Anybody fancy France in September?

[Specialone]

Myself and Danf123 are going to france, september 1st, for 7-10 days max.

Was thinking of 5-6 people doing this but they have all cried off for one reason or another, i think it would be cool to have this many, so basically what im saying is they is potentionally 3-4 places available if people are interested.
Plan is approx 2500 miles, already had a route kindly given us by DMC who has done this route twice, camping at various points along the route.

First come first served basis :)

Edit, you must not be an Ar5e ;)


Phil

[danf1234]

Tell you what Phil, you can count me in lol!

Even got it booked off work!

[Specialone]

Tell you what Phil, you can count me in lol!

Even got it booked off work!

:)
Me too, albeit I'm self employed lol

Ps dan, if you need any advice on your work at your house give me a holla, I'm a builder, so pretty much seen and done most things.

I've done underpinning etc before if you do need any advice etc

[danf1234]

I wish you were further up north mate, bloody house is a nightmare. Most of the damage was done by an extension with no lintels. Everything crumbled.

Most stuff has been sorted by mates in the trade.

Bring on France mate, I am really looking forward to this!

Volunteers please sign up!

[-Ralph-]

You know why I can't make it (though I didn't cry off folks, I knew from conception that I couldn't make it), but I have been thinking about what you said for next year about meeting my mate half-way.... and... how do you fancy a week traversing the Pyrenees, from Bayonne to Girona and back, through three national parks, rising to 6500 ft, without touching tarmac!? I have got my paws on the route plan! :D

Myself and Danf123 are going to france, september 1st

You haven't said what date you are coming back mate. Potentials may want to know that.

Edit, you must not be an Ar5e ;)

That's me out then, have fun! :lol:

[Specialone]

You know why I can't make it (though I didn't cry off folks, I knew from conception that I couldn't make it), but I have been thinking about what you said for next year about meeting my mate half-way.... and... how do you fancy a week traversing the Pyrenees, from Bayonne to Girona and back, through three national parks, rising to 6500 ft, without touching tarmac!? I have got my paws on the route plan! :D



You haven't said what date you are coming back mate. Potentials may want to know that.


Good point about the date, I'll edit that :)

I'd be defo interested in the shenanigans next year mate, DRZ be ok?

[-Ralph-]

DRZ be ok?

If you've got appropriate rubber on it by then it will be perfect.

[metalhead19]

Have wanted to go to France on the bike for ages! Is some i do really want to do.
But having met neither of you, and the chance of actually being employed around that time may throw up some issues :p

[Specialone]

Have wanted to go to France on the bike for ages! Is some i do really want to do.
But having met neither of you, and the chance of actually being employed around that time may throw up some issues :p

Don't let the fact that you haven't met us put you off, I haven't met dan in person yet ;)
All part of the adventure :)
With camping, this will keep the cost down, obviously having no job or income does throw a spanner in the works :(
Enthusiastic people are preferred :)

[Specialone]

If you've got appropriate rubber on it by then it will be perfect.

Cool, we'll have a chin wag about this soon I'm sure :)

[-Ralph-]

I haven't met dan in person yet ;)

And neither of you have met Specialone, right grumpy old fecker he is ;)

[Specialone]

And neither of you have met Specialone, right grumpy old fecker he is ;)

One word Col...Bolox :)

[danf1234]

So anyone up for this!

[Specialone]

Our resident legal begal Ed has pm'd me Dan, he's interested :)

Not too sure how many read this, I was thinking of putting a link up in IB.
Worst case dan, you'll have to put up with just me ;)

[Ed]

Only if you bring an endless (and free) supply of chocolate Dan:D

[coolevilangel]

well i hope you guys have fun in france.
I did it in '09 by myself, covered just under 3k in 2 weeks.
Was good fun, and am deffo gonna do it again with some pals next time lol

[danf1234]

I ain't bothered. I am so looking forward to this. I bought a bike to ride it. I have the green llight from the boss, I have holidays from from work. I am going to ed's bash in April if my house doesn't falll down.

Bring it on for me!

[L3nny]

Whereabouts are you going in France?

My mate I have been away with the past two years is being forced to take his Mrs on holiday this year so has cried off. I am also not working that week. However I am not really into camping and dont have any gear.

[Specialone]

Whereabouts are you going in France?

My mate I have been away with the past two years is being forced to take his Mrs on holiday this year so has cried off. I am also not working that week. However I am not really into camping and dont have any gear.
Lenny, the route is yet to be finalised but i can email you the route i have at present if you wanna take a look, Pm me your email address if you wanna take a look.
Camping wise, you dont need much, i happen to know DMC might be selling a tent for stupid money, sleeping bag is less than £20, single blow up air bed less than £10, thats it.
Camping is a laugh imo and also we would be at a different place every day so that would make it more interesting and its cheap :)

[Milky Bar Kid]

Hmmmmm.....Is this invite open to lads only Phil? Been dying to take bike to France....

[Specialone]

Sorry Nic, it's kinda of a lads thing, our behaviour might be frowned upon by ladies ;)
We also wouldn't want a lady showing us up on the twisties :(

I hope I don't come across as patronising, it's not meant to.

[Milky Bar Kid]

Well, before you post things on an open forum like this, perhaps you wanna stipulate its a lads only thing.

Don't worry Phil, used to you patronising me ;)

[Specialone]

Well, before you post things on an open forum like this, perhaps you wanna stipulate its a lads only thing.

Don't worry Phil, used to you patronising me ;)

I probably should have said no females ;)

I don't patronise you nic, I don't mean to anyway :)

[L3nny]

Why no females? What sort of things do you have planned??

[toxic]

I was going to ask if I could go, but then forgot, I am a proper 'arris. So I won't.

[Specialone]

Why no females? What sort of things do you have planned??

It wasnt something I hadn't thought about it tbh but sometimes men don't relax as much if there are women around, don't worry Lenny there is no man love planned or anything ;)

Male bonding is allowed but no brokeback mountain crap thankyou :)

I did get your pm mate, I'll send that later .

[danf1234]

It wasnt something I hadn't thought about it tbh but sometimes men don't relax as much if there are women around, don't worry Lenny there is no man love planned or anything ;)

Male bonding is allowed but no brokeback mountain crap thankyou :)

I did get your pm mate, I'll send that later .

Phew, that's OK then.

(At which point I would like to point out I am married with children)

If anyone suggests going up any mountains I will look after the bikes! :eek:

[Specialone]

Lol, I'm also married dan, no kids though :)

[-Ralph-]

At which point I would like to point out I am married with children


Lol, I'm also married dan, no kids though :)

So was Michael Barrymore

[Specialone]

I can swim though ;)

[Ed]

If anyone suggests going up any mountains I will look after the bikes! :eek:

Of course we're going up mountains!!!!! But we won't use the tradesman's entrance;)

[-Ralph-]

Of course we're going up mountains!!!!! But we won't use the tradesman's entrance;)

Lips and tongues are not off limits then?

[Icanopit]

Is that the "back-stroke" Phil !!!!!!!!!

Talked with a new local today when across Chelmsley, Chuckie, very nice contact for aluminimum.

JOHN

[sv4me]

Would love to join you (even if it is a bit of a sausage fest ;)) but alas i'll be tearing up the pyrenees and alps next year, even have my route and stop offs already in mind :)

Have fun guys

[danf1234]

Oh **** we rally have given the wrong messages about this trip lol!

[Specialone]

They are only jealous Dan :)

[sv4me]

Couldn't help but be reminded of this ;)

IU2MRgM2Nsk?hd=1

[danf1234]

ha ha ha. Really looking forward to this still! I have only ever been to France once and that was to Normandy. I have seen the pics of the mountains and I have to experience this. I just need to fit this new kitchen so I can get my bike out of the garage because it is in the way!

[Specialone]

This will soon roll round mate, I've been overdosing on long way round, long way down and race to Dakar so I have the adventure bug lol :)

Id like to do Normandy myself, been meaning to get over there for the last 10 years or so.

[Bluefish]

Pity your not going straight after the ar as we would have been up for this, again ;) oh sorry no females allowed, wifey would not be pleased.

[Specialone]

Sorry mate, i want the rug rats to be back at school and the roads quieter etc :)

Could always go with wifey then come with us as well :)

[Bluefish]

I wish, i think work expects me to be there lol :|

[Binky]

I'm thinking about doing the same this year if money isn't too tight.

I would make an effort to join you Phil but i hate you, Sprints and Blue noses. ;)

In all honesty it's a long shot for me this year. I'll look forward to a nice right up though and knowing you there'll be nice crisp photos of you without too much motion blur! ;)

[Specialone]

I'm thinking about doing the same this year if money isn't too tight.

I would make an effort to join you Phil but i hate you, Sprints and Blue noses. ;)

In all honesty it's a long shot for me this year. I'll look forward to a nice right up though and knowing you there'll be nice crisp photos of you without too much motion blur! ;)

Thanks mate, the feelings mutual :)

What are you saying? I will be almost stationary ? :smt016

If it goes well I'll be going next year as well :)

[danf1234]

It will go well lol, and what's a blue nose?

[Specialone]

Birmingham city supporter to a brume is known as a blue nose ( we play in blue) Binky supports the filth from the other side of the city ;)

[mackemforever]

Only just noticed this, is this still going ahead?

Never done any touring before but have been looking for an excuse to spend some time abroad on the bike this summer.

[Specialone]

Yes mate, still happening :)

Make sure to read the first page and especially the bit about not being an ar5e lol ;)

[Binky]

Yes mate, still happening :)

Make sure to read the first page and especially the bit about not being an ar5e lol ;)

You should start interviewing Phil.

[-Ralph-]

Anyone who signs up on the basis that they believe they are not an ar$e, probably will be. ;-)

[Stuuk1]

I'd love to do something like this but 10 days is too long as I don't have that much holiday...

Would love to do a weekend out somewhere so if that ever got planned... I'm in! Fri-Mon perhaps (but all tarmac of course...)

[Specialone]

Bump, still spaces available for any peeps rising to do a france trip :)

[sv4me]

Having too many holidays/trips away this year as is, but if you're planning on doing it again next year i'll be all over that :)

Route Napoleon,Route Des Grandes Alpes,Pyrenees - namely the N260 are must dos for me :cool:

[Specialone]

Having too many holidays/trips away this year as is, but if you're planning on doing it again next year i'll be all over that :)

Route Napoleon,Route Des Grandes Alpes,Pyrenees - namely the N260 are must dos for me :cool:

Depending on how this one goes, its a defo possibility :)

[Binky]

If you do the routes that we did in 2008 (probably the ones DMC gave you) then you cannot fail to have a cracking time. Without a doubt the best little trip i have ever been on. I plan on doing one again soon, when i get the money together.

[Specialone]

Starting to put a list together, ive shamelessly stole a lot of this from other sources, please feel free to add, change amend if you think some stuff arent correct.

E111 or whatever its called now, ive got it anyway.
Pucture repair kit -
RAC/AA cover
Maps of france.
Small can of chain lube,
Basic tool kit,
Roll of gaffer tape and cable ties,
Waterproofs
Spare Gloves?
Euros / Credit card
Mobile Phone
Phone Charger
V5 original copy
Bike insurance certificate
Travel insurance and details
Tent,
Sleeping bag,
Sleeping mat,
Stove, mess tins etc
Obvious stuff like clothes etc

[danf1234]

I have it all ready, Lets go!

[-Ralph-]

Have you phoned your insurance company? They probably give you 90 days cover, but you need to tell them when you are going. Have you phoned O2 to make sure the iphone will work?

for the list

Sat Nav & charger?
Spare bulbs (required to change any bulb at the roadside in the car in France, not sure about the bike)
Hi-Viz (required to carry one in the car in France, not sure about the bike)
The Triumph is only a 14mm spanner and a c spanner to that's in your tool kit, but will Dan have the tools he needs to adjust his chain?
Matches/Cigarette lighter
Small bottle of engine oil
First aid kit, plasters, paracetamol, anti-septic wipes, etc
Spare bike keys
Ferry confirmation
Passport & Driving License
Swiss army knife

[MisterTommyH]

You need complete bulb kit and hi-biz as Ralph says. You also need an emergency triangle.

[-Ralph-]

You also need an emergency triangle.

Are you really expected to carry this on a bike?

[MisterTommyH]

That's what the guys in my local shop told me. Some guy was kitting up for a France trip.

Apparently if you go to Spain you also have to carry a spare pair of specs.

[Specialone]

Well I'm not carrying a fecking triangle or spare glasses and were not going to Spain :)

I think some of this info is put out as scaremongering as I'm sure the kids on scoots wearing tee shirts and shorts don't carry any of the stuff you hear banded about.

I'll take important stuff but they'll have to sue me for the other stuff.

Cheers col, some of the stuff you've added are useful stuff I hadn't thought about.

[L3nny]

Take half as many clothes as you'll think you'll need and twice as much money and you should be ok.

[Binky]

Leave the triangle at home in my opinion.

Spare bike keys are a must also, not so sure about small bottle of engine oil though. Just check before you leave that levels are ok.

[SuzukiNess]

i leave the day after u guys heading into France for two weeks. 2 birds with one stone kinda thing - family holiday in the south of france and a bit of a european trip :) have fun guys and if you down south and need cooling off or a brew, give me a shout :) (ed has my number)

[DMC]

Visor cleaner & spare visor

You dont need a triangle but a hi viz is a legal requirement :)

[Specialone]

Visor cleaner & spare visor

You dont need a triangle but a hi viz is a legal requirement :)

Is that carry or wear though ?

[DMC]

Is that carry or wear though ?

Just in your luggage, in case of emergency or accident etc

[Specialone]

Just in your luggage, in case of emergency or accident etc

I got one anyway, cheers David :p

[DMC]

I got one anyway, cheers David :p

Your welcome phillip :)

[Specialone]

Starting to put a list together, ive shamelessly stole a lot of this from other sources, please feel free to add, change amend if you think some stuff arent correct.

E111 or whatever its called now, ive got it anyway.
Pucture repair kit -
RAC/AA cover
Maps of france.
Small can of chain lube,
Basic tool kit,
Roll of gaffer tape and cable ties,
Waterproofs
Spare Gloves?
Euros / Credit card
Mobile Phone
Phone Charger
V5 original copy
Bike insurance certificate
Travel insurance and details
Tent,
Sleeping bag,
Sleeping mat,
Stove, mess tins etc
Obvious stuff like clothes etc
Spare bulbs
Hi-Viz
The Triumph is only a 14mm spanner and a c spanner to that's in your tool kit, but will Dan have the tools he needs to adjust his chain?
Matches/Cigarette lighter
Small bottle of engine oil
First aid kit,
Spare bike keys
Ferry confirmation / documentation
Passport & Driving License
Swiss army knife
Spare visor and cleaner.

[STRAMASHER]

I always have loads of spare earplugs stashed everywhere about my person, luggage an' motosickle.

One of those placcy pucks for your sidestand. (ST got a centrestand tho' so..)

Do take spare gloves. In a poly bag, under the seat. A small pleasure after a dowsing from that euro-style rain/ golf-ball hail.

Black bin bags. Dirty washing, waterproofing (you and/or your gear.)

Extra/spare bungees.

Teeny can of WD40. Rags or wipes. Mechanics gloves (you look like a fairy but your hands are not going to be black with oil and bleeding!)



3 weeks the morra and I am out of here for two weeks.

[Luckypants]

Maps of france.

I have one of these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/France-Michelin-Tourist-Motoring-Atlases/dp/2067157256/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310117318&sr=8-2), it's a superb atlas of France. I A4 (ish) size so fits in a tank bag to be easily to hand, spiral bound so it can be folded flat so the page you want is always on top, covers all roads in France including minor roads and you always have the right map for when you get lost. ;)

[danf1234]

Can anyone offer any advice onthe SV tool kit? I have the standard rubbish that comes with the bike but what would be a good idea to add to it.

I am thinking 13mm socket and wrench. Decent allen keys.

I have a scotoiler so I will need a bottle of oil for that.

[danf1234]

E111 or whatever its called now, ive got it anyway.
Pucture repair kit -
RAC/AA cover
Maps of france.
Small can of chain lube,
Basic tool kit,
Roll of gaffer tape and cable ties,
Waterproofs
Spare Gloves?
Euros / Credit card
Mobile Phone
Phone Charger
V5 original copy
Bike insurance certificate
Travel insurance and details
Tent,
Sleeping bag,
Sleeping mat,
Stove, mess tins etc
Obvious stuff like clothes etc
Spare bulbs
Hi-Viz
The Triumph is only a 14mm spanner and a c spanner to that's in your tool kit, but will Dan have the tools he needs to adjust his chain?
Matches/Cigarette lighter
Small bottle of engine oil
First aid kit,
Spare bike keys
Ferry confirmation / documentation
Passport & Driving License
Swiss army knife
Spare visor and cleaner.
Puck thing to stand the bike on.
Knife and fork combi tool
Gortex jacket for wearing on an evening (cool, but water proof)
Scotoiler oil
Spare Givi Luggage keys
Suncream
Insect Repelent
Lip Balm - Sun kills my lips.
Davie SV's fixerpeg!
Headache tablets - A must after wine
Contact lenses
Glasses and spare glasses.

[-Ralph-]

Can anyone offer any advice onthe SV tool kit? I have the standard rubbish that comes with the bike but what would be a good idea to add to it.

I am thinking 13mm socket and wrench. Decent allen keys.

I have a scotoiler so I will need a bottle of oil for that.

I would just replace it entirely with one of these,

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_26 3987_categoryId_165695_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_List_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PLPz1

and one of these two depending on your budget

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_16 8910_langId_-1_categoryId_165572#dtab

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_18 4259_langId_-1_categoryId_165572

and a breaker bar and a 24mm socket if you think you'll do enough mileage to need a chain adjustment (depends how new your chain is and how often you have to adjust it now), or you could just pay a French garage to do it for you.

And maybe a selection of sockets.

Just keep your C spanner and spark plug tool from the original kit.

[-Ralph-]

Have you got a length of electrical flex, and duct tape on your lists?

Also if you are travelling together the whole trip, you don't need two sets of most of this this stuff. ie: one puncture repair kit, one can of chain lube and one toolkit will do.

I'd recommend two sleeping bags though ;-)

Don't forget that if one of you breaks down, you may need to be able to shift enough luggage to get on the other one's pillion. If you have the choice between seat cowl and pillion seat, take the seat.

[danf1234]

Electrical flex and duct tape :shock::shock::shock:

[-Ralph-]

Electrical flex and duct tape :shock::shock::shock:

Well, if it makes you think about it that way maybe Phil should be getting worried!

Electrical flex contains three lengths of wire capable of carrying a 12v current to all kinds of parts!

Duct tape can be useful for strapping together all kind of things, from burst panniers to .... ;)

[danf1234]

Yeah duct tape is on the list. I never thought of wire, so good call!

[Specialone]

Im taking a 1/4 inch socket set upto 13mm, with that im taking some allen sockets as well so dont put anything like that in your kit dan.

[danf1234]

OK, next week I will give the bike a once over and look at everything I may need, and lay it out on the garage floor. I will then take out the items you already have Phil.

Also on Ralphs advice I will get rid of the stuff I don't need in the OEM tool kit.

[Specialone]

Cool, I'm gonna get a set of spare bulbs etc this week and maybe some fuses.

You could replace the stock kit with better quality like for like which would do most basic jobs.

[widepants]

Guys ,just wondering if any of you have done a costing into how much you are expecting this trip too cost.
Thinking of going in August with the misses and an idea would be helpfull.

[Specialone]

Guys ,just wondering if any of you have done a costing into how much you are expecting this trip too cost.
Thinking of going in August with the misses and an idea would be helpfull.
Yes mate, kinda.
Ferry crossing £40
Fuel based on approx 2.5k, £250-£300
We are camping so its cheaper but on average £10 a night
Food and drink im guessing is gonna be around £50 a day each at the most as long as you dont eat in expensive places all the time.
Im budgeting for £1000 all in.

HTH
Phil

[TazDaz]

Then on top all the money spent on things for the bike! :)

[Bluefish]

If going cheap then you can do it for 1k per couple for two weeks, 35 for ferry, 20 per day fuel allow 15ish for camping, and food is up to you, we usually went to liddles and got a mixture of stuff sausages cheese bread etc, i work out that you can do one person for £750 and two for £850, any more is on your choice to b and b, or eat in restaurants bars etc and that's for two weeks.

[widepants]

cheers lads.The only thing that I have to decide on is where to get the ferry.I can drop down to Poole (I live in Somerset)and nip across for £200 or ride all the way to Dover and double back on myself

[Bluefish]

cheaper to ride to dover what 20 quid each side, saves 160 no brainer. try searching cheap ferry tickets, i found 110 quid from prtsmouth rtn.

[-Ralph-]

cheaper to ride to dover what 20 quid each side, saves 160 no brainer. try searching cheap ferry tickets, i found 110 quid from prtsmouth rtn.

No brainer? That's a 500 mile detour!

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=poole&daddr=dover+to:Calais,+France+to:Central+St+Malo,+ Grand+Rue,+Saint-Malo,+France&hl=en&sll=49.717376,-0.648193&sspn=2.390242,6.696167&geocode=FbTqBQMdNsXh_ynNzkKNtaBzSDGnWBlplKLRsA%3BF WktDAMdoQEUACn_MjNV0aTeRzFRSNdah1x4Mg%3BFXp0CQMdfl wcAClj4_HXdT_cRzH0edKM4Nm-rA%3BFd5S5gIdORzh_yGxz-N9drrgQQ&mra=ls&z=7

Extra 1000 odd miles if you do it both ways, or at least an extra 2-3 days riding that you could be spending on holiday in France. What is a days holiday worth when you only have 20 or so days a year and you have to take any extra days unpaid? It would cost £100 in fuel alone never mind the rest of the wear and tear on the bike. Fine if you are heading due south from Calais towards Reims, but if it's Brittany you want to get to, that's a total false economy.

The LD Lines catamaran does the same journey in 3 1/2 hours. Just book your ferries further in advance and get a cheaper price.

[Bluefish]

Well it does depend exactly where you live and where you are going to, your holiday starts as soon as you hit france dont it? unless you are making for some where specific. And in my defence i did find a crossing from portsmouth for 110 quid, wich would make the cost of traveling not worth while :D

[TazDaz]

Guys, in case you haven't decided how you're taking holiday money, I can recommend the FairFX card. I've used it for last two euro trips and had no problems. The rates are much better than elsewhere, and works as debit card everywhere (I've not found anywhere that didn't work). A good tip is that you can load the card up, then take it all out as cash when you are on the continent. If memory serves me, €1.50 per withdrawal, but if you take out say €300 a time, with the rate advantage it is still better than cash from highsteet exchanges.

I've got a refer link which means the card is free, rather than the £9.95.

https://www.fairfx.com/ref/06c4w

[garynortheast]

I've used this card a few times in France and it works well BUT BE WARNED!!! DO NOT USE IT IN CARD OPERATED FUEL PUMPS. I did and it pre-authorised payments of nearly £200 against 3 fuel purchases which should have totalled no more than £40. The excess payment can take up to a week to be put back into your account.
I did some research and made a complaint and discovered that this is standard practise in France for a number of companies. Service stations on the autoroute and some supermarket fuel stations are the worst offenders.

[stormingjoe]

I've used this card a few times in France and it works well BUT BE WARNED!!! DO NOT USE IT IN CARD OPERATED FUEL PUMPS. I did and it pre-authorised payments of nearly £200 against 3 fuel purchases which should have totalled no more than £40. The excess payment can take up to a week to be put back into your account.
I did some research and made a complaint and discovered that this is standard practise in France for a number of companies. Service stations on the autoroute and some supermarket fuel stations are the worst offenders.
This applies to cards at all pay at pumps in France, same happens here (authorises for say £79) then they just take what petrol you had:D, in France they take the full authorised amount:( then refund the remainder later!!

[TazDaz]

When are you lot in France? I'm in pyranees from Saturday for a week.

[Luckypants]

They are there now Taz.

[Geodude]

Hows the trip going lads?

[Specialone]

Hows the trip going lads?

We got back yesterday afternoon, one word, awesome :)
When I've come round from my exhaustive coma, I'll do a write up with pics and some best bits from my helmet mounted bullet camera.

[Geodude]

Nice one glad it was a good trip. Look forward to the write up fella. Now go and put your feet up :D

[-Ralph-]

Looks great guys. Did Dan buy a new Sprint for the trip? I thought he had a black SV with lowers. Do you remember passing this town, built on a big hill with a Notre Dame like cathedral at the top, about 1:45hrs south of Calais on the A26?

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=laon&ll=49.611155,3.650208&spn=0.068296,0.41851&gl=uk&t=m&z=12&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=49.61153,3.649917&panoid=Z1dmdRNKHRns8jNvh2LjOQ&cbp=11,199.84,,1,0.63

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=laon&ll=49.592464,3.677673&spn=0.068322,0.41851&gl=uk&t=m&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=49.592366,3.677601&panoid=hzfle934Pwk2B2LFmhtCGA&cbp=11,230.72,,1,2.66&z=12

That's where Sandrine comes from. It's quite a distinctive landmark and you can see it for quite a few miles on the motorway.