A few more questions/comments.
How will you get to St Malo or the uk ferry port??
Is your buddy used to those distances?
If you are going via the Verdon Gorge I suggest you spend some time there as it is mind blowing.
Would it be worth borrowin/hiring a tourer?
Whatever, enjoy the fabulous experience.
As lads aged 16, me and a mate cycled from the wirral, through Wales and round Anglesey. We slept in barns (that was cold) or cadged a bed when we could. But the memories stayed on.
Previously when I've gone to France I've used the train Preston >Euston >Victoria >Portsmouth. Cycling in London is one of the worst experiences I've ever had on a bike!!
This time we've got a direct train Manchester >Southampton. Then 17 miles to ride to Portsmouth to the ferry for St Malo.
Is my buddy used to the distances? Yes. On consecutive days? I believe so but this is why we have two rest days built in. We could either have a complete rest or four days of only 40/50 miles.
I've got a get out plan. When we hit the Dordogne we basically turn left and head southish. We could turn right and ride due west to Bordeaux literally alongside the Dordogne river. It's very quiet and the last +/- 100km is purpose built cyclepath which spits one out at the station. Bordeaux >Nice is 12 hours by train. It's a stopping train! I've ridden this route - its two days.
Yep. Completely agree re Gorge du Version. I've been before. We've been visiting Provence for 40+ years when we see our Nice friends. Mrs P has been going for 53 years!!!!!
You're bang on the money Dave, these experiences stay forever. My five long tours are as fresh as yesterday.
My big concern is accommodation. Some of the route is very rural. I have and would sleep in a hedge. I'm not sure my friend would. 😄
Bike hire is a great idea. Thanks. I hadn't considered this or thought of it