Bikes on trains...Loire Valley

[Cathryn]

Hey

Has anyone taken their bikes on trains in the Loire Valley? Specifically Orleans to Angers if poss but any info welcome.

Merci...

 

[rich p]

This site may be of use

http://www.frenchentree.com/travelling-around-france/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=19003

I was going to head south from the Loire last year in search of weather but the rail routes weren't favourable. You should be ok east to west

 

[Cathryn]

Really useful. Thank you.

 

[andym]

The article Rich linked to covers most of the ground, but this article on the fubicy site is probably the most complete information in English:

http://www.fubicy.org/spip.php?article107

The SNCF website should also tell you if a specific train will carry bikes - but it's not obvious: you have to click on the tab that says (IIRC) 'details'. You should then, hopefully see a bike logo.

 

[Cathryn]

Thanks. I think it might be possible from looking at those links...but you never know with French trains!

 

[pinkkaz]

Hello, I've taken my bike on the train in the loire valley - no probs at all and lots of space. If you pick up a timetable when you get there you'll notice that practically every train has a little bike sign next to it.

Just don't try taking them on a tgv, like I did eek!

 

[Cathryn]

Hurrah. Now I'm excited. Thanks everyone.

 

[pinkkaz]

I can add that the Loire Valley really is a goooorgeous place to cycle. Fields of sunflowers, fairytale castles and of course lots of cheese and wine! It's really flat as well (along the river anyway - veer off from there and it gets a lot hillier!)

 

[Cathryn]

I'm planning to take the parents on their first ever cycle tour in March or April. Months not ideal but all I have available. They're slightly excited. Me? I've started a spreadsheet!

 

[rich p]

Great stuff. Ideal area being flat, lovely chateaux etc. I expect you know already that away from the river it can be quite hilly.

 

[Cathryn]

Not allowed hills on Mum's first tour...so we'll be sticking to the river!! I'm seriously excited now.