Ferté-Macé. After 3 miles on this road there is a left turn into Bagnoles-sur-l’Orne Alternative country route from Le Mans to Bagnoles: After heading out of Le Mans on the N138, take the D304 left in the direction of Mayenne. At Sillé le Guillaume, take the right turn on the D16 to Villaines la Juhel. At Villaines follow the D13 to Javron. Take the N12 main road left for half a mile and then take the right turn on the D218 north, eventually reaching the N176 at the village of Mehoudin. Turn left on the main road and then after 2 miles at the village of Couterne, take the right turn on the D916 in the direction of La Ferté- Macé. After 3 miles on this road there is a left turn into Bagnoles-sur-l’Orne.

Mileages: Amboise to Tours 16 miles Tours to Le Mans (Sarthe Motor Museum) 48 miles Total 64 miles Fast route – Le Mans to Bagnoles de l’Orne Le Mans (Sarthe Motor Museum) to Alencon 37 miles Alencon to Pré en Pail 15 miles Pré en Pail to Couterne 11 miles Couterne to Bagnoles de l’Orne 4 miles Total 67 miles

Country Route – Le Mans to Bagnoles de l’Orne Le Mans (Sarthe Motor Museum) to N138 / D304 junction 11 miles N138 / D304 junction to Sillé le Guillaume 17 miles Sillé le Guillaume to Villaines la Juhel 15 miles Villaines la Juhel to Javron 6 miles Javron to Mehoudin 9 miles Mehoudin to Bagnoles de l’Orne 6 miles Total 64 miles

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Saturday 3rd July Rückfahrt nach England / nicht für uns Morning picturesque driving through the rolling countryside of southern Normandy in convoy to Falaise before a scheduled visit for all to the magnificent country Chateau de Vendeuvre, still owned by the Vendeuvre family since 1750. The castle houses the world's only antique miniature furniture museum, whilst the 18th century water amusement gardens are an unique experience, full of hidden fountains that are set off as you pass by! Please note that a visit will be pre-booked as a scheduled time slot. Take the straight Napoleonic highway up to Crevcoeur en Auge with its ruined castle and museum of half timbered Norman houses. The head into Lisieux. Lisieux is a small city with 2000 years worth of history, and a centre of pilgrimage to the extraordinary modern Basilica of Sainte Therese. The city has a stunning Gothic Cathedral and picturesque Norman timber framed houses in the centre, making an excellent lunch stop. Just up the road from Lisieux, visit the wonderful brick and timber Chateau de Breuil, tucked away in the verdant landscape, see the old apple press, distillery and cellars, and taste the exceptional home produced Calvados. Heading through Pont l’Eveque, famous for its cheese, we reach the coast at the fashionable resort of Trouville-sur-Mer and head east along coast to the highly picturesque port of Honfleur. To catch our ferry, join the A29 motorway from Honfleur for the Pont de Normandie crossing of the mouth of the river Seine and take directions into Le Havre and ferry port. Standard ferry departs 5pm arriving Portsmouth at 9.30pm. Fast ferry (supplement applies) departs 6.30pm arriving in Portsmouth at 8.45pm

Routing: From Bagnoles de l’Orne, take the directions to La Ferté Macé by rejoining the D916 and turning left. From La Ferté Macé take directions out of town on the D20 towards Briouze and very soon there is a right fork to take on the D19 to Fromentel. Fom Frommentel, follow the D909 through Putanges Pont Ecrepin to Falaise. At Falaise, either take the left turn on the N158 bypass or head into the picturesque town centre and follow directions for the D511 to St Pierre sue Dives and Lisieux. After 7½ miles of straight road, take the left turn off for Vendeuvre and the Chateau de Vendeuvre. From Vendeuvre, rejoin the D511 northbound to Crevcoeur en Auge and joining the N13 main road, turn right for Lisieux. From Lisieux, look for the signs northbound on the D48 to Coquainvillers and continue up to Le Breuil en Auge. There is a right turn signposted to the Chateau de Breuil. Rejoin the D48 northbound towards Pont l’Eveque. Follow the right turn on the N175 through Pont l’Eveque and turn right through town. Take the N177 north towards Deauville and follow directions to Trouville sur Mer. Follow D513 coastal road towards Honfleur. From Honfleur, follow signs for joining the A29 motorway and Le Havre, crossing the Pont de Normandie. Exit the motorway for Le Havre and follow signs to ferry port.

Mileages: Bagnoles de l’Orne to Frommentel 14 miles Frommentel to Falaise 14½ miles Falaise to Chateau de Vendeuvre 9 miles Chateau de Vendeuvre to Crevcoeur en Auge 11 miles Crevcoeur en Auge to Lisieux 10 miles Lisieux to Chateau de Breuil 6½ miles Chateau de Breuil to Trouville-sur-Mar 14 miles Trouville-sur-Mer to Honfleur 9 miles Honfleur to Le Havre ferry port 16 miles Total 104 miles

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Rückfahrt nach Deutschland

Wir werden am Samstag von Bagnoles in Richtung Namur ( ca. 520 km ) starten. In Namur übernachten wir Samstag, den 03.07.2010 auf Sonntag.

Von dort fahren die einzelne Gruppen nach Hause.

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