What about talking of something else than the economy? Your next vacation, for example. Now that the US dollar regained some of its value against the Euro, why not crossing the big blue to visit one of the European countries. Have you thought about France? (I admit on this one, very biased). Visiting on a Harley? (even more biased). With very professional people I know in Paris who can organize everything for you, itineraries, hotels, and everything you need? At prices I think are quite reasonable (no, I don’t receive a kick back). For 1 day, 1 week, 1 month (lucky you) and everything between.
Paris Vtwin Passion organizes private and corporate events based on the rental of any Harley-Davidson bikes, from the Sportster 1200 to the Electra Ultra Classic. A few Saxon Warlord models are also available. You can ride solo, as a couple or join a group visiting the best of France. French chateaux and its ghosts, St-Tropez and its girls, Bordeaux and its wines, Deauville and its movie festival, Paris and its everything, etc… No limit to your curiosity on a Harley. These French boys care about anything and everything to make you feel at home and handle all the paperwork for your insurance. From the US, call on my behalf Olivier at 011-33-1-47-34-01-01, or fax: 011-33-1-47-34-08-08 or email info@parisvtwinpassion.com.
Website Paris Vtwin Passion (still only in French).
Having taken 3 self-guided motorcycle tours of Europe on custom bikes I built and flew over, let me tell you that there’s no better treat you can give yourself. I’ve been from Amsterdam (awesome fun city) through Germany (also fabulous time and people) to the Côte d’Azur (Nice), Marseilles and Monaco. There’s nothing like riding along the Rhine/Rhone through the heartland of Europe. Not to mention the passion that Europeans have for Harleys and custom v-twins. Food and hospitality are amazing and if you have any love of architecture and design (as I do) there’s no better place to be.
This sounds like a great trip and includes a lot of places I haven’t seen yet.
..and if you want to do it yourself you can always rent a Harley at ost of the Dealers and Eaglerider have a good rental network too. Watch out for crazy French drivers though!!
You are partially correct in stating that the Web site is (still only in French). It has linked pages in a header bar in English “under construction.” But it does have links to rates and booking that are in English – is it surprising that they would be set-up to take our money even if they don’t describe in English what we are purchasing. But as Cyril pointed out, their rates are not outrageous and if you are looking at visiting France, this would be an experience that a biker could treasure forever. After visiting the site France looks a little more appealing … maybe someday.
The English version of their site is not ready, but you can email or call in English. They understand.
Someone said something about crazy French drivers. Take it with a grain of salt. At least French drivers are aware of motorcycles on the road a lot more than US drivers are…
Try and take the west coast Basque route. Get out your map. Starts around Hossegor, There’s a toll road that parallels the coast road. The toll road (is fast) will take you all the way to Hendaye (Hon-die) towards the border of Spain. You can leave the toll road at Biarritz (1969 was a very good year for Cote Basque beach. Lots of women at the cafe that overlooks a surfing playground. It’s better to take the coast road and drive slow.
• Hossegor is a long stretch of sand dunes and half buried WW2 artillery bunkers.
• Cavalier’s is the same.
• Biarritz has alot to see. The Ritz has a saltwater swimming pool.
• Bidart is quaint.
* Gurthary (Git-ter-ree) is quaint. Heck their all “quaint”.
I mention these places because of the American ex-patriot/French blend. Surfing does that for the world. Somewhere along the “road of French cuisine” you going to be craving for a hamburger and fries, or some chips and salsa and Biarritz has all of that.
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Lemme know when they have tours into Morocco and we can chase the trail of Abdul Krim. I’d like to pull into Tetla-Katama for high-Atlas mint tea and a pipekila.
Fair comment Ben – just came back from a long weekend in the South of France where two mates were squeezed off a narrow mountain road by oncoming fast cars – no one was hurt just a few bent bits. Its all fun.
they are very nice people and visiting paris and the french country witha motorcycle that the best you can do
thank to gilles
alan
I second alan on his post, very nice people and nice shop.