There were going to be no more Continental tours after the final Chateaux, Champagne & Circuits event as I had then caught up the backlog created by Covid but pressure from some regulars who had stayed at the luxury Chartreuse with Country Lane Tours over the years finally swayed me into doing just one more. However this will DEFINITELY be the last and I will not be emulating the various pop groups and stars who keep retiring and then emerge yet again for one last tour!
The format of this tour also differs from all others in that we are based at the hotel for the entire six nights, with each day involving leisurely routes through scenic countryside and picturesque villages.
In view of the short distance from Calais and the fixed venue I did initially consider not running the normal support vehicle and mechanic traditional on distance runs but feedback from everyone has convinced me the extra cost is worth it to ensure peace of mind for participants as it would seem back up from the likes of RAC / AA in Europe is pretty grim!
The hotel needs no introduction to those who have stayed before but set in ten acres of grounds and gardens its history goes back to the 14th century and it has a reputation for fine dining.
One of the three dining rooms
The schedule is as follows:
September 8th, Sunday. Arrivals during the day at Hotel La Chartreuse du Val Saint Esprit, Gosnay, which is just 52 miles from Calais and an easy run down the motorway.
Champagne reception before gourmet dinner inclusive of wine.
September 9th, Monday. We start with a leisurely run through the lanes to the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge. There's a brilliant museum plus some of the restored trenches gives an idea of how horrific conditions were in WW1 and the graves an insight into the terrible loss of life.
The next stop after Vimy is the Carriere Wellington in Arras, an incredible array of tunnels used in both the first and second World Wars and whilst now equipped with easy walkways maintains all the fascinating leftovers from both conflicts and the guided tour is not to be missed!
After lunch you're free to explore this ancient town.
MILEAGE FOR DAY – 60 approx.
September 10th, Tuesday. Tuesday seems to be the day most municipal buildings and museums shut so today is a chance to maybe take a walk locally or perhaps drive the short distance into Bethune and explore.
September 11th, Wednesday. More rural roads and villages on the way to the hill town of Cassel where, according to legend, on a clear day you can see France, Belgium, Holland, England & Heaven! It's a pretty little town with an interesting history and boasts a large statue of Marechal Foche who used Cassel as his headquarters during the early days of WW1.
From Cassel we head south for lunch at L'Ateller du Cerisier at Louvre Lens. After lunch it's then an opportunity to go around this new multi-million outpost of the famous Paris museum before returning to the hotel.
MILEAGE FOR DAY - 80 approx.
September 12th, Thursday. Heading to the west of Gosnay we first call in to view the amazing Art Deco swimming pool in Bruay (you can bring your bathing gear!) before winding north through the lanes and villages to Les Brigades de L'Aa at Ouve-Wirquin, a private museum of cars and motorbikes opening specially for us.
MILEAGE FOR DAY - 70 approx.
September 13th, Friday. Our last full day and we're going cruising on the marshes at Audomarais Marshes at Saint Omer. There's a labyrinth of historic waterways and even the postmen deliver by boat!
The area is renowned for its vegetables, delivered by boat of course, and the abundance of wildlife easily observed from the guided tour boat.
After lunch the ancient picturesque town of Saint Omer gives another opportunity to explore.
Final dinner preceded by yet another champagne reception. I know it's tough but it has to be done!
MILEAGE FOR DAY - 80 approx.
September 14th, Saturday. Departure for home.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Six nights' gourmet dinner (including wine!!!), bed and breakfast at the luxury Hotel La Chartreuse du Val Saint Esprit, Gosnay
Champagne reception on first evening
Entry to Vimy Ridge Memorial Museum
Entry to Carriere Wellington, Arras
Lunch in Arras
Lunch in Lens
Entry to Louvre Lens
Entry to view Art Deco pool Bruay
Entry to Les Brigades de L'aa Museum
Lunch at Ouve-Wirquin
Cruise on Audomarois Marshes
Lunch in Saint Omer
Final night Champagne reception
Backup support vehicle and experienced mechanic
Detailed road book
Marked Michelin map book of France
Rally plates
Experienced tour director present throughout
Plus more and various minor additions
PLEASE NOTE - IMPORTANT! There may be variations to the schedule should conditions dictate. Updated information will be sent out via the usual newsletters.
SAINT OMER
The tunnels really are amazing with easywalkways and excellent guides.
A step back in time to two world wars with artefacts, signs and graffiti left over from both and projected period images making for a unique experience - even if yours truly kitted out with helmet in readiness to go round does look an idiot!
The new Louvre Lens has some amazing displays with artefacts and mosaics going back over two thousand years. Incredible visitors are allowed to walk right up to the displays!
Les Brigades du L'aa is a somewhat eccentric museum which in addition to a large collection of Peugeots also houses a few other makes and numerous motorbikes and bicycles.
Normally open only on a Sunday we will have exclusive access.
Above: Walled vegetable garden at Chartreuse
Above: Main square Arras
Above: Bethune
Above: Cassel windmill