Route suggestions - Northern France

[hamster]

I agree with that route, although by preference I'd do Cherbourg to Caen, simplyas you should have the wind behind you most of the way! There are lots of super places to explore - the only problem being that 3 days is not enough!

[simonineaston]

It must surely be worth buying a house in Pompey just as a springboard for getting to northern France! Don't actually have to live there..
Once I drove to the Tamar valley, and parked at Gunnislake, got the chuffa down to Plymouth and thence onto BF ferry... was much surprised & delighted to find jam-jar still there on my return!

[Tregouet]

If you are staying at a base ( +1 for Saint Omer)

We appreciate the upvote for Saint Omer

[Tregouet]

Just as an FYI - On 6 September 2020, there is a randonee starting from Saint Omer: SUR LA ROUTE DU CAP GRIS-NEZ ET LES SENTIERS DE L AUDOMAROIS
There are several options available, all with a départ 7h00 to 10h00 (Cyclo):
Circuit 1 : 20km
Circuit 2 : 50km
Circuit 3 : 75km
Circuit 4 : 100km
Circuit 5 : 130km
Circuit 6 : 150km

Participation costs €2.50 to €5.00, depending on the route you take. If you like a challenge , the longer routes will include some fun hills. More info can be found at http://www.sorties-rando.fr/randonnee/s ... udomarois/ and at https://www.nafix.fr/sortie/fiche-sur-l ... 448-1.html but it's all in French.

[roberts8]

I have cycled the routes mentioned and have fond memories of them. Last year in the heatwave I cycled from ouistram to Suisse Normandie and although too hot for me it was a good time. The route la francette went through to The Atlantic so couldend at st Malo.

[ANTONISH]

Just as an FYI - On 6 September 2020, there is a randonee starting from Saint Omer: SUR LA ROUTE DU CAP GRIS-NEZ ET LES SENTIERS DE L AUDOMAROIS
There are several options available, all with a départ 7h00 to 10h00 (Cyclo):
Circuit 1 : 20km
Circuit 2 : 50km
Circuit 3 : 75km
Circuit 4 : 100km
Circuit 5 : 130km
Circuit 6 : 150km

Participation costs €2.50 to €5.00, depending on the route you take. If you like a challenge , the longer routes will include some fun hills. More info can be found at http://www.sorties-rando.fr/randonnee/s ... udomarois/ and at https://www.nafix.fr/sortie/fiche-sur-l ... 448-1.html but it's all in French.

We have often ridden those events, shorter ones as age advances. Always a friendly greeting - food at controls - beer and baguette at the finish .
The Semaine Federale at St Omer in 2009 was brilliant.

[Tregouet]

Just as an FYI - On 6 September 2020, there is a randonee starting from Saint Omer: SUR LA ROUTE DU CAP GRIS-NEZ ET LES SENTIERS DE L AUDOMAROIS
There are several options available, all with a départ 7h00 to 10h00 (Cyclo):
Circuit 1 : 20km
Circuit 2 : 50km
Circuit 3 : 75km
Circuit 4 : 100km
Circuit 5 : 130km
Circuit 6 : 150km

Participation costs €2.50 to €5.00, depending on the route you take. If you like a challenge , the longer routes will include some fun hills. More info can be found at http://www.sorties-rando.fr/randonnee/s ... udomarois/ and at https://www.nafix.fr/sortie/fiche-sur-l ... 448-1.html but it's all in French.

Saldy, the randonee for Saint Omer has been cancelled this year.
Another Covid victim

[roberts8]

I have done the St Malo loop and really enjoyed it. Last year I did Suisse Normandie from Caen but not sure if Brittany ferries have started taking cyclists so you would need the car for those trips.

The St Omer Randonee looks good and I may do that as it is an easy cycle from Calais and I enjoy the rocket launching sites.
Another one I fancy is a three country tour from Calais.

Another one I have done is Calais to Dieppe but follow the River Course and then just as you fancy.

Really good cycling with or without the car.

[iandriver]

I often pop over to this part of the world for a long weekend. If using the train is impractical to get to Dover, I can recommend https://www.relyongroup.co.uk/ferry-parking. Leave the car with them and they drop you and your bike off, fully assembled, in mini busses adapted for lots of luggage space right at Dover port. When you get back, just follow the red line to the pick up point at the port and give them a call and they come and get you.

Super simple.