Calais to Nice or something

[Simon_m]

Hi, just wondering is anyone here has done the length of France? I'm guessing a lot have. Is there a semi-official route taking in small gorgeous towns and villages, making the use of low traffic back roads like the TransAm? I did van-supported this year which some of you will scoff at, but it's the way to go! So I'm looking for a new "challange". So the next part of my question is, has anyone used a company which offers van-supported through France? Maybe someone can drive my car with all the luggage in? Thanks

Simon
http://webm8transamerica.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[Brains]

You would have thought the French would have an equivalent Lands End/John O'Grotes, i.e. the two furthest extremities of the land, I however have been to the 'John o'Grotes of France' which is a car park on the Belgian border near Dunkirk at the back end of a mobile home site.

These is not so much as a sign there, nothing at all.

 

[Simon_m]

oh right, sounds a bit dull. I don't really mind about having to start right at the waters edge like we did on the TransAm, it's more about just riding through a lovely part of the world for a few weeks. Did you do some cycle touring there then? or just went to see a carpark?

 

[bof]

, I however have been to the 'John o'Grotes of France' which is a car park on the Belgian border near Dunkirk at the back end of a mobile home site.

Not so very different from our own extremities then. The other end, Menton, is much nicer.

 

[RhythMick]

I believe a new route has opened down the west coast of France and through into Spain. It extends into Britain I think too.

http://digitaljournal.com/article/324045

 

[Simon_m]

Oh right, there seems to be nothing which goes through the heart of the country (as an official route). I guess it will be fun to make ones own route. Would def' like to do the south coast from the french boarder with Italy down to the spanish boarder.

 

[bof]

Oh right, there seems to be nothing which goes through the heart of the country (as an official route). I guess it will be fun to make ones own route. Would def' like to do the south coast from the french boarder with Italy down to the spanish boarder.

Try this - there is an award sanctioned by the FFCT that covers a Dunkirk Menton diagonal and some other cross-France routes - see http://diagonales.homelinux.net/adf/index.php. The site's in French. While it is not as well known as LEJOG, it is a well trodden route

 

[Simon_m]

Cheers, I will take a look

 

[robgul]

We rode Calais to Montpellier - see www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk and under The Journals/France section

Rob

 

[fraefreuchie]

Hi I rode from Calais to Narbonne via the Rhone valley in 2010 and from Narbonne to Edinburgh via St Malo in 2012. I would be happy to provide detailed routes if you find my blog of interest.
http://briansbigbikeride.blogspot.co.uk/
Good luck and go for it.
Brian

 

[Simon_m]

Cheers guys, I will take a look at those links. It's just a rough idea at the moment, but I guess that's how all adventures start!

 

[dragon72]

I did Marseille to the Channel (Le Havre) a few years back.
See here: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/marseilletothechannel

 

[Simon_m]

thanks. lots of reading to do!

 

[bigjim]

Edward Enfields book. "Downhill all the way". Brilliant.