Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 7 – 11 June 2019
 Glasses at the ready for the Sancerre Wine Festival! A really great group made for a brilliant tour – thanks to everyone for making it such fun! |
|
| “Jen, John and everyone, for me this was my first group tour of any kind and the only word I can use to summarise it was BRILLIANT. Superbly organised, a great group of people and excellent daily routes and visits. Even the rain on the first day didn’t damp the enthusiasm and as the tour progressed the weather improved showing that the sun does shine on the righteous! For anyone who has not thought about a tour especially with BN put it on your bucket list and just do it !!!! Worth every minute. Even the 7 hours on the bike in the rain on the way home gave me time to reflect on a great week. Thanks again to all involved – next question for me is which one next ?? Safe and enjoyable riding to you all” | |
| Dave Walker, 1st tour, KTM 1090 Adventure, County Durham | |
 A rainy arrival in France |
 We start with breakfast & a briefing |
| “Hi John, Jen and all others, What can we say? A fabulous time was had by ourselves. Everything worked beautifully. Hotels were all excellent, chateaux and wine festival as memorable as the previous tour. Successfully managed to get wine glasses home without breaking them! A great mix of like minded riders riding brilliant roads. What more can we say apart from looking at next year and planning. Thank you again for the well organised tour, company and great settings. See you soon, ride safe.” | |
| Clare Lovett, 4th tour, BMW F800 & Adrian Lovett, 4th tour, Honda Crossrunner, Leics (& 2nd time of doing this tour!) | |
 Jen’s leading today |
 Gerald’s Explorer has self-adjusting suspension! |
 We ALWAYS re-group before & after any stretch of motorway |
|
| “Hi John and Jen, thanks for yet another brilliant tour! As always great riding, hotels and food. A fun group as well – you never disappoint and I look forward to making another trip with you. Thanks also to everyone in the group and hope you all returned home OK (mine was a grind up the M1 in heavy rain and traffic so can’t wait for another chance to ride European roads!) Best regards” | |
| “Back-marker” Bob Eve, 8th tour, BMW F800, Yorkshire | |
| And following the live review – “Hi John and Jen, what a brilliant resume of the trip! A great reminder of how good riding in Europe can be. Can’t wait to make another trip with BN. All the best Bob” | |
 Setting off after lunch stop |
 Scenery en-route |
| “Completely agree with Bob, brilliant trip, great organisers, great company, great roads, good food & good hotels, what more can we wish for. Until we get back in the U.K…we find the M25 is closed in both directions…absolute nightmare, but we all got home eventually.” | |
| Chris Pryke & members from the Maldon British Motorbike Owners Club, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint, Essex | |
 Helmets in the van for our first visit |
 The Clos Luce at Amboise |
| “Great trip ❤️ fabulous Châteaux, tasty wine and lovely group of people thanks John & Jen xx” | |
| Jackie Watson, 2nd tour, pillion on BMW K1300S, Berkshire |
|
| “Had a great time and lots of laughs, thanks to everyone for making it a fun trip.” | |
| Jon Watson, 2nd tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire | |
 Sandra & John climb the watchtower |
 J&S again ! |
| “Hi John & Jen, thanks for an amazing holiday. To be honest we didn’t know what to expect but certainly we weren’t disappointed. We all had a great time and can’t wait for the next one. Our trip home wasn’t great – the M25 was closed so Ruth and her boys got home in three separate groups, but that’s a story for another time! Thanks again to everyone for making us feel so welcome. Cheers the Essex chapter “ | |
| Gerald & Ruth Jolly with the MBMOC, 1st tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Essex | |
 Leonardo da Vinci’s bedroom |
 Marguerite de Navarre’s bedroom |
| “Hi John & Jen & All, thanks again for another enjoyable tour with BN European Tours. We both had a great time with good hotels, food, wine and lots of Chateaux and best of all a great group of like minded people. Everything organised for us so we don’t need to worry about anything except riding our bike. Superb roads too. What more could we ask for. For anyone new to touring this is an excellent taster tour (in more ways than one ). Once you have been on a tour with BN you are hooked. Their tours are superb. You only have to look at the number of people who return each year to know that they really do know how to organise a motorbike tour…We are both looking forward to joining you again in July for the Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanos Tour when we can do it all again. Can’t wait. Thanks again to everyone for making this a most enjoyable holiday and I am sure we will see some of you again soon on another BN tour. Ride safely” | |
| Alan & Julie Grieves, 5th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire | |
 Tony & Chris M |
 See Leonardo’s workshops |
| “Hello all, thanks for a brilliant 5 days, apart from the first morning’s weather it got better and better. Wonderful hotels, great food and a great bunch of lads and lasses who were really good company. The roads were to die for and I enjoyed trying to keep up with Jon & Jackie Watson, sharpened my riding no end. Thanks finally to John and Jeanette for organising a great trip” | |
| Chris McIlroy with the MBMOC, 1st tour, Triumph Thruxton, Essex | |
 . |
 . |
| “Hi John & Jen, what awful weather on the first day, wind & rain, soaked through & not even out of the port! Going across the Loire at a 45 degree angle with trees down & debris in the road! Next day weather better, sun comes out, everyone’s smiling – only getting wet in the pool (except us!) Great trip, great people, hope we’re still riding at age 79!” | |
| John & Sandra Shepherd, 9th tour, Honda Deauville, Hertfordshire (also 2nd time of doing this tour) |
|
 Dave with a model of the first tank |
 L da V inventednd gearing |
 The first motorised vehicle |
 Please explain the Archimedes Screw to Jen !! |
 Due to the storms the gardens are closed |
 You can see the model of the first helicopter |
| “Hi John, looking forward to the Rhine in Flames tour in August already as we both thoroughly enjoyed the Chateaux & Sancerre tour with what transpired to be a lovely group of people: it was also good to meet up with some friends again from previous tours not to mention Jen and yourself. See you in August” |
|
| Peter Wright, 9th tour, FJR 1300 & Sally Hurman, 8th tour, Fazer 60, Leicestershire (& also 2nd time of doing this tour!) | |
 Adrian & Clare |
 David & Amanda |
| “Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour, lovely roads, great hotels, chateaux, food (& wine!) and so nice to have it all planned for you. A really good group of people, we had great fun. A very damp journey back to Suffolk for us and we were missing the French roads 10 minutes in! Thanks to everyone on the tour for making it so enjoyable. Look forward to our next tour with you. Kind regards” | |
| David & Amanda Hovells, 2nd tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Suffolk | |
 Daryl & Jane |
 Josie & Gavin |
 Visit over, John leads the way back to the van |
|
 At our hotel Daryl has his priorities right! |
 Don’t forget Jane! |
 Time for drinks before dinner |
 . |
 Josie & Gavin |
 Josie with Clare |
 . |
 Dinner is included tonight |
 . |
 . |
 It’s Adrian’s birthday ! Just 1 candle ! |
 He doesn’t want to be reminded ! |
 So which table can sing the loudest..? |
 The winner – Josie’s – no surprise there !! |
 Outside our bedroom window |
 Chris M – hereinafter a.k.a. Romeo ! |
 The next morning – with blue skies – we visit the Chateau of Chenonceau |
|
 The group (minus John & Sandra) |
|
 Such a fabulous setting over the River Cher |
|
 Beautiful flower displays |
 Glorious arrangements |
 The Chapel |
 Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom |
 The Gallery – a hospital during the First WW |
 Alan & Julie |
 Head down to the kitchens |
 Josie would love to make Cornish pasties! |
 . |
 Then head upstairs |
 The Five Queens’ Bedroom |
 Katherine Briconnet’s Hall |
 Diane de Poitiers’ garden |
 . |
 . |
 Catherine de Medici’s bedroom |
 The second floor hallway |
 Louise of Lorraine’s bedroom |
 . |
 . |
 Visit the Medici Gallery |
 . |
 The Orangerie |
 See more exhibitions |
 The Carriage Gallery |
 Newly opened walled garden |
 John’s missing his sheep in France ! |
 Josie & Gavin |
 A bit fishy… |
 Old Bentley |
 Russian Crested Shelduck |
 Rosy-Billed Pochard |
 Happy donkeys |
 Quick talk before we leave the hotel |
 Chris P & Chris M set off without John ! |
 Gerald & Ruth on their Triumph Explorer |
 Clare on her BMW F800 |
 Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300 |
 Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600 |
 Dave on his KTM 1050 Adventure |
 Adrian on his Honda Crossrunner |
 Jon & Jackie – BMW K1300S |
 Fuel stop |
|
 John & Sandra – Honda Deauville |
 Back-marker Bob – BMW F800 |
 Lunch stop |
 An unplanned visit to Valencay Chateau |
 . |
|
 Some visit the Chateau… |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 . |
 The Dining Room |
 The wine cellar |
 The kitchens |
 The gardens |
 . |
 Amanda & David |
 Beautiful peacocks in the gardens |
 Thankyou ! |
Others choose to visit the Automobile Museum… |
|
 Sandra with her first car – a Renault 17 ! |
 . |
 Chris M & Gerald |
 Panhard Dynamic 1937 |
 . |
 Peugeot 402 Legere 1938 |
 Bugati 57 Cabriolet Stelvio 1957 |
 David & friend! |
 Bob fancies this one… |
 Chris M & Gerald admire a Turcat-Mery 1906 |
 Chris P fancies the Renault Primaquatre Cabriolet 1937 – or rather the dolly bird!! |
 Not just cars, there are bicycles & motorcycles to see there as well |
 Gerald, John & Chris P enjoy ice creams |
 Romeo thought he’d lost his key ! |
 Davd & Amanda – Triumph Tiger Explorer |
 Gavin & Josie – Triumph Tiger Explorer |
 Alan & Julie – Ducati Multistrada |
 Daryl & Jane – KTM 1290 Adventure |
 John’s in the lead today |
 Chris P – Triumph Sprint |
 Chris M – Triumph Thruxton |
 Tony – Triumph Tiger 800 |
 Bob bringing up the rear |
 Great roads |
 Empty country roads |
 Arriving at Sancerre |
 We stop at the viewing area |
|
 For a fab view of Sancerre surrounded by vineyards |
|
 Alain & Evelyn – the Mayor of Coudehard & his wife – join us |
 Time for drinks before dinner in the newly refurbished bar area |
 Jon, Josie, Jackie & Amanda |
 Gerald & Ruth |
 David’s getting the drinks |
 Taking in the fab view from the balcony |
 Peter & Sally with Clare & Adrian |
 We stop to admire the view |
 The River Loire |
 It’s a short stroll into town |
 We enjoy pizzas with the Mayor ! |
 Jon’s being ribbed by Josie! |
 The swimming pool at our hotel |
 Jen braves it – and Josie too! |
 John hosts a lesson on Basecamp |
 Hotel bar area |
|
It’s a day off the bikes so after lunch and with glasses at the ready we head off to the Wine Festival |
|
 . |
 A short walk down to the caves |
 John tells everyone what to do |
 They won’t be shy ! |
 Jane & Daryl |
 Gerald & Ruth |
 Sally & Peter |
 Alan & Julie are knocking it back ! |
 Evelyn, Alain & John wine tasting |
 It’s Bob ! |
 Now just what have Amanda & Josie been doing ??? |
 The cheese was NOT a free sample !! |
 We think Jackie was guilty too !! |
 Delicious nougat but very expensive ! |
 Jon & Jackie |
 John & Sandra |
 Josie with Amanda & David |
 Chris P’s bought some wine |
 All the reds lined up in order for tasting !! |
 We join in with the locals |
 John tries to negotiate a discount! |
 We get full glasses of rose too ! |
 The next day we’re ready for the off |
|
 John’s in the lead again |
 With Bob Eve at the back ! |
 Morning coffee stop |
 Off-road parking! |
 Helmets & jackets in the van for our next visit |
|
 Adrian & Clare are used to doing this |
 Safe storage |
 The group at the Chateau of Cheverny |
|
 The Dining Room |
 The Arms room |
 The Birth Chamber |
 Boudoir |
 The Nursery with lego models |
 “Scoubidou” has 17,000 bricks |
 The Bridal Chamber |
 More lego models |
 The Grand Salon |
 The Library |
 Lovely gardens too |
|
 Adrian & Clare have a pic-nic |
 Walk through the wisteria |
 Have lunch at the Orangerie |
 Picture postcard ! |
 The hounds are snoozing |
 Visit the Trophy room |
 Peter & Sally enjoy ice creams |
 As do Sandra & John |
 Our final visit is the stunning Chateau of Chambord |
|
 Famous for its’ double-helix staircase |
 David & Amanda |
 Amazing ceilings |
 Tony & Romeo make it to the top |
 Lots to see inside |
 . |
 Jen’s bell ringing !! |
 Fab views from the ramparts |
 The main entrance |
|
 Local produce stalls |
 David & Amanda enjoy ice creams |
 We cross the Loire |
 En-route to our final hotel |
 . |
|
 The lovely setting of our hotel |
|
 With a heated pool |
 Lots of us enjoy a swim |
 Great fun |
 The new BN synchronised swimmers! |
 Aperitifs before dinner |
 Real holiday shirts! The MBMOC crew (minus Tony) |
 Dinner is included tonight |
 . |
 Romeo’s made new friends! |
 John thanks everyone for a great tour |
 And Bob as a great “back-marker” |
 Thanks Bob ! |
 Josie’s £20… |
 buys a Penguin !! |
 No really she has a new sweatshirt! |
 Jen’s in the lead on the last day |
 We ride past the new stadium at Le Havre |
|
 And that’s it – everyone back in good time for the ferry |
|
Although a short tour there is a lot packed into the five days. We must sound like a broken record when we say that we really do get the best people on our tours and this was no exception. Thanks to everyone for a brilliant tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen. |
|