Memories of World War II Motorcycle Tour 2023
Tour Overview
15 days / 14 nights from just €1499 per person
based on 2 people sharing a double room
what's included
This fabulous 14-day small-group hub tour ventures through North and South West France, including the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Limousin, Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire and the Midi-Pyrenees.
You will start and end your fabulous journey staying nine nights at the beautiful Caday Rouge chambre d’hôtes.
On this tour you will revel in the green valleys of the Lot, Dordogne, Célé and Vézère. You will visit historical landmarks, monuments and medieval chateaux whilst riding through the traffic-free roads of South-West France, enjoying its amazing green scenery. You will then enjoy a further five nights in top quality hotels in the medieval city of Limoges, the fabulous town of Saumur on the Loire River, the beautiful sea resort of Pornichet and a further two nights in the coastal city of La Rochelle.
The Second World War was a period when the world was truly at war and everyone was on the front line, from soldiers to civilians. Some of the most beautiful areas of France became the focus of undercover warfare. The French Resistance and British Special Operations Executive Agents were fighting a secret war against the German army and the SS. Take a tour with us through the stunning scenery and beautiful roads visiting moving and unforgettable places associated with the fight. We’ll visit the museums, memorials and the poignant Oradour-sur-Glane, a town whose entire population was wiped out and has stood still in time from that date. We’ll also visit some fascinating medieval Châteaux and Castles for an all-round history tour.
This is the ultimate history motorcycle touring experience giving you an evocative and memorable touring holiday you will never forget.
skill level
Intermediate
Advanced
This escorted tour is suitable for proficient riders who can ride the distances stated in the itinerary. We will ride a maximum of 2,500 kilometres for the holiday duration. The tour riding days are good fun, very sociable and start at 9am to maximise your days’ tour enjoyment.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The tour starts and ends at Caday Rouge
- 14 nights superb accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with private en-suite bathrooms
- Explore the South and North West of France
- Escorted riding through the picturesque Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie regions and the Loire Valley
- Visit many war museums including the poignant Oradour-sur-Glane
- A visit to one of the world’s largest tank museums in Saumur
- Explore the beautiful green valleys of the Lot, Dordogne, Célé and Vézère
- Ride the fabulous western Atlantic coast of France
- Visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour and Domme
- Visit historic Castles and Chateaux
- Luxury support vehicle option for your luggage and pillion or non-riders
- Service of a professional tour escort and 24-hour support and advice
- A fabulous workshop and motorcycle washing facilities
- Garage parking for your motorcycle whilst at Caday Rouge
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday
Arrive and check in at Caday Rouge, settle in, relax and socialise by the pool and meet your new companions before dinner.
Day 2 – Sunday
This is the start of your touring adventure as we travel into the Dordogne Valley to the beautiful bastide and fortified medieval town of Domme. We will visit the Abbey Nouvelle and a magnificent viewing tower with breath-taking views of the surrounding area. After lunch, we enjoy a tour of the historic Château de Beynac or the fun museum ‘La Rue du Temps qui Passe’ before returning to Caday Rouge – 200 kms
Day 3 – Monday
After breakfast we ride to the remarkable and historic Rocamadour, set in the far north of the Occitanie region close to Perigord and the Dordogne Valley. We travel through the scenic towns of Peyrilles, Gourdon and Reilhaguet, before lunching in Rocamadour. We will head back to Caday Rouge through the amazing Causses du Quercy Natural Regional Park and the Col de Crayssac for some superb scenic motorcycling – 220 kms
Day 4 – Tuesday
Today our tour takes us to the stunning villages of Tournon d’Agenais and Penne d’Agenais. We head South towards Agen and then onto Beauville, Montjoi, Lauzerte, Montcuq, Bélaye and then onto Château de Bonaguil, a magnificent 13th century fortified castle – 200 kms
Day 5 – Wednesday
Today we head east deep into the beautiful Lot Valley visiting Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Cajarc. We will stop at the 14th century Pont Valentré then onto Cajarc for lunch by the River Lot. We then head north into the Célé Valley visiting Marcilhac-sur-Célé and Cabrerets for some of the most scenic riding this region has to offer, before our return to Caday Rouge – 240 km
Day 6 – Thursday
After breakfast we head to the medieval town of Pujols and then onto Monbahus and Lauzun before visiting the 16th century Renaissance Château de Monbazillac, which has been a listed historic monument since 1941. We will lunch in Issigeac before returning to Caday Rouge via the bastides of Villereal and Monflanquin and the commune of Montagnac-sur-Lède – 190 kms
Day 7 – Friday
A well-deserved and needed rest day and a chance to relax in the grounds of Caday Rouge. Take a stroll down by the river and visit the local towns around our surrounding area and enjoy the peace and tranquillity this region of France offers – 0 kms
Day 8 – Saturday
Today we head north to Brive-la-Gaillarde to visit a WWII Resistance Museum, The Musée Edmond Michelet. After lunch we continue to the medieval city of Limoges, check in to our hotel and then we will visit the Musée de la Résistance before a relaxing evening dinner – 240 kms
Day 9 – Sunday
Today is an early start and emotional visit to the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane. After an early lunch we head to Saumur to visit the Musée de Blindès before continuing to our beautiful hotel on the banks of the Loire River for our second overnight stay – 230 km
Day 10 – Monday
A prompt start as we head west to Batz-sur-Mer to visit the Grande Blokhaus Museum. We will ride through the Regional Natural Park of Brière then onto Pornichet for our third overnight stay – 240 km
Day 11 – Tuesday
After a great breakfast we will visit Saint Nazaire where the large U-Boat pens await you. We then take the coastal road towards La Rochelle where you will stay for the next two nights – 230 km
Day 12 – Wednesday
Today is an optional rest day, ride or relax. Explore the beautiful city of La Rochelle including the old harbour and modern ‘Les Minimes Marina’. We will visit the former German Barracks ‘Le Bunker de La Rochelle’ and in the afternoon we can visit ‘Musée des Automates’ for an entertaining experience. Alternatively we will take an afternoon ride to Îsle de Ré, a small island off the west of France, well known for its salt-marshes and beaches – 100 kms
Day 13 – Thursday
An early start and prompt departure for our journey back to Caday Rouge. This is the longest ride of the tour where you will be able to revel in the beautiful countryside of Nouvelle Aquitaine with a stop at the medieval city of Saint Émilion, well known for its superb wines – 320 km
Day 14 – Friday
Our first stop today will be the beautiful Château de Campagne in the Dordogne. Our scenic route will take us to the amazing and historic Abbey of Cadouin for lunch. We will then ride south to the famous bastide of Monpazier, then onto Chateau de Biron for a visit of this remarkable historic monument, before returning to Caday Rouge via the Chateau de Gavaudun – 140 kms
Day 15 – Saturday
Farewell and bon voyage, we hope you have had a fantastic holiday and we would love to see you back here again for another tour.
CRMT can change the itinerary to suit seasonal opening times as required.
CRMT cannot be held responsible for any government Covid restrictions implemented during your stay.
AVAILABLE TOURS:
START DATES for 2023
All tours start on a Saturday:
March – 18th – fully booked
October – 14th
Additional 2023 dates may be available, please enquire.
2024 Pre-bookings available. Please enquire for more information.
Minimum 3 riders for the tour to proceed. Support vehicle option available.
1 rider
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- your
motorcycle
1 rider
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
1 rider
1 pillion
Private double room - Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- your
motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- your
motorcycles
1 rider
1 pillion
Private double room - Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room
- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- 2 CRMT Hired Motorcycles
*Half-board package available whilst at Caday Rouge. Please enquire for details.
*Half-board package: Includes breakfast and evening meal only. Drinks are not included.
1 rider
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- your motorcycle
1 rider
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
1 rider, 1 pillion
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- your motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- your motorcycles
1 rider, 1 pillion
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 1 rider & 1 pillion
- 1 CRMT Hired Motorcycle
2 riders
Private double room- Bed and Breakfast
- 2 riders
- 2 CRMT Hired Motorcycles
*Half-board package available whilst at Caday Rouge. Please enquire for details.
*Half-board package: Includes breakfast and evening meal only. Drinks are not included.
WE ACCEPT PAYMENTS VIA CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL
(ONCE WE HAVE CONFIRMED YOUR BOOKING YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH A LINK TO OUR PAYMENT SECTION)
ACCOMMODATION
This small group hub-tour includes nine nights accommodation at the beautiful Caday Rouge chambre d’hôtes. You will also stay five nights at other superb quality hotels during the tour. Enjoy a night near the medieval city of Limoges, one night in the town of Saumur on the Loire River, one night at the sea resort of Pornichet and a further two nights in the coastal city of La Rochelle.
Your accommodation at Caday Rouge is a beautiful stone manor house with a 19thcentury Quercy stone cottage. All the newly renovated bedrooms are all en-suite with private bathrooms.
Group bookings also have the availability to use our three-bedroom luxury holiday cottage with three double bedrooms and sharing 2 bathrooms.
These beautiful buildings are set within two acres of well-maintained tranquil gardens nestling peacefully in the serene countryside on the banks of the River Lot. There are various terraces around the house, cottage and large swimming pool for outside dining and socialising during the summer season.
Relax and enjoy our private large saltwater swimming pool after a great days riding. The terraces are equipped with parasols, sun loungers and seating for your comfort, enjoyment and socialising, so all you need to do is order your cool beverage from our licenced bar and revel in the tranquillity Caday Rouge offers.
FOOD
Every tour day includes a delightful continental breakfast to get you started.
Whilst at Caday Rouge we offer wholesome daily picnic lunches. We will lunch at some beautiful and secret places of natural beauty throughout these regions which allows you more time to ride and explore!
Evening dining is available at Caday Rouge in our beautiful restaurant where we prepare and serve superb high-quality home-cooked meals. Weather permitting and during the summer months, you may dine on one of our many terraces within the tranquil gardens of Caday Rouge. A great way to spend a lovely evening after a fabulous day out riding.
Our bar is available to all guests for alcoholic beverages including wines, beers and soft drinks, all offered at a very reasonable price.
We can offer a half-board option which includes breakfast and evening meals throughout your tour. Please enquire.
We offer a minibus shuttle service using our luxury support vehicle taking you to nearby local villages if you prefer to dine elsewhere.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- 15 days escorted motorcycle tour in North and South West France
- 14 nights superb accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with private en-suite bathrooms
- Use of private swimming pool and all facilities whilst at Caday Rouge
- Service of experienced escorts with vast local and regional knowledge
- Full 24-hour support and expert advice
- Garage parking for your motorcycle whilst at Caday Rouge
- One booking secures a tour, please enquire.
Options Available
- All-inclusive motorcycle tours
- Fly ride holidays
- BMW & Honda motorcycle hire
- Luxury support vehicles to carry your luggage and for pillion or non-riders
- Local airport and train station transfers
- Evening transport to local towns and villages whilst at Caday Rouge
- Hire of motorcycle safety-wear
- Custom and bespoke tours for group bookings
- Indulge in other activities at Caday Rouge Adventure Holidays
- A fabulous workshop and motorcycle washing facilities
- Laundry service
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Fuel & parking
- Road tolls
- Ferry or flights
- Any entrance fees to attractions
- Meals other than breakfast
- Drinks
- Personal insurance
- Helmets and protective clothing (available to rent subject to availability)
- Anything that is not in ‘Included’
Confirmation of Booking
Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. Confirmation of your booking will be sent to you by email. The balance of the payment is to be paid 90 days before your tour begins.
CRMT’s commitment to you: If you book one of our tours, we guarantee the tour will proceed. There is no minimum number required for any CRMT tour to go ahead.
Return of deposit: If for any reason you have to cancel your confirmed booking with CRMT, we will endeavour to rebook your place within the group. If this is successful, we will refund all your money paid to date, less any incurred expenses. The tour will have to be fully booked for this to take effect.
COVID Travel Restrictions: If you are unable to attend your booked tour due to COVID Government travel restrictions, we can reschedule your tour at no extra cost, subject to availability.
CRMT has the right to cancel any tour due to only unforeseen circumstances. If this happens we will return all funds paid.
please note
Note 1
If you hire a motorcycle from CRMT it may only be used during the tour days and whilst with the group. Our motorcycles are not for private use.
Note 2
If you hire a motorcycle from CRMT, a €1000.00 Excess Damage Cash Deposit is required before any riding takes place. You must provide a copy of your passport, a valid Driving Licence and International Driving Permit with the correct endorsements. All original documents must be provided on arrival. If you hire a motorcycle from CRMT the mileage is included within the hire price.
Note 3
• Spoken Languages: English, French.
• The maximum number of people in the group is 10.
• The maximum number of bikes in the group is 8.
• No minimum number for the tour to proceed.
• Airport & train station transfers available.
Note 4
If you are using your own motorcycle and a breakdown occurs, CRMT can return your bike to Caday Rouge. CRMT may also be able to assist in repatriating your motorcycle to some regions of Europe. A pre-determined date and cost can be confirmed subject to CRMT’s free time and when their tour season allows them.
Note 5
If you ride a motorcycle in France, you are required to wear a safety helmet with reflective decals and you must wear protective gloves. If you hire a CRMT motorcycle, it is obligatory to fulfil these requirements and laws.
If you are interested in this tour, please enquire for full details of the itinerary.
