Use the N13, N158, N138 route if you want a fast trip, I usually use that on the way down. But I always use the Mayenne, Donfort, Flers route for a more relaxed scenic trip back on Monday. Very little traffic, and great roads.

If the number you tried is 0033 892 697 224, I got through to them about 10 days ago on it.

If you are heading down the A 10 on the way to Dover , stop at Braughing, just south of Roystan. The butcher in the village makes IMHO the best sausages in the south. No fancy ingrediants, just top quality. Best to stick to normal size ones, receipe doesn't work quite so well with chipolatas.

Watch out for the power drain on portable fridges, the bigger ones are no problem plugged into the lighter socket as long as the engines running, but will drain a car battery in about 15 hours if engine stopped.
Best ones I've found will run on 12volt for the journey down, so that you can have cold beers on arrival, and also gas, which you use while camping.

Won't fit in the back of a cobra though, might fit on a rear luggage rack but would bugger aerodynamics and looks.

Gilles
Is the Flambadou open for lunch in June and July?

Confirmed with ACO that grandstands are free if applied for in advance, children have free access to the paddock, adult paddock tickets are only available in advance, and MB is open from the Thursday.

All these questions caused much discussion between the girls in the ACO office, so please don't flame me if ACO changes anything, especially MB opening day.

Looks like the Rugrat Racing Team is heading to France

For anybody who is thinking about going to the Classic, I have recieved details of prices for the event.

Track is being opened from Friday evening, although race not starting untill 4pm Saturday, presumably to allow for practice and qualifing.

First price is for tickets odered or bought after 31st May, second price is for tickets ordered before this date, all prices in EURO.

Friday ticket              10/8
Sunday ticket            25/22
Fri/Sat/Sun ticket      40/35            children 11 incl free
Paddock                    n/a/15           smart casual dress
Grandstands             20/free          numbered
Car parking               10/10
Bus parking?             20/15
Camping                    60/60            Maison Blanche

I need to check that advance granstands tickets are free as there is an ambiguity on the information leaflet, I will also check if children are allowed in the paddock, and when MB opens. Will post answers when I have spoken to the lovely girls at ACO.

               

Gilles
Great minds think alike, we are heading for the Vendee straight after the race.
Great idea about the castle, but the children are good English stock, they see a French castle (or anybodys castle) and want to trash it.
So my hopefully board minded wife is going to be introduced to the delights of camping at La Sarthe, and as she loves duck guess which restaurant we'll be heading for in LM.

I think Fathers day might be on the 20th this year, not sure though.
Penance for missing anniversary is a big present left with oldest son to give to mum on day.
Nearly got into trouble last year, I was at the drivers parade on Friday(13th), wife phones my mobile number to say happy anniversary and a strange woman answers phone , must have been a crossed line. Had to arrange backup with Canada Phil to send copies of photos of us at restaurant to prove innosence if divorce papers were served. Allowed to go this year with no arguements, she's a star most of the time, hence trying to sort out Classic

Sea France are doing some good early deals Dover/Calais if booked by 14th Jan. 5 day trips from £86, and longer from £136. These prices for very anti social sailings. But still only £186 for very good departure and returns on a 10 day trip.


Matt,
She wants to go to LM, better to take her and the boys(10 & 2) to the Classic, and then I have no problems going in June without them, especially as its always my wedding anniversary (13th).

Tried to get an MCN or Bike discount for a bike in 2002, I was told it was not valid for sailings in LM week.
Worth trying again though.

About to try and convince the wife that a visit to the Classic should be included in the family holiday this year, but need to do a good presentation as to why in would be fun.
Can anybody who went in 2002 give me a rough idea of costs for entrance, stands and camping tickets. Also what was the set up for camp sites. MB only?
Next problem will be getting her in a good mood, timing is everything

Anybody know what's going on at the ACO? I've just been allocated camping tickets for the site I asked for, Bleu, and not put on the waiting list. Yippee.

VIVE LA FRANCE!!

Better go start checking the camping kit.

You have obviously seen the photo Big H, once they have mastered the time warp, they will become unbeatable, celebrating a 24 hour win 5 minutes before they start.

Mark,it was about Tim Birkin, and very good it was to.