We met the group in the Eurotunnel terminal in Calais as they disembarked off the 06.50 crossing. After introductions and basic safety briefing on the French highway code, we set off on the first leg of our journey to Chalon sur Saone, some 440 miles ahead which we would cover on thei AutoRoute. Weather was good, a bit cloudy but warm and the sun broke through occasionally. We had chosen this route as filling stations in France are not plentiful at the weekend. At our first stop we encountered a huge group of English Harley riders on their way to a Rally near Marseille, a good friendly bunch of fellow bikers.

After a good ride we arrived at our hotel in Chalon sur Saone at around 5pm. After checking in, showering etc we all met in the Foyer. There were several local restaurants which we decided to explore, finally settling on one just over the road from the hotel. We had a great meal and wine with the sun shining through the restaurant conservatory windows. We all felt relaxed and in holiday mood, anticipating the journey tomorrow.

Again up bright and early for the final leg of our journey to Orange where we would be staying for the remainder of the week. Great ride, weather good, getting increasingly warmer and sunny as we travelled further south. This part of the journey was through some of the most picturesque roads in the Rhone valley where we stumbled across a pavement café for lunch by the river. After a hearty local lunch we continued to our destination along the N86, again stopping for comfort and coffee breaks on the way.

We arrived at our hotel in Orange at around 4pm. Hotel was situated just off the town centre so was within walking distance for exploring the town and local bars and restaurants. The group decided to meet later after checking in, unpacking and freshening up.

Later we walked into the town where Brian took the group to the famous Roman Amphitheatre in Orange centre. This magnificent building is a masterpiece of workmanship and it was very easy to let our imaginations run away visualising the past. It is used now for staging shows and events as the majority of the seating is still there. It is even possible to eat there, as a restaurant has been built into a small room just off the Amphitheatre.

After a walk round the old town, we chose a local restaurant for our evening meal. As ever the friendliness and hospitality of the French was evident and the meal was superb.

Woke to bright sunshine and after a good breakfast by the hotel pool, set off for a ride through the Gorge de l’ardeche. What a fantastic ride! Roads are magnificent for bikers. The countryside in this part of France is very Mediterranean and the dwellings are mainly painted terracotta and oranges giving that Spanish feel to the area. We stopped at a small café for a coffee and stretch before continuing on through the Gorge.

Having stopped at a viewpoint at the highest point of the Gorge where we could see kayaks in the water which looked no bigger than toy boats, we were joined by 2 very friendly Belgium couples on their bikes.

Then we were off again, travelling through the bends, curves and tunnels of the Gorge, arriving at Pont St Esprit where we decided to have lunch. The weather, though initially good had become hotter and the breeze had dropped so it was heaven sitting outside having lunch at this typical french roadside café.

Then it was on through the Gorge, marvelling at the views, returning to our hotel at about 6pm.

This morning we decided to ride to Mount Ventoux, 120 miles in all and then ride back through the Gorge de la Nesque. The road up the mountain was fantastic, all bends and curves and we steadily climbed until we reached a stopping point at the Chalet Liotard where we stopped for lunch. Fantastic views from this restaurant and the food was, as ever, amazing.

Unfortunately, we were unable to go any further as the road was barred due to snow further up the mountain. We could actually see snow on the tops as we sat having lunch in temperatures of 30^o. So we returned by an alternative route through the Gorge, just as good.

Thursday 7 May

Today, we took another route through the Gorges de l’ardeche having lunch in Vals les Bains. This was a little roadside restaurant with a marvelous view of a waterfall.

We started the return journey back through the Gorge but were tempted by a roadside café for an ice cream (and wine for the pillions!).

Today was even warmer, registering 32^o.