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Where to Go
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FRANCAIS |
There
are many places for Motorcyclists to visit in Charente and here we suggest
some of our favourites. We have also included a LINKS
page with info.
Angouleme:
Approximately 20 minutes ride and perched on top of a ramparted hill
overlooking the River Charente Valley, Angouleme is the regional capital of
Charente. There are many Cafes and Restaurants to be found in the narrow
cobbled streets of the Old Town, or just relax over a beer or coffee in one
of the tree-lined Squares. Each year, the Circuits de Ramparts takes place in
the city, with Vintage Cars racing around the Ramparts. There is a class for
500cc – 750cc, and I have never seen so many Norton Manx and Triumph T110
engines together in one spot. Full details are on the LINKS page. This
year’s 3-day event takes place between 19th and 21st September 2008. It is
the only urban racetrack in Europe, other than Monaco.
La Rochelle and the Coast: Approximately one hour’s ride west, this beautiful seafront town is well worth visiting, with its fine sandy beaches, seafood Restaurants and Napoleonic harbour. Just along the coast is Royan, another beautiful coastal town with wide promenades and sandy beaches. Time permitting, you may wish to cross the Bridge to the Ile de Oleron and ride around this holiday island. On the northern tip of the island, look out and see the famous Fort Boyard, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood Restaurants. The coastal road is a superb place for green lane riding through the pinewoods and sand dunes of this Atlantic Coast. Cognac:
Approximately 40 minutes ride southwest, on the banks of the Charente River,
lies the town of Cognac, world famous for its Brandy. All the famous
Distilleries (Remy Martin, Courvoisier, Martell, etc.) straddle the River
front and are open all-year-round for visits and free tasting sessions.
Cognac is smaller than I expected, but there is a nice Town Centre with all
the usual shops, many selling Brandy and tourist specialities.
Poitiers: Appximately 55 minutes ride north, historic Poitiers is well worth visiting. It has all the usual attractions found in any large town. Just outside Poitiers is the famous FUTUROSCOPE, which is a modern attraction with virtual cinemas, laser and firework displays. More info on the LINKS. French Lake District: Approximately 35 mins ride east is the Lacs de Haute Charente, or French Lake District. This is one place you should not miss! Countryside, beautiful lakes, green lanes running through woods, lakeside Cafes and Restaurants - some with sandy beaches. Don’t miss it! Limoges and The Auvergne: Approximately 60 mins ride, Limoges has an interesting old Town Centre, with many of its shops selling the famous Porcelain. On the road to Limoges, you can stop at Oradour-sur-Glane, where an atrocity took place on the 19th June 1944 and time has stood still since then (more info on www.oradour.info on the LINKS). Beyond Limoges lies the mountainous Auvergne with its extinct volcanic peaks.
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Copyright
2008, Classicbikecamping.com |
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