Deals, Europe, Sport

For go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz

Plus ca change as they say en France and for go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz aujourd-hui.

One of the highlights back in the day on holiday in Salthill on Ireland’s west coast .

And before Sky television and mobile phones and girls, was the go-karts.

And we’d spend the hard-earned Saturday work cash on cornering and pretending we were James Hunt.

Of course, I should have known then I wouldn’t be cut out to be a natural driver.

Spin me right round: Underground karting

Although I did manage to get my driving licence after I think six times.

During which I got lessons from Her Behind the Wheel which is where she has stayed, not allowing me to drive since.

And the most laidback rasta driver who would pass over anything I might be doing wrong.

Occasionally stepping on the emergency brake, but mostly waving at his ‘brothers’ out the window.

One careless driver

You can take it as red: Fiat 501 en France

A range of work cars laters, a slip on the ice in Aberdeen and a rear-end outside a football ground and a clamping and we’re more or less up to date.

Apart, of course, from the time on the French Riviera when our party were given Fiat 501s to drive.

Only I couldn’t work out the old hand gears and the tour operator insisted they drive me instead!

All of which driving mishaps behind me I was rather taken by the invitation put out here.

To discover Avo’Drift in Avoriaz on the French-Swiss border.

And despite the billing, it doesn’t down scary at all, which is more than be said for my mountain escapades.

Get the Drift

You better watch out: Lady Driver!

Avo’Drift, we’re told, and I checked out the pics, is a unique drifting-style driving experience.

Set inside an underground parking garage.

All transformed into a vibrant illuminated arena with neon lights and an underground atmosphere.

Participants take the wheel of electric vehicles.

All specially designed for drifting, featuring one front wheel and two rear wheels built for sliding.

All of which is meant to allow drivers to drift through corners, swing the rear out, and challenge friends in a fun and immersive setting.

Helmets and gloves are provided if necessary, and the activity is accessible to anyone over4.5ft tall.

Sessions last between eight and ten minutes.

And prices are set at €15/£13 per driver or €13.50/£12 with the Multipass discount.

Count us in

He’s an ici rider: Cornering

A seven-night stay at Hotel des Dromonts, arriving  August 8, is priced from £643pps, sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.

We found flights with EasyJet from £194.48.

BON VOYAGE

 

Countries, Deals, Europe

Beat battlefield fatigue on a Normandy landings tour

We, of course, are history’s observers, but for the day that’s in it, here’s how to beat battlefield fatigue on a Normandy landings tour.

Dermot, our legendary tour guide, defined the phenomenon for us.

Which some, but certainly not I, were feeling on our coach.

In Flanders and in the Somme on our GTI pilgrimage back in the day.

As we covered battlefield after battlefield, cemetery after cemetery, for the centennial anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

It is Normandy’s turn today to face the glare of the world’s gaze as we mark eight decades since 150,000 Allied troops landed in France.

Remnants: German tank defences

Big round numbers fix our concentration but, of course, every year, every month, every day, our ancestors move that little bit further away.

That they don’t disappear altogether is entirely because of organisations like the Commonwealth Graves Commission.

And tour companies such as GTI which runs a four-day tour from €859pp.

You will arrive in Paris and transfer to Pegasus Bridge Memorial before being taken to your hotel.

Well rested, a luxury not afforded to the soldiers of 1944, you’ll be escorted the next day to the landing sites.

Blockbuster: Saving Private Ryan

Those you have seen and heard of from Hollywood blockbusters, Sword, Juno & Gold.

It is important to remember too the bravery and sacrifices of ordinary German and Axis troops joined the battle.

Visit Longues-sur-Mer the WW2 artillery battery that formed a part of Germany’s Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications.

And take in the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-Sur-Mer documenting the 14,000 Canadian troops that landed in 1944.

And also visit the Arromanches Landing Museum and Ranville War Cemetery.

Flying squad: The parachutists

Day 3 will take you to the iconic Utah and Omaha sites.

And La Cambe German Cemetery near Bayeux and the St Laurent-sur-Mer American Cemetery.

And take in beautiful Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first towns liberated.

Monument: To fighters’ sacrifice

Now in a reminder that the English Channel or La Manche has long been a corridor of war your last day will see you explore Bayeux.

The Bayeux Military Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth cemetery of the Second World War in France.

Its memorial bears the 1800 names of forces who have no known grave.

1066 and all that: The Bayeux Tapestry

While there will be plenty of free time in Bayeux with an option to see the Bayeux Tapestry story of William the Conqueror’s liberation of England.

Before returning by executive coach to Paris Airport for your return flight to Dublin.

GTI run a range of dates including this October and across the Normandy Landings dates next year.

Safe in the knowledge that there will be a tour guide just like Dermot.

To beat battlefield fatigue on a Normandy landings tour.