The Duffers in France 2019

The French Duffers 2019 trip is almost upon us again. We are back to the normal format this year, 3 nights in France and then back home with another night in the UK for the more northern members. Monday 29th April sees us off to Boulogne, Tuesday 30th it’s Deauville and Wednesday 1st May Douai. Wellingborough on the 2nd is our UK stop. There are six of us this time around. I am sure there will be some photos to post up in due course.

The motley crew on the Eurotunnel train

Richard snapped me while setting up for the group shot on the train.

Bikes tucked up for the night outside our hotel in Boulogne.

Some more photos below.

(click to expand some of them)

Boulogne Ibis:

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In the bar. Not just any bar, mind. Just the nearest one. The Vole Hole, Better than expected.

L-R: John, Rae, Glen:

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La Grillardine, Boulogne centre. Like eating in someones house. 10 seats downstairs, and the same upstairs. Recommended.

L-R: Rae, Lucian, Mike:

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La Grillardine, Boulogne.

L-R: Richard, John, Glen, Rae, Lucian, Mike:

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'Le Welsh' is what they call it. Now, why would several restuarants in Boulogne want to sell Welsh rarebit? Is there some tenuous connection across the channel? Tasty anyway:

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Lunch break at Dieppe. They dug the whole of the shopping street up that we intended to eat on, so we hit the boulangerie, and then camped out in the bar. Needs must, etc:

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Petrol stop, with blossoming cherry. Very pleasant weather:

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View from the Deauville Ibis. Ibis might be the Premier Inn de France, but all three hotels were in fabulous locations. This one had under-street secure parking for the bikes. Hats off to Rae for getting the trip all sorted!

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A pint or two in Deauville town centre. And some fabulous French cider for me:

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Lucian and Glen at Deauville town hall:

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Deauville beach at sunset:

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2k euros to moor your yacht per annum. Cheaper then a UK narrow boat licence?

The guy was getting ready to race from Deauville -> Cowes -> Le Havre. 10 hours, if the wind blows. Indeterminate if not:

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Only in France. It's even worse after a few pints:

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Douai bar, May Day:

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Douai bar - all the youngsters were out in force, since its a French bank holiday. There were some French people there too.

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Douai Disneyland! But how do you get in? (it's the town hall, but quite funky):

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Looks like you all had a good time

We did, and a couple of the lads have asked if we can do it again later this year. I think they must have enjoyed it

I just love Deauville good choice