Chippenham and District Wheelers are pleased to announce a leisure ride to and in Normandy, France.
The proposal is to cycle or drive from Chippenham to Portsmouth and catch the overnight sailing to Cherbourg during mid June 2025. We have looked at the sailings and the best option would be a Wednesday sailing arriving in Cherbourg at 07:00 the following morning. Cabins can be booked on the ferry to get an overnights rest.
On arrival, it is proposed to base ourselves in or close to Valognes, which is a 25km ride from the Ferry Port. By selecting Wednesday night to catch the ferry, this will give us four full days to explore the area, returning on the Sunday night crossing back to Portsmouth, arriving at 08:00 on the Monday. The original dates that are proposed are Wednesday 18th June to Monday 23rd June for the ride or drive back to Chippenham.
We know from enquiries accommodation and ferry bookings are getting booked up, therefore, not to be disappointed it will be essential to commit as soon as possible. The accommodation we are considering is the Manior De Savigny where we know, that at present they have cottages and apartments available, but not in the manor house for the dates we would like. Bookings can be made on their own site Manoir De Savigny – Guest Reservations, Booking.com or any of the online booking sites.
Ferry bookings can be made on www.brittany-ferries.co.uk
To secure ferry crossings and accommodation we suggest an early commitment to join the event so no one is disappointed. We have therefore put a signup option on the Club Calendar on the 15th January, where we ask Members confirm they wish to ride or drive to the ferry and any others are joining them, should partners or non-riders will be joining them. Members will be responsible for all their bookings.
A route to Portsmouth and back will be prepared and provided to Members before the event. In France daily organised routes will be selected but should you wish to look on “Ride with GPS” you will see there are a number of cycling routes available. You may join the organised routes or not as you wish.
We look forward to welcoming as many members as can make it and if there is a desire, we will prepare a similar event in September.