Thibaud

On May 6, 2024, my 14-year-old son and I flew from Strasbourg to Bordeaux, eager to embark on a memorable adventure (following an online participation with Ducati). After a mid-evening flight and a night-time arrival in Bordeaux, we headed to our hotel to rest and prepare for the next day. On May 7, we were welcomed at the “Ducati Bordeaux Mérignac” dealership in the early afternoon. Before us, a superb Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally awaited under a shy spring sun. After formalities and a quick familiarization with all the settings and modes with the team, we were ready to set off on our road trip, and this journey would mark our participation in the 60,000 km European Tour. In the mid-afternoon, we left Bordeaux astride the Multistrada, the purring of the Ducati engine filling us with excitement, ready for a thrilling adventure that would take us to Le Mans. We headed west, through the landscapes of the Bordeaux region, and our first goal was to reach the seashore, where the waves embrace the land. The salty wind and coastal scenery unfolded before us, and we savored every moment of this ride, enjoying every turn to test the exceptional maneuverability of our mount. The feeling of freedom was unmatched, with the wind rushing into our helmets and the road stretching ahead of us like an endless invitation. After a few hours on the road, we reached Royan by ferry from Le Verdon-Sur-Mer. The sea breeze and the salty smell of the ocean welcomed us, offering a well-deserved break. We followed the coast towards La Rochelle. The panorama was breathtaking: white cliffs, fine sandy beaches, and picturesque villages followed one another, each adding a special touch to this living picture. The Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally adapted perfectly to this varied terrain, offering smooth handling on winding roads and comfort on long straight stretches. We arrived in La Rochelle just in time for a seaside dinner and a stroll through the picturesque streets of the port city before resting for the night. On May 8, we resumed our journey towards Nantes along the wild coast, enjoying spectacular ocean views and winding roads that made the ride even more thrilling. The route between La Rochelle and Nantes is a delight for any motorcyclist: fast straights and tight turns. By late afternoon, we reached Nantes, where we were welcomed by the majesty of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the vibrancy of this historic city, and we settled into our hotel for two nights. We spent May 9 exploring Nantes, visiting the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and strolling through the lively city center. In the evening, we enthusiastically planned our next leg, anticipating the wonders awaiting us along the Loire. On May 10, after two restful nights in Nantes, we headed towards Tours, following the banks of the majestic Loire River. The Ducati glided on these picturesque roads with remarkable ease, offering impressive stability and responsiveness. The vineyards, green meadows, and small villages with stone houses created an idyllic setting, making every kilometer a real pleasure. Each stop was an opportunity to discover the region’s beauty and grand castles, like those of Angers and Saumur, each telling a story of the rich history of the Loire Valley. We reached Tours in the late afternoon and settled in for three nights, excited about the coming weekend. On May 13, we devoted the day to exploring Le Mans. We visited the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, immersed in the history of this legendary race, before strolling through the historic streets of the city. In the evening, we settled in Mulsanne for our last night. On May 14, the final hour of our road trip took place under a gray sky with light drizzle, as we returned our Ducati to the Ducati Le Mans – BPM Motorbike dealership. It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to the motorcycle that had accompanied us throughout our adventure. We then took the TGV to Nantes, where we boarded our return flight to Strasbourg.