cycling in France

[psmiffy]

Also has anyone cycled from St. Malo to Rennes and then from Rennes to Nants and know the best route to take? I'm looking for the most direct rute were are time restricted so dont have the option of the senic route.

The most direct route is down the N137 but probably not a nice place to cycle - Just get out some mapping software- there is a plethora on the web - set all the parameters to the most cycle friendly

It is easy to find a route to cycle in France even on the fly - and despite the nasty accident figures quoted above - it is a nicer place to cycle than the UK

 

[delport]

Hi Folks,

I'm new to this forum but just looking for some help. This summer i am leading a charity cycle through France from St. Malo to Lourdes.

I've done Le Havre to St Malo, but no further south, one of the cyle paths down to st malo was very enjoyable and very long.
Check the brittany tourist website, they may have full cycle maps in english for free,in Normandy the cycle maps are free at the tourist office, and everything is in English.
Here is one in French, i didn't look for long
http://www.randobreizh.com/a-velo_veloroutes-voies-vertes-bretagne_index.php
The equivalent of A roads in France i found okay, plenty of space allowed by drivers, a few roads were extremely quiet.

 

[Bicycle]

My impression of road use in France is 100% positive.

1. As a motorcyclist in the 80s/90s: Gorgeous road surfaces, Staff in cafes and 'Les Routiers' with a positive attitude to motorcycles and Gendarmes who stopped me three times for speeding (different trips) and let me off with a finger-wag each time.

2. As a cyclist: Beautiful road surfaces again, drivers who expect to find bicycles on the road, other road users and pedestrians shouting encouragement on hard climbs ("Courage!").

Things are more fraught in Paris than the deep, hilly coutryside of the rural south, but I still found it a romantic and rewarding experience.

On or around recognised TdF stage sections, it can sometimes be a little wearisome, with tough guys wanting to prove something (and often managing to), but elsewhere it is a treat.

Despite being 100% English, I have always found the French authorities approachable and friendly.

Some road users are aggressive but show me a country where they're not.

Broadly, there is a romance to cycling in France (and Italy) that some other countries lack.

(I once did an accidental stoppie at a 'sudden red light' in Brescia and got a round of applause from pedestrians. These things are priceless and would not happen in other countries).

 

[Dave Davenport]

Hi Folks,

I'm new to this forum but just looking for some help. This summer i am leading a charity cycle through France from St. Malo to Lourdes. I have had to change my route slightly and i was wondering what roads can cyclists use in France? Are the rules the same as in the UK i.e. no cycling on the dule carriageway etc.

Also has anyone cycled from St. Malo to Rennes and then from Rennes to Nants and know the best route to take? I'm looking for the most direct rute were are time restricted so dont have the option of the senic route.

Thanks
Andy.

We did Nantes - Rennes - St Malo last year as part of a ride from Bilbao. There are are plenty of quiet minor roads to take and the Rennes - Dinan canal path is very good.
I can give you details of the route we used if you like but it would be very easy to sort out your own to suit.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Oh, and I'd recommend using Michelin regional maps, the scale & detail is about right for cycle touring.