Cycling in France

[brokenflipflop]

Me and the wife are intending to drive to France this summer with the pushbikes. We've been a few times but without the bikes.

Has anyone been with their bikes and can you suggest anything that may help our plans. At the moment we have absolutely no firm ideas at all so any info on where to go and how to do it and where to stay at all would be appreciated. We're quite happy to just do a little cycling or a lot depending on whatever or how it pans out.

Cheers

 

[snorri]

We've been a few times but without the bikes.
Has anyone been with their bikes and can you suggest anything that may help our plans.out.

You have been a few times, so why go back?
Once in France head for the border, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg any border at all.

 

[brokenflipflop]

You have been a few times, so why go back?
Once in France head for the border, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg any border at all.

I don't understand. Is it better along the eastern border of France and go into these other countries ?

 

[TheDoctor]

Ooh, good stuff.
IMHO all of France has its merits. How far do you fancy driving in France, are you looking for dead flat, rolling hills or mountains, day rides or a multi day tour? If there's a particular wine you're fond of, look at going to where it's made?
I've done a fair few weekends in the bit inland from Calais / Boulogne, a weekend based in Epernay cycling the hills of Champagne, a week following the Rhone from Lyon to Avignon, and a week following the Rhine, which can take you into Germany as well. A few trips to Normandy too. The Alps are a bit like hard work, as is Mont Ventoux.
I'd personally suggest staying in Logis - family-run hotels with good food. They're all over France.

 

[TheDoctor]

You have been a few times, so why go back?
Once in France head for the border, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg any border at all.

I don't understand. Is it better along the eastern border of France and go into these other countries ?

I think snorri is advising against France. That's the way I read it anyhow, I could be wrong.

 

[lukesdad]

Could be worse snorri, could be jockland

 

[snorri]

I think snorri is advising against France. That's the way I read it anyhow, I could be wrong.

That was what I meant, I do think it is over rated for cycle touring.

 

[TheDoctor]

Patient drivers, quiet roads, good food, good wine, about 300 different cheeses, mountains, lakes, rivers...
I fail to see what's not to like, myself.
Anyways. As a starting point, I'd get a French road atlas - about 1:200 000, that's 1cm to 2 km - and look at where you might be interested in. Then look at where hotels are, and quiet roads, and maybe train lines if you might want to bail, and take it from there.

 

[Bicycle]

Me and the wife are intending to drive to France this summer with the pushbikes. We've been a few times but without the bikes.

Has anyone been with their bikes and can you suggest anything that may help our plans. At the moment we have absolutely no firm ideas at all so any info on where to go and how to do it and where to stay at all would be appreciated. We're quite happy to just do a little cycling or a lot depending on whatever or how it pans out.

Cheers

1. If it's just the two of you, see if you can get the bikes inside the car (at least for the crossing). Ferry companies can be harsh when charging for higher vehicles.

2. France is generally much more bicycle-friendly than much of the UK. Without wanting to generalise, I think you'll be treated better by other road users and will be warmly received.

3. Take with you a box of tools and spares in the car - also handwashing stuff and rags and all sorts.

4. Remember to ride on the right. France (along with many other countries) didn't have the benefit of being under the yoke of British imperialism, so they have this strange notion of doing things the wrong way round.

5. Do take your bikes into central Paris. There are traffic systems there that will terrify and delight in equal measure.

 

[Brandane]

Been to France quite regularly by car, motorbike, and bicycle. Last time I went I didn't have much time so just got the Portsmouth - Caen ferry and based myself at Caen for 5 days. Thoroughly enjoyed doing day trips out from Caen to Arromanches, Lisieux, Bayeux, Deauville, and a day trip by train to Le Mans where I cycled round the Le Mans 24 hour race circuit (which is mainly held on public roads).

Another good trip was to drive down to the Loire valley with the bike in the car. Stayed at a hotel in Amboise, and again did various day trips by bike from there. There are several good "routes verte" for cyclists in the Loire valley area.

 

[Brandane]

5. Do take your bikes into central Paris. There are traffic systems there that will terrify and delight in equal measure.

The roundabout which circles the Arc de Triomphe is a must-do. I did it once on a motorbike and survived it, somehow. If they had something like that in the centre of London it would cause chaos for miles around. It could only work with the French mentality.

 

[TheDoctor]

Ermm...central Paris is the last place I'd go cycling!!
I have done it (I had three hours to kill before the Eurostar went) but it wasn't really my idea of fun.
I'd be looking at Normandy including the Voie Verte from Dieppe to Forges-les-Eaux, or the Burgundy Canal, or Champagne myself.

 

[brokenflipflop]

Thanks for all the replies.

I will be putting the bikes inside the car. I've previously been to Normandy, Brittany, The Vendee, La Rochelle but on every occasion we just camped at the same site all holiday.

The drive down south to La Rochelle was a bit long so I think the northern half of france would be better.

What is the deal though. Do I book a hotel for a night, drive to it, get up, cycle around a bit, get in car and travel to another destination or spend a few nights in the same place? Although I've been to France numerous times I've been a creature of habit, going to the same sites and doing the same things. It'll be the first time taking the bikes and I don't have any set requirements but I'm rubbish at the ideas stage of things like this hence the question in the first place. (I think very hilly would be good to miss as well)

 

[Crackle]

Brittany then: Get the Michelin maps and follow any of the hundreds of minor roads. Quite up and down Brittany. South coast is busy, North coast is lovely and the East coast a surprise and inner Brittany, peaceful and relaxed. Unfortunately the Tour is not going through Brittany this year otherwise you could go and watch stage but that could be another focus point, hire a campervan and follow Le Tour, or summat.

 

[brokenflipflop]

Doctor. I've had a look at Logis hotels - great but.....talk about North London prices south of the river. I'm a bit more used to a caravan for 4, £550 for 14 nights.