Which maps for France?

[john xyz]

if you're simply cycling to Paris it is perfectly possible to find your way by using Google Maps and printing bits out. You have to hit the 'walk' button, and check the junctions to make sure the map isn't directing you across a field, but, while it takes a bit of time, you will be able to work out where you can stop for a bite to eat.

If you do buy maps, the IGN series is a better bet than Michelin, and costs about seven quid a map from Stanfords.

I'd buy a map of Paris and bigger than 1 to 100,000.

If you're going via Dieppe I can send you a link to The Fridays route

I'd like to check out this route please - mebee can link up with it from Calais. thansk

 

[srw]

I'd like to check out this route please - mebee can link up with it from Calais. thansk

Unless you're a sucker for hills, I wouldn't bother. Take a look at the google terrain map - the north coast of France is considerably hillier than anyone expects, because all the rivers run north to the sea.

 

[bof]

This is great , thanks guys.


We live near Dover so are cycling from Calais. Hope to use mainly the unclassified 'white' roads - as opposed to D roads. Though i appreciate this will lengthen the jorney a little. Wild camping is also planned.

Most minor roads are D roads - so too are most main roads now! The D roads to avoid tend to be D600 and something. The D roads in the 900s are more likely to be the equivalent of B roads or quiet A roads, while a "D1" is quite likely to be a winding lane.The two maps use colouring to highlight those you probably want to avoid.

If you are planning a route to Paris try the various cycle routing sites and look for routes and comments.

 

[Alun]

Have a look at the Via Michelin site http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Routes and click the cycle option.
Google "Avenue Verte", which is a traffic free route, although I don't know if it goes all the way to Paris, you might be able to incorporate part of it.
I usually by maps from here http://www.dash4it.co.uk and also recommend the 1:100 IGN maps.

 

[andrew_s]

I also recommend the IGN 1:100,000 series maps (green, the orange ones are 1:50,000, and are uncommon)

The Michelin 1:200,000 series maps no longer exist as a series of paper maps, though they were still used in the touring and road altla the last time I checked. For individual maps they have been replaced by the regional series, which are of verying scale depending on the size of the region, and have also been "made clearer" (i.e. simplified). I don't like them.

I get my maps from The Map Shop in Upton

 

[fatblokish]

The Michelin 1:200,000 series maps no longer exist as a series of paper maps

Not entirely accurate...

http://www.michelinonline.co.uk/travel/reg.htm

 

[psmiffy]

Ive fallen out of love with michelin for France - they no longer have a campsite overprint on - however neither do the IGN100s so I will probably continue to use the michelin as they are a better scale - 17maps to cover the whole of France versus 176 for the IGN100's

 

[JC4LAB]

...for me its a general map to start with..Michelin etc (I like the green marked scenic route indicators on them) but then buy locally once you are over there..You will find local cyclemaps and route guides in some places.I aslo like to Google earth an area I intend to visit

 

[pshore]

Not entirely accurate...

http://www.michelinonline.co.uk/travel/reg.htm

I got on ok with the Michelin 1:200 around Normandie (513). I find the size works as a big overview map when covering largish distances on road, without buying lots of maps . They do not show contours or hills well, but ...

To be honest I plan so many route variations using online tools for distance and hills, I know each area and likely hills before I get there.

The precence or arrows, double arrows, scenic routes (green edge) and view points are a useful reminder of hilly terrain. The link above has a good example of these.

If I was going somewhere mountainous I would prefer the addition of hill shading.

 

[pshore]

If you have a GPS you can get an OSM (Open Street Map, free) image of France...

When looked in detail last year, France's minor roads are very unmapped in OSM. You need a road map backup.

In my experience with osm in general, the closer you get to major populated areas the more complete the mapping gets. Much of France is very unpopulated compared to the UK.

 

[bof]

When looked in detail last year, France's minor roads are very unmapped in OSM. You need a road map backup.

In my experience with osm in general, the closer you get to major populated areas the more complete the mapping gets. Much of France is very unpopulated compared to the UK.

Hmmm, interesting point - I was using it for the Paris-Roubaix Sportive which is in a fairly heavily populated area (not near Paris) and it was very complete including in the more rural first 40Km - though I was only dependent on it a couple of times. A couple of years ago the UK OSM map had quite a lot of minor roads missing in rural areas and seems not to now, so my guess is there may have been big changes from last year, but until I plan on going to a remoter part of France I don't plan on checking this

For a tour I will always take a map anyway as if you want to change plans, a map is a lot easier than a GPS or mobile phone to work with.

 

[pshore]

Hmmm, interesting point - I was using it for the Paris-Roubaix Sportive which is in a fairly heavily populated area (not near Paris) and it was very complete including in the more rural first 40Km - though I was only dependent on it a couple of times. A couple of years ago the UK OSM map had quite a lot of minor roads missing in rural areas and seems not to now, so my guess is there may have been big changes from last year, but until I plan on going to a remoter part of France I don't plan on checking this

Actually, you've reminded me that my statement isn't entirely accurate, I revise it to: OSM mapping is more complete in areas where more people go. You find this on routes popular with tourists, long distance cyclists, munro baggers etc.

In a way, I quite like getting a little lost on a cycle tour as that's when you start to interact with the locals

I did meet a chap in France on a two year tour of Europe. His map of Normandie was a leaflet picked up in a tourist information centre. His general aim was head north for summer, south for winter. His panniers were carrier bags and his campsite was a hedge in the middle of nowhere.

 

[john xyz]

All good stuff guys..

As suggested, Google street view is excellent for looking at the route (seeing busy roads etc) - but not too much , as dont want to spoil the visual surprises!

The 1:100000 maps will be the ones i get i think - ensuring they're the very latest with any potential updated cycle paths. Channel crossing is booked to Calais and route scetched out via a good road map. See my other post (Margate to Paris) for a revelation in channel crossing!

 

[john xyz]

I've simplified things further - have a 2004 road map of France - 1:200000, has all the tiddly roads on. I'm going to photocopy the pages i need!