11th to 20th gets my vote.

Happy with the 11th.
Will book the dates.

So Monday 11 - Wednesday 20 July then?
(can't add the lots of flag-waving emojis I want to - guess an iPad issue 🤷🏻‍♂️)

Ok Chaps - I've sent messages to all the hotels, and to Fai for the long, lazy lunch...

The suggested itinerary is basically as above:

• 11th July - Overnight ferry to Le Havre, depart Portsmouth 23:00
• 12th/13th July - Stop 1: 2 nights near the seaside at Hotel Cote Lac
• 14th/15th July - Stop 2: 2 nights at L'Escala Dau Lemosi
• 16th/17th July - Stop 3: 2 nights at L'île Ô Reflets
• (near Fai's restaurant Le Manoir de Saint Quentin, where we'll have a long, lazy lunch on the rest day)
• 18th/19th July - Stop 4: 2 nights stop at Le Château de Sarceaux
• 20th July - Usual evening return ferry from Cherbourg, but returning to Poole

Total 8 nights away.
(Plus the first night ferry crossing)

So - who's coming?

• Le Presidente -
• Uncle Albert -
• Donut -
• TeaBag -
• The Banker -
• Biscuit -
• Alf - (Leaving on 19th)
• Hedge -
• Zippy - (From the night of the 14th...)?)

And the unfortunate few...

• Frank -
• Long John -
• Doc -
• Marty -
• Peter Elliot -

Bloody hell!
Hervé - Château de Sarceaux - is the first to respond!!!

Hi Steve,

We have availability for all of you on 18th and 19th of July.
With evening dinners.

Cheers.
Hervé

I'd love to come. But looking difficult. Out of holiday and clash of dates. If there is room to join you for the second half then I might see if I can make that work but probably optimistic.

Ah - we have a hotel/B&B issue...
L'île Ô Reflets, on the 17th-18th are full.

Bonjour Steve !

I remember you, yes. Thank you again for your interest at home.

But can you change your dates, because unfortunatly for you,
I'm full June 17-19 since last year...

Amicalement,
Martial

So, we need a new hotel/B&B locally...
Please have a look - all of you!

Is that a typo.... given we're looking to be there in July, and nights of 16th and 17th?

I'll check - but I think a typo...

Yeh! Good news... Martial had the wrong month!

"Yes, Steve,
Saturday JULY 16th & Sunday 17th 2022 is OK for me.

Bonne nuit, à demain"

And the next response from L'Escala Dau Lemosi:

"Hi Steve
We are glad to see you again
It is with great pleasure for July 14 and 15 meals and room.
On the other hand, I don't have more than 8 beds to accommodate you.
Awaiting your reply
We wish you and your loved ones a happy new year 2022
Best regards
Elisa"

I'm sure we can deal with sleeping arrangements if needed...

And the final hotel, Cote Lac, has replied

"Hi Steve,

How are you ?
We hope this virus behind us in july.

No problem for this new booking.

How many rooms do you want ?

Cheers.
Philippe"

So now we need to firm-up numbers - who is on the trip???

Brittany Ferries are no longer doing Portsmouth/Le Havre - freight only.
So, we'll go overnight to Caen from Portsmouth.
The return also need to be to Poole from Cherbourg.
I've started on routes for those crossings.

So, the crossings will be:
Portsmouth to Caen - out
Cherbourg to Poole - Return

Ferry

Ok - I've booked, including a 4 berth cabin.
Others can add their booking to this cabin.
TeaBag will also book a second cabin.

Booking