OT: Pikey hols in France

We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in
Northern France.

I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get
off the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights.

However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of
the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the
Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping
bags, cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc.

Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the
middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK
about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it
would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack
of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.

Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative?
--
Gyp
Change to dotcom to reply

Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:

> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
> thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the
> middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK
> about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it
> would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack
> of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.

On this basis, it's not a bad idea. Formule1s are often close to
Campaniles, too, so you can at least get a decent dinner cheaply
(they're usually on industrial estates on the edges of towns, so
restaurant-hunting means using wheels).

AFAIK you can check in any time with a CC.

--
K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60
The bells, the bells.....

On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 14:06:51 +0100 in uk.rec.motorcycles, Gyp says:

>Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
>thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the
>middle of the night with a Brit visa card,

I used on once and yes it was possible to check in using a visa card
at night, however, there were a few of us traveling between jobs at
night so the card used may have been a french one.

--
Ian

On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 14:06:51 +0100, Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:

>We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in
>Northern France.
>
>I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get
>off the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights.
>
>However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of
>the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the
>Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping
>bags, cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc.
>
>Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
>thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the
>middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK
>about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it
>would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack
>of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.
>
>Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative?

I'd do the first night in a pikey hotel bit but substitute an Ibis for
the F1 on the grounds that even minimal comfort is better than no
comfort.

Assuming you'll be taking T and horse on this break rather than your
'friend' then you'll probably be better off going for the camping
option instead of a cheap hotel after the first night because you can
sit by the pool drinking beer and ogle the totty all day instead of
watching porn on ppv tv.

Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote in news:VWNbpB$rnHtGFwZe@orange.orange:

>
> Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative?

Also check out Etap. Owned by the same parent company and not much more
expensive than F1[1]. You get a TV & en suite bathrooms though.

Locations of all their brands at accorhotels.com

[1] in Boulogne Etap is 34 Euro, F1 is 28 Euro for a 3 person room

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

"Wessie is a lovely man with many wonderful qualities" TM Blaney

Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> writes:

> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
> thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in
> the middle of the night with a Brit visa card,

In at least one of them you had to check in by 9pm - I think it was the
one in Abbeville. There's a slightly more upmarket chain (ie the same
with en-suite bathroom and loo), the name of which escapes me (Etap?)
and I've checked into those later in the night. They do seem to have a
24h receptionist, whereas at least the two F1s I've used didn't. Brit
CCs were never a problem, though.

> and also what say the
> FOAK about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just
> thinking it would be easier that taking the tent for such a short
> trip, and the lack of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.

I've used them, mainly as an en-route accommodation. They do what it
says on the tin.

--
Morini Corsaro 125 | CB450K4 | XL250 Motosport x2 | 900SSD | VFR750
Triumph T-Bird chop | K1100LT | CB400/4 BOTAFOF #33 TWA#10
The UKRM FAQ: http://www.ukrm.net/faq/index.html
"Je profite du paysage" - Joe Bar

Gyp wrote:
> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
> thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the
> middle of the night with a Brit visa card,

Yes, I did exactly this a few years ago.

> and also what say the FOAK
> about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it
> would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack
> of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.

Formule1: all the comfort of camping without the benefits of fresh air
or space to show off your manly skills of being able to cook on a tiny
stove.

--
Rick
NT650V (still)
TWA#11 BREast#6 BOTAFOT#139

Timo Geusch <tnewsSPAMMENOT@unixconsult.co.uk> wrote in
news:82odhne6t6.fsf@nermal.unix-consult.com:

> Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> writes:
>
>> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
>> thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in
>> the middle of the night with a Brit visa card,
>
> In at least one of them you had to check in by 9pm - I think it was the
> one in Abbeville. There's a slightly more upmarket chain (ie the same
> with en-suite bathroom and loo), the name of which escapes me (Etap?)
> and I've checked into those later in the night. They do seem to have a
> 24h receptionist, whereas at least the two F1s I've used didn't. Brit
> CCs were never a problem, though.

Yes, Etap has 24h reception. If Gyp prebooks the Boulogne one using
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/index.html or
http://www.etaphotel.com/gb/discover...el/index.shtml then he can
pick up a directory of their locations and tramp about as T wishes.

Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey
again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

"Wessie is a lovely man with many wonderful qualities" TM Blaney

wessie <putmynamehere@tesco.net> writes:

> Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey
> again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar.

Thing about Ibis is that IMHO, their prices ar in "I'd rather book Logis
de France" territory for me.

--
Morini Corsaro 125 | CB450K4 | XL250 Motosport x2 | 900SSD | VFR750
Triumph T-Bird chop | K1100LT | CB400/4 BOTAFOF #33 TWA#10
The UKRM FAQ: http://www.ukrm.net/faq/index.html
"Je profite du paysage" - Joe Bar

Gyp wrote:
> We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in
> Northern France.
>
> I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get
> off the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights.
>
> However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of
> the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the
> Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping
> bags, cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc.
>
> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more
> thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the
> middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK
> about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it
> would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack
> of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.
>
> Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative?

Formule 1 hotels are only a little bit cheaper than other hotels. They
can be quite dire as well. Shred bathrooms and a 21000 pounder stuck in
the toilet etc. The one I was going to stay at appeared to be full of
lorry drivers being serviced by sisters with gold clad brothers/pimps
all out side in Mercedes and BM's.

I opted for a Ibis Hotel in the end. Let frightening.

--
--
ZX10R in the correct colour.
Triumph Sprint ST for long two up touring.
http://sportstourer.org

Timo Geusch wrote:
> wessie <putmynamehere@tesco.net> writes:
>
>> Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey
>> again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar.
>
> Thing about Ibis is that IMHO, their prices ar in "I'd rather book Logis
> de France" territory for me.
>

They do vary depending where they are. Villages hotels are quite good
and at the lower end of the price range. Pick out your destination on
viamichelin.com and choose a hotel.

--
--
ZX10R in the correct colour.
Triumph Sprint ST for long two up touring.
http://sportstourer.org

Timo Geusch <tnewsSPAMMENOT@unixconsult.co.uk> wrote in
news:82k5sbjq9v.fsf@nermal.unix-consult.com:

> wessie <putmynamehere@tesco.net> writes:
>
>> Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey
>> again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar.
>
> Thing about Ibis is that IMHO, their prices ar in "I'd rather book Logis
> de France" territory for me.
>

Certainly. They are useful though, especially when arriving on spec. at a
random location, especially on a Sunday or anytime in August. The bar will
be open until midnight and you can get passable food.

--
wessie at tesco dot net

BMW R1150GS

"Wessie is a lovely man with many wonderful qualities" TM Blaney

On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 15:40:03 +0000 (UTC), wessie
<putmynamehere@tesco.net> wrote:

>Timo Geusch <tnewsSPAMMENOT@unixconsult.co.uk> wrote in
>news:82k5sbjq9v.fsf@nermal.unix-consult.com:
>
>> wessie <putmynamehere@tesco.net> writes:
>>
>>> Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey
>>> again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar.
>>
>> Thing about Ibis is that IMHO, their prices ar in "I'd rather book Logis
>> de France" territory for me.
>>
>
>Certainly. They are useful though, especially when arriving on spec. at a
>random location, especially on a Sunday or anytime in August. The bar will
>be open until midnight and you can get passable food.

They're exactly the reasons why I'd choose Ibis as my base line when
stopping at random hotels in France.

We've been talking about a late holiday on the bikes and it'll almost
certainly be ferry to Le Havre, as many miles as can comfortably be
done and into an Ibis to plan the next day. Once we've got down to the
south of France then it'll be a case of finding decent roads, decent
weather and decent bars.

The trouble with this sort of holiday on the bike is that it's cheaper
to book an all inclusive holiday somewhere sunny and just loaf in the
sun drinking beer for a week.

In message <8g89b3puur1ssa1gm9fu6p380nt43orovk@4ax.com>, Andy Bonwick
<nospam@bonwick.me.uk> writes

>They're exactly the reasons why I'd choose Ibis as my base line when
>stopping at random hotels in France.

Thanks to you and all for the helpful info. Looks like my biggest
problem is going to be availability more than luxury.

Of course, whilst the holiday is apparently desirable, I'm not allowed
to spend any time sorting it out as that will eat into a very tight
gardening and decorating schedule; it's just got to happen, OK?
--
Gyp
Change to dotcom to reply

"Gyp" <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:VWNbpB$rnHtGFwZe@orange.orange...
> We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in
> Northern France.
>
> I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get off
> the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights.
>
> However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of
> the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the
> Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping bags,
> cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc.
>
> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more thorough
> pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the middle of
> the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK about using
> them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it would be
> easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack of luxury
> isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights.
>
> Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative?

No problem but they do get full. You can book online. If you book online
it's very very very important to offer the get you in machine the same card
as you used to book with.

John

On 4 Aug, 18:49, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <8g89b3puur1ssa1gm9fu6p380nt43or...@4ax.com>, Andy Bonwick
> <nos...@bonwick.me.uk> writes
>
> >They're exactly the reasons why I'd choose Ibis as my base line when
> >stopping at random hotels in France.
>
> Thanks to you and all for the helpful info. Looks like my biggest
> problem is going to be availability more than luxury.
>
> Of course, whilst the holiday is apparently desirable, I'm not allowed
> to spend any time sorting it out as that will eat into a very tight
> gardening and decorating schedule; it's just got to happen, OK?

A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
residence at 'the chateau'. Etaps are OK and definitely worth the
small premium over Formule 1 IMHO. and unlike camp sites never become
muddy. Also easily bookable on-line as Wessie says. The Ibis
restaurant at Coquelles is good and so they probably all are, but on
balance I think you might find more interesting food at somewhere more
'local' IYSWIM.

--

Pete Fisher in France

In message <1186429294.730163.257080@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes

>A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
>residence at 'the chateau'.

How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?

>Etaps are OK and definitely worth the
>small premium over Formule 1 IMHO. and unlike camp sites never become
>muddy. Also easily bookable on-line as Wessie says. The Ibis
>restaurant at Coquelles is good and so they probably all are, but on
>balance I think you might find more interesting food at somewhere more
>'local' IYSWIM.

Got the message about the hotels, and pleased to say that my general
approach is to go for something "local", even if my language and
ordering skills often lead me to eat something "unexpected" :-)
--
Gyp
Change to dotcom to reply

On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>
> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>
> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?

Not far from Limiges. Usually takes us about 10 hours from Calais by
car including lunch and 'comfort breaks', but more disregard for the
autoroute limit could probably significantly reduce that. Still a bit
far for just a few days.

--

Pete Fisher in France

peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
> On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
>> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
>> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes

>> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
>> >residence at 'the chateau'.

>> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
>> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?

> Not far from Limiges.

??

D.
--
des | 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!'
BMW K100-LT

On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:

>On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
>> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
>> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>>
>> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
>> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>>
>> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
>> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
>
>Not far from Limiges.

Heh. You've been watching too much 'allo 'allo, haven't you?

--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
\`\ | /`/ DS#8 BOTAFOT#3 SbS#2 UKRMMA#13 DFV#8 SKA#2 IBB#10
`\\ | //'
`\|/`
`

Ace <seesig@virgin.net> wrote:

> On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
>
> >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
> >>
> >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
> >>
> >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
> >
> >Not far from Limiges.
>
> Heh. You've been watching too much 'allo 'allo, haven't you?

"That was what you might call a kick-up."

--
K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60
The bells, the bells.....

On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:

>On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
>> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
>> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>>
>> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
>> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>>
>> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
>> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
>
>Not far from Limiges.

heh. I spose the i is next to the o

>Usually takes us about 10 hours from Calais by
>car including lunch and 'comfort breaks', but more disregard for the
>autoroute limit could probably significantly reduce that.

I'll bloody say so! Even Mappy reckons it's 684km and under 7 hours.

--
Champ
I don't know, but I been told, you never slow down, you never get old
ZX10R | GPz750turbo | GSX-R600 (race)
neal at champ dot org dot uk

On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:05:00 +0100, Champ <news@champ.org.uk> wrote:

>On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:

>>Not far from Limiges.

>>Usually takes us about 10 hours from Calais by
>>car including lunch and 'comfort breaks', but more disregard for the
>>autoroute limit could probably significantly reduce that.
>
>I'll bloody say so! Even Mappy reckons it's 684km and under 7 hours.

That was where Mike joined up with us after Howard's party. ISTR his
time was significantly less than that, as he'd been delayed leaving
home that morning. Can't remember the exact details though.

--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
\`\ | /`/ DS#8 BOTAFOT#3 SbS#2 UKRMMA#13 DFV#8 SKA#2 IBB#10
`\\ | //'
`\|/`
`

On 7 Aug, 09:14, Des <d...@yahoo.fr> wrote:
> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
> > On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
> >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
> >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
> > Not far from Limiges.
>
> ??
>
> D.
> --
> des | 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!'
> BMW K100-LT

Typos R us.

--

Pete Fisher not far from Limoges

On 7 Aug, 09:20, Ace <see...@virgin.net> wrote:
> On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
> >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>
> >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>
> >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
>
> >Not far from Limiges.
>
> Heh. You've been watching too much 'allo 'allo, haven't you?

I sink ze plonk offocts the ze fungers!

--

Pete Fisher after a jolly nice Bordeaux Rose `

On 7 Aug, 09:59, chateau.murrayTAKETHIS...@dsl.pipex.com (The Older
Gentleman) wrote:
> Ace <see...@virgin.net> wrote:
> > On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
>
> > >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> > >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> > >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>
> > >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> > >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>
> > >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> > >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
>
> > >Not far from Limiges.
>
> > Heh. You've been watching too much 'allo 'allo, haven't you?
>
> "That was what you might call a kick-up."

In vino veryfast (fingers).

--

Pete Fisher in France

On 7 Aug, 10:05, Champ <n...@champ.org.uk> wrote:
> On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
> >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>
> >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>
> >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
>
> >Not far from Limiges.
>
> heh. I spose the i is next to the o

Indeed.

>
> >Usually takes us about 10 hours from Calais by
> >car including lunch and 'comfort breaks', but more disregard for the
> >autoroute limit could probably significantly reduce that.
>
> I'll bloody say so! Even Mappy reckons it's 684km and under 7 hours.
>
> --
> Champ
> I don't know, but I been told, you never slow down, you never get old
> ZX10R | GPz750turbo | GSX-R600 (race)
> neal at champ dot org dot uk

In my defence I mean a proper job knife and fork three course lunch.
Plus the lad's bladder capacity can be a limiting factor. No doubt
Mappy sends you via the peripherique which I avoid like the plague.
Also on the advice of the VCF I tend to not totally demolish the limit
(I do disregard it to some degree) for fear of Gendarme reprisals.
Doing many trips the odds of running across them is greater.

If travelling alone (by car) I can do it comfortably in 8 hours the
'long way round' (via Rouen, and Chartres).

BTW Prescott July meeting cancelled (floods) rescheduled for 22
September. Interested?

--

Pete Fisher in France

On 7 Aug, 21:11, pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:

>
> > --
> > Champ
> > I don't know, but I been told, you never slow down, you never get old
> > ZX10R | GPz750turbo | GSX-R600 (race)
> > neal at champ dot org dot uk

Bloody good stuff this Rose. 12.5 percent which is pretty pokey for
pink pop. Hence the sig snipping failure.

--

Pete Fisher in France

On Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:30:52 +0100, eric the brave <etb@foo.com>
wrote:

>They do vary depending where they are. Villages hotels are quite good
>and at the lower end of the price range. Pick out your destination on
>viamichelin.com and choose a hotel.

I used a Villages hotel in Dijon a year or so ago when I drove to the
Alps. Was fine for my needs. Breakfast was served in-house but evenig
meals had to be taken elsewhere.

--
-Pip

On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:11:28 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:

>BTW Prescott July meeting cancelled (floods) rescheduled for 22
>September. Interested?

Hmmm. Double Hmmm.
--
Champ

ZX10R | GPz750turbo | GSX-R 600 racer
My advice as your attorney is to buy a motorcycle
To email me, neal at my domain should work.

<peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> Bloody good stuff this Rose. 12.5 percent

A lot of Provence rose is around that strength or more.

For knock-out rose, try Tavel or Bandol, though.

--
K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60
The bells, the bells.....

<peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> On 7 Aug, 09:14, Des <d...@yahoo.fr> wrote:
> > pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
> > > On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
> > >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
> > >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
> > >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
> > >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
> > >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
> > >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
> > > Not far from Limiges.
> >
> > ??
> >
> > D.
> > --
> > des | 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!'
> > BMW K100-LT
>
> Typos R us.
>

You think he didn't know that?

--
K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60
The bells, the bells.....

In message
<1i2il4i.1kdzkai1p46fk4N%chateau.murrayTAKETHISOUT @dsl.pipex.com>, The
Older Gentleman <chateau.murrayTAKETHISOUT@dsl.pipex.com> writes
><peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> Bloody good stuff this Rose. 12.5 percent
>
>A lot of Provence rose is around that strength or more.
>
>For knock-out rose, try Tavel or Bandol, though.

Can you make lamps out of the bottles?
--
Gyp
Change to dotcom to reply

The Older Gentleman <chateau.murrayTAKETHISOUT@dsl.pipex.com> wrote:
> <peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>> On 7 Aug, 09:14, Des <d...@yahoo.fr> wrote:
>> > pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote:
>> > > On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:
>> > >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>,
>> > >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes
>> > >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in
>> > >> >residence at 'the chateau'.
>> > >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your
>> > >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...?
>> > > Not far from Limiges.
>> >
>> > ??

>> Typos R us.

> You think he didn't know that?

*snort*

'Between love and hate, lies obsession...'

D.
--
des | 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!'
BMW K100-LT

Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote:

> In message
> <1i2il4i.1kdzkai1p46fk4N%chateau.murrayTAKETHISOUT @dsl.pipex.com>, The
> Older Gentleman <chateau.murrayTAKETHISOUT@dsl.pipex.com> writes
> ><peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> >> Bloody good stuff this Rose. 12.5 percent
> >
> >A lot of Provence rose is around that strength or more.
> >
> >For knock-out rose, try Tavel or Bandol, though.
>
> Can you make lamps out of the bottles?

Heh. Hardly.....

's'funny, but I've enjoyed good rose for the last 30-odd years,
especially the aforementioned Provence, Tavel (which is a burgundy) and
Bandol (only a few miles from Paul Ricard which is obviously a Good
Thing).

Corsica makes some fabulous rose wines too: Patrimonio and Sartene are
names to watch for, but they're hard to find on the French mainland and
I have never seen them on sale in the UK.

A good powerful rose, like a Tavel, goes with just about anything: fish,
meat, cheese, salad, you name it.

Yet mention rose and people still think of bloody Mateus. Or Anjou,
which I really don't much care for.

--
K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125
GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60
The bells, the bells.....

	#1
Gyp	OT: Pikey hols in France We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in Northern France. I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get off the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights. However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping bags, cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc. Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative? -- Gyp Change to dotcom to reply

	#2
The Older Gentleman	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: > Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more > thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the > middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK > about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it > would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack > of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. On this basis, it's not a bad idea. Formule1s are often close to Campaniles, too, so you can at least get a decent dinner cheaply (they're usually on industrial estates on the edges of towns, so restaurant-hunting means using wheels). AFAIK you can check in any time with a CC. -- K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125 GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60 The bells, the bells.....

	#3
Boots	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 14:06:51 +0100 in uk.rec.motorcycles, Gyp says: >Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more >thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the >middle of the night with a Brit visa card, I used on once and yes it was possible to check in using a visa card at night, however, there were a few of us traveling between jobs at night so the card used may have been a french one. -- Ian

	#4
Andy Bonwick	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 14:06:51 +0100, Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: >We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in >Northern France. > >I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get >off the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights. > >However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of >the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the >Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping >bags, cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc. > >Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more >thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the >middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK >about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it >would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack >of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. > >Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative? I'd do the first night in a pikey hotel bit but substitute an Ibis for the F1 on the grounds that even minimal comfort is better than no comfort. Assuming you'll be taking T and horse on this break rather than your 'friend' then you'll probably be better off going for the camping option instead of a cheap hotel after the first night because you can sit by the pool drinking beer and ogle the totty all day instead of watching porn on ppv tv.

	#5
wessie	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote in news:VWNbpB$rnHtGFwZe@orange.orange: > > Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative? Also check out Etap. Owned by the same parent company and not much more expensive than F1[1]. You get a TV & en suite bathrooms though. Locations of all their brands at accorhotels.com [1] in Boulogne Etap is 34 Euro, F1 is 28 Euro for a 3 person room -- wessie at tesco dot net BMW R1150GS "Wessie is a lovely man with many wonderful qualities" TM Blaney

	#6
Timo Geusch	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> writes: > Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more > thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in > the middle of the night with a Brit visa card, In at least one of them you had to check in by 9pm - I think it was the one in Abbeville. There's a slightly more upmarket chain (ie the same with en-suite bathroom and loo), the name of which escapes me (Etap?) and I've checked into those later in the night. They do seem to have a 24h receptionist, whereas at least the two F1s I've used didn't. Brit CCs were never a problem, though. > and also what say the > FOAK about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just > thinking it would be easier that taking the tent for such a short > trip, and the lack of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. I've used them, mainly as an en-route accommodation. They do what it says on the tin. -- Morini Corsaro 125 \| CB450K4 \| XL250 Motosport x2 \| 900SSD \| VFR750 Triumph T-Bird chop \| K1100LT \| CB400/4 BOTAFOF #33 TWA#10 The UKRM FAQ: http://www.ukrm.net/faq/index.html "Je profite du paysage" - Joe Bar

	#7
Badger	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Gyp wrote: > Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more > thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the > middle of the night with a Brit visa card, Yes, I did exactly this a few years ago. > and also what say the FOAK > about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it > would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack > of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. Formule1: all the comfort of camping without the benefits of fresh air or space to show off your manly skills of being able to cook on a tiny stove. -- Rick NT650V (still) TWA#11 BREast#6 BOTAFOT#139

	#8
wessie	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Timo Geusch <tnewsSPAMMENOT@unixconsult.co.uk> wrote in news:82odhne6t6.fsf@nermal.unix-consult.com: > Gyp <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> writes: > >> Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more >> thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in >> the middle of the night with a Brit visa card, > > In at least one of them you had to check in by 9pm - I think it was the > one in Abbeville. There's a slightly more upmarket chain (ie the same > with en-suite bathroom and loo), the name of which escapes me (Etap?) > and I've checked into those later in the night. They do seem to have a > 24h receptionist, whereas at least the two F1s I've used didn't. Brit > CCs were never a problem, though. Yes, Etap has 24h reception. If Gyp prebooks the Boulogne one using http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/index.html or http://www.etaphotel.com/gb/discover...el/index.shtml then he can pick up a directory of their locations and tramp about as T wishes. Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar. -- wessie at tesco dot net BMW R1150GS "Wessie is a lovely man with many wonderful qualities" TM Blaney

	#9
Timo Geusch	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France wessie <putmynamehere@tesco.net> writes: > Ibis, as bonners mentions, is also part of the Accor group. Less pikey > again, having 24H reception, a restaurant and a bar. Thing about Ibis is that IMHO, their prices ar in "I'd rather book Logis de France" territory for me. -- Morini Corsaro 125 \| CB450K4 \| XL250 Motosport x2 \| 900SSD \| VFR750 Triumph T-Bird chop \| K1100LT \| CB400/4 BOTAFOF #33 TWA#10 The UKRM FAQ: http://www.ukrm.net/faq/index.html "Je profite du paysage" - Joe Bar

	#10
eric the brave	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Gyp wrote: > We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in > Northern France. > > I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get > off the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights. > > However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of > the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the > Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping > bags, cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc. > > Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more > thorough pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the > middle of the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK > about using them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it > would be easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack > of luxury isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. > > Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative? Formule 1 hotels are only a little bit cheaper than other hotels. They can be quite dire as well. Shred bathrooms and a 21000 pounder stuck in the toilet etc. The one I was going to stay at appeared to be full of lorry drivers being serviced by sisters with gold clad brothers/pimps all out side in Mercedes and BM's. I opted for a Ibis Hotel in the end. Let frightening. -- -- ZX10R in the correct colour. Triumph Sprint ST for long two up touring. http://sportstourer.org

	#14
Gyp	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France In message <8g89b3puur1ssa1gm9fu6p380nt43orovk@4ax.com>, Andy Bonwick <nospam@bonwick.me.uk> writes >They're exactly the reasons why I'd choose Ibis as my base line when >stopping at random hotels in France. Thanks to you and all for the helpful info. Looks like my biggest problem is going to be availability more than luxury. Of course, whilst the holiday is apparently desirable, I'm not allowed to spend any time sorting it out as that will eat into a very tight gardening and decorating schedule; it's just got to happen, OK? -- Gyp Change to dotcom to reply

	#15
Eatmorepies	Re: Pikey hols in France "Gyp" <Gyp@gyponline.co.uk> wrote in message news:VWNbpB$rnHtGFwZe@orange.orange... > We're thinking of getting away for a few days, perhaps only 4 nights in > Northern France. > > I was thinking of a Formule1 in Boulogne for the first night as we get off > the ferry at about midnight, and maybe camp for the next 3 nights. > > However, the price of the Formule1 is not much different to the price of > the campsite (though the site has a pool), and I don't have to carry the > Formule1 in the back of the car with beds, tables, chairs, sleeping bags, > cookers, plates, tea towels, washing up bowl etc. > > Anyway, as I've never stayed in a Formule1, can anyone with more thorough > pikey experience confirm that it is possible to check-in in the middle of > the night with a Brit visa card, and also what say the FOAK about using > them as a crash pad for travelling about - just thinking it would be > easier that taking the tent for such a short trip, and the lack of luxury > isn't a great hardship for only 4 nights. > > Or have I missed an obvious pikey-holiday alternative? No problem but they do get full. You can book online. If you book online it's very very very important to offer the get you in machine the same card as you used to book with. John

	#16
peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On 4 Aug, 18:49, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: > In message <8g89b3puur1ssa1gm9fu6p380nt43or...@4ax.com>, Andy Bonwick > <nos...@bonwick.me.uk> writes > > >They're exactly the reasons why I'd choose Ibis as my base line when > >stopping at random hotels in France. > > Thanks to you and all for the helpful info. Looks like my biggest > problem is going to be availability more than luxury. > > Of course, whilst the holiday is apparently desirable, I'm not allowed > to spend any time sorting it out as that will eat into a very tight > gardening and decorating schedule; it's just got to happen, OK? A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in residence at 'the chateau'. Etaps are OK and definitely worth the small premium over Formule 1 IMHO. and unlike camp sites never become muddy. Also easily bookable on-line as Wessie says. The Ibis restaurant at Coquelles is good and so they probably all are, but on balance I think you might find more interesting food at somewhere more 'local' IYSWIM. -- Pete Fisher in France

	#18
peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: > In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, > pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes > > >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in > >residence at 'the chateau'. > > How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your > doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? Not far from Limiges. Usually takes us about 10 hours from Calais by car including lunch and 'comfort breaks', but more disregard for the autoroute limit could probably significantly reduce that. Still a bit far for just a few days. -- Pete Fisher in France

	#19
Des	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote: > On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in >> >residence at 'the chateau'. >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? > Not far from Limiges. ?? D. -- des \| 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!' BMW K100-LT

	#20
Ace	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote: >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes >> >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in >> >residence at 'the chateau'. >> >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? > >Not far from Limiges. Heh. You've been watching too much 'allo 'allo, haven't you? -- _______ ..'_/_\|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom) \`\ \| /`/ DS#8 BOTAFOT#3 SbS#2 UKRMMA#13 DFV#8 SKA#2 IBB#10 `\\ \| //' `\\|/` `

	#21
The Older Gentleman	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France Ace <seesig@virgin.net> wrote: > On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote: > > >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: > >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, > >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes > >> > >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in > >> >residence at 'the chateau'. > >> > >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your > >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? > > > >Not far from Limiges. > > Heh. You've been watching too much 'allo 'allo, haven't you? "That was what you might call a kick-up." -- K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125 GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60 The bells, the bells.....

	#22
Champ	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:07:08 -0700, peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote: >On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes >> >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in >> >residence at 'the chateau'. >> >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? > >Not far from Limiges. heh. I spose the i is next to the o >Usually takes us about 10 hours from Calais by >car including lunch and 'comfort breaks', but more disregard for the >autoroute limit could probably significantly reduce that. I'll bloody say so! Even Mappy reckons it's 684km and under 7 hours. -- Champ I don't know, but I been told, you never slow down, you never get old ZX10R \| GPz750turbo \| GSX-R600 (race) neal at champ dot org dot uk

	#24
peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On 7 Aug, 09:14, Des <d...@yahoo.fr> wrote: > pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote: > > On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: > >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, > >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes > >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in > >> >residence at 'the chateau'. > >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your > >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? > > Not far from Limiges. > > ?? > > D. > -- > des \| 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!' > BMW K100-LT Typos R us. -- Pete Fisher not far from Limoges

	#29
Pip Luscher	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France On Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:30:52 +0100, eric the brave <etb@foo.com> wrote: >They do vary depending where they are. Villages hotels are quite good >and at the lower end of the price range. Pick out your destination on >viamichelin.com and choose a hotel. I used a Villages hotel in Dijon a year or so ago when I drove to the Alps. Was fine for my needs. Breakfast was served in-house but evenig meals had to be taken elsewhere. -- -Pip

	#31
The Older Gentleman	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France <peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote: > Bloody good stuff this Rose. 12.5 percent A lot of Provence rose is around that strength or more. For knock-out rose, try Tavel or Bandol, though. -- K1100LT 750SS CB400F CD250 SL125 GAGARPHOF#30 GHPOTHUF#1 BOTAFOT#60 The bells, the bells.....

	#34
Des	Re: OT: Pikey hols in France The Older Gentleman <chateau.murrayTAKETHISOUT@dsl.pipex.com> wrote: > <peter@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk> wrote: > >> On 7 Aug, 09:14, Des <d...@yahoo.fr> wrote: >> > pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk wrote: >> > > On 6 Aug, 21:09, Gyp <G...@gyponline.co.uk> wrote: >> > >> In message <1186429294.730163.257...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups. com>, >> > >> pe...@ps-fisher.demon.co.uk writes >> > >> >A pity you haven't got time to get further south while we are in >> > >> >residence at 'the chateau'. >> > >> How far down is your mini-chateau, Pete, as you might find me on your >> > >> doorstep on Sunday morning if you're not careful...? >> > > Not far from Limiges. >> > >> > ?? >> Typos R us. > You think he didn't know that? snort 'Between love and hate, lies obsession...' D. -- des \| 'trop d'la balle, j'kiffe grave!' BMW K100-LT