BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

Easy Riding to Annecy

Date: 12 - 19 June 2010
Type of Tour: Easy Riding, Mountains & Lakes

How do I book?

Telephone: 08446 623913 or +44 208 607 3917 if outside the UK.
Click here to enquire online
Fax: 0208 607 3901
E-mail: bmw@worldofbmw.com

This tour is ideal for riders who do not wish to incur high levels of mileage. Whether you are new to motorcycle touring, group riding or just want to ride at a more leisurely pace, this tour is filled with relaxing days in the saddle and extra time at destinations to enjoy the panoramic surroundings. Equally, we have sought out interesting and pleasant places to stay en route.

We have developed this eight-day tour to Annecy with our 'Easy Riding' philosophy in mind. This picturesque town is in a spectacular part of France, situated on the lake-side shores of the same name, and is close to the French Alps.

Day 1 (12 June) - Dover to Champagne

The tour will begin with an assembly at the cross-channel ferry terminal in Dover, for the early morning crossing to Calais. Once the bikes have been secured there will be an on-board briefing by the Tour Leader. There will also be time for refreshments before arrival in Calais. Upon arrival in France we will head for the quieter roads towards the Champagne region, as we make our way to the first overnight stop close to Chalons. As this is the first night of the tour, dinner will be a group affair in the hotel so that everyone can become properly acquainted. (Mileage: 205)

Day 2 (13 June) - Champagne to Besancon

After breakfast the tour continues south, away from Champagne, seeking out the best riding roads wherever possible. As usual, coffee and lunch stops will be taken en route. We will head towards the wine producing regions surrounding Dijon before continuing to the next overnight stop close to the town of Besancon, near the Swiss border. Our hotel overlooks the river and features a bar, restaurant and car park for the bikes. Tonight you are free to eat in the hotel or select your own choice of dining locally. (Mileage: 180)

Day 3 (14 June) - Besancon to Annecy

The format is similar for day three: a good breakfast, followed by an enjoyable ride through rural France on our way south to Annecy. The direct route passes through Lausanne and Geneva along the shores of Lake Leman. However, some may prefer the more scenic route through Lons le Saunier. Annecy, a picturesque town, sits on the shores of the lake and is a firm favourite with visitors to France. For the three-night stay in Annecy, we have selected an excellent hotel close to the lake and within walking distance of the town’s many attractions. Parking for the bikes is at a nearby garage just a short walk away. For your nights here you are free to try the wide range of excellent restaurants and cafes within easy reach of the hotel. (Mileage: 140)

Days 4 & 5 (15 & 16 June) - Free days

You now have two free days to explore and enjoy the delights of this region. Close to the town there are activities on the lake, such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing and boat hire. There are also guided tours of the town, castles and museums, as well as the old town market. Close by there is a considerable choice of places to visit, including Geneva, Evian on the shores of Lake Geneva, Chamonix, cable cars to the top of Mont Blanc and the amazing Fier Gorge, to name but a few.

After the long ride down you may want an easier day to relax and explore the local setting. Annecy itself is one of the most attractive old towns in the Alps. The Old Quarter is intersected by small canals, arcaded streets, and flower decked bridges. After lunch you may choose to take an afternoon ride up to the Crete de Chatillon (15 miles) with its panoramic views of the great peaks of the western Alps.

The French Alps are full of marvelous natural spectacles with beautiful towns and villages, including glaciated lakes, medieval villages, picturesque chateaux and snow capped mountains. The objective of this tour is to make your stay in Annecy as flexible as possible, enabling everyone to make the most of their time.

Annecy is also in the shadow of Mont Blanc and is within easy reach of the most spectacular views. The cream of the French ski resorts are all within an easy ride - Val d’Isere, Courcheval, Meribel, Albertville and Morzine are all worth a visit to enjoy some sightseeing or a spot of lunch.

Another great venue is Aix les Bains (28 miles) - a wonderful spa town with magnificent gardens and museums. Standing on the shores of the biggest natural lake in France, it also boasts good beaches and a port!

Further away is Chambery (35 miles), the old capital of Savoie. This interesting town has historical sights and beautiful parks. The rue de Boigne is at the centre of the elegant arcaded shopping quarter, where at one end there is an amusing fountain of black and gold elephants, and at the other is the Ducal chateau.

Switzerland is only a 30-mile ride and you can be shopping in Geneva in no time at all. Take a cruise on Lac Leman, enjoy a pleasant lunch overlooking the lake or, for the energetic, take a ride round to Montreux and Evian.

Day 6 (17 June) - Annecy to Dijon

Today the tour leaves Annecy and begins the journey back across France, still with the emphasis on riding the quieter roads of the region. We will head west through Bourg en Bresse and on towards the wine region of Burgundy, where wines such as Macon, Beaune and Nuits St Georges are produced. The ride continues to the city of Dijon, where accommodation has been reserved at a central hotel which offers a combination of comfort as well as a renowned restaurant with excellent wines. There is parking for the bikes. For dinner you will be free to take advantage of the first class restaurant in the hotel, or explore the local facilities. (Mileage: 165)

Day 7 (18 June) - Dijon to Reims

After breakfast we will leave Dijon and continue north to the great wine producing area of Champagne for the last night of the tour. The route will take us north, past Troyes, to the part of France where the land flattens and the scenery stretches for miles, as we continue towards Reims. As this is the last night of the tour we will spend the evening together with a group dinner and probably a glass or two of Champagne! There is an outdoor pool if you fancy a refreshing dip before dinner. (Mileage: 150)

Day 8 (19 June) - Reims to Calais

Today begins with a buffet breakfast, after which we will leave the Champagne region. For the last ride back to Calais we have the option of two routes. Those who wish to cruise can take the Autoroute almost the whole way back. However, those determined to enjoy every last mile may prefer a wonderful ride along traffic-free, sweeping roads almost all of the way back to Calais. Whichever route you choose, the distance is about the same as we continue to Calais on our way back to the UK. (Mileage: 190)

Price

Rider Price: £1,155
Couple Price: £1,455

Tour includes: return ferry fare; halfboard in Chalons, B&B accommodation in Besancon, three nights in Annecy and Dijon, halfboard in Reims; the programme as outlined; all the necessary maps and route details; travel pack; local parking charges; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group; and VAT.

Not included: fuel; meals other than those specified; wine & drinks; local entertainments not included in the programme; any admissions, tolls or travel insurance.