http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Non-epic cycle touring in France - advice needed en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:29:19 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-289278 Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:15:51 +0000 I were right about that saddle 289278@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Went by the back roads to get a baguette in Batz-sur-Mer on auntie Danielle's Trek folder and spotted that I was in fact on @sallyhinch's non-epic Vélocéan tour route, which pleased me hugely.</p> <p>Came home off-piste across the fields in tribute. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286356 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 20:21:33 +0000 sallyhinch 286356@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Greenroofer - that sounds amazing. We were in the Dordogne for the second half of the trip and flat routes were rather hard to come by... lots of welcome river swimming though as it was bakingly hot </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286352 Wed, 04 Jul 2018 18:28:26 +0000 Greenroofer 286352@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just back from a very pleasant ride in the Dordogne with Mini-Greenroofer. 25 miles on an old railway. Completely traffic-free and smooth tarmac the whole way. </p> <p>I may have inadvertently sent @sallyhinch a slack message inviting her to follow the ride live on Strava. This was finger trouble on my part rather than a passive aggressive attempt at one-upmanship. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286286 Tue, 03 Jul 2018 20:20:28 +0000 sallyhinch 286286@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd be a bit cautious of the surfaces in France - the off road bits are mainly packed dirt tracks rather than tarmac which might make for a bumpy ride. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286280 Tue, 03 Jul 2018 16:30:37 +0000 ARobComp 286280@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Very enjoyable write up Sally! </p> <p>I tried many times in my student days to have a "cheap" ride through France, wild camping and trying to survive on budget camembert, pain suisse and baguette. It invariably goes horribly wrong and I return tanned, well fed, and completely broke. Always enjoyed it though and your pictures have piqued my interest in trying it again.... </p> <p>Budget baby pulling tour in the trailer? I have a week in september. Maybe I should try my luck at a bike tour with baby. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286265 Tue, 03 Jul 2018 14:00:36 +0000 sallyhinch 286265@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>More detail, if anyone's interested <a href="https://cityexile.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/five-things-i-have-learned-about-cycle-touring/" rel="nofollow">https://cityexile.wordpress.com/2018/07/03/five-things-i-have-learned-about-cycle-touring/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286143 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 19:42:29 +0000 I were right about that saddle 286143@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That sounds like fun. I've rarely regretted money spent in France. </p> <p>Apart from the emergency wheel bearing replacement on the car once. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-286138 Sun, 01 Jul 2018 18:46:51 +0000 sallyhinch 286138@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Back from this - we've had an amazing trip (and been super lucky with the weather too).</p> <p>To answer some of my questions - in the end, trying to get a hotel on the day proved a bit optimistic (and expensive) but booking a day ahead or even on the day through booking.com provided a good balance between flexibility and non-bus-sheltering. </p> <p>Cycling across Paris proves entirely possible if you arrange to do so on the day the whole city centre has been closed down for something (perhaps the Pride march?). Otherwise, it's not for the faint hearted, and it's a bit galling to be overtaken by a very chic girl on an electrified scooter (as in the children's style scooter, not a moped) in a bus lane as you cravenly stop at red lights like some kind of a newbie.</p> <p>Taking bikes on French trains is just as stressful as taking them on British trains, which is to say it's possible but it doesn't make for a relaxing trip. </p> <p>It's definitely worth paying extra for the premium sacrifice package to the weather gods, although we did forget to shell out for the headwind supplement.</p> <p>All in all, a good time was had by all and the French economy is now richer to the tune of about several million euros. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281903 Fri, 04 May 2018 16:20:01 +0000 sallyhinch 281903@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Right, the train part of the trip is booked (I'm averting my eyes from how much more expensive it is to go by train than it would have been to fly...)</p> <p>So, 4 hours to cross Paris on the way out and two hours on the way back, which means both of ARobComp's routes will probably get used. </p> <p>Roll on June ... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281845 Fri, 04 May 2018 09:35:37 +0000 paddyirish 281845@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/04/paris-bike-share-scheme-velib-hi-tech-upgrade-problems">All not well with velib</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281830 Fri, 04 May 2018 07:44:30 +0000 I were right about that saddle 281830@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Handy map of how deadly the French cities are should you need to traverse them;</p> <p><a href="https://parisenselle.fr/barometre-des-villes-cyclables/" rel="nofollow">https://parisenselle.fr/barometre-des-villes-cyclables/</a></p> <p>Same old same old;</p> <p>80% rate segregation highly<br /> 92% fear bike theft<br /> 90% don't think it's safe for kids and old folks to cycle<br /> 20% think it's easy to lock up in stations</p> <p>Interesting route planner;</p> <p><a href="https://www.geovelo.fr/france/itinerary/search?profile=MEDIAN&amp;bikeType=TRADITIONAL" rel="nofollow">https://www.geovelo.fr/france/itinerary/search?profile=MEDIAN&amp;bikeType=TRADITIONAL</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281071 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 18:05:07 +0000 sallyhinch 281071@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That sounds fab and those are the sort of directions I need. I'll check the timings but it seems like it should be doable too. Thank you! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281059 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 16:26:20 +0000 ARobComp 281059@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>i was thinking baout this and if you've time, then I would recommend something like this</p> <p><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/4ipGrAMwUdo" rel="nofollow">https://goo.gl/maps/4ipGrAMwUdo</a></p> <p>Which is a bit more of a sight seeing type of route with all the big bits, but still rather busy. </p> <p>Alternate but this might be a bit more ambitious. It is an almost entirely quieter route with more segregated lanes. and amazing views of petanque playing old men, Bastille, The Seine, Pont Neuf, Notre Dam, etc </p> <p><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/xCKCJwFxoV92" rel="nofollow">https://goo.gl/maps/xCKCJwFxoV92</a></p> <p>This is basically what I'd ride if I had a few hours. It's far nicer than going straight through town. and navigation is a bit easier </p> <p>"Head east till you hit the canal"<br /> "Head south till you hit Bastille"<br /> "Head South west till you hit the River + Cross"<br /> "Go west till the eiffell tower"<br /> "Aim for Tour Montparnasse" (massive black tower which stands up quite incredibly from that part of the city. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281053 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 15:16:15 +0000 sallyhinch 281053@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Unfortunately that's one of the strike days, so there won't be any trains. Would be nice otherwise! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281030 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 11:15:24 +0000 paddyirish 281030@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@sallyhinch</p> <p>Does it fit to try on a Sunday? Much of the city centre is off limits to cars then. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281021 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 10:07:12 +0000 I were right about that saddle 281021@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>if anyone has advice on cycling through central Paris and not dying</em></p> <p>Alas my experiences are all out of date. That journey would have been invariably fatal in my day, but it would appear that it's perfectly feasible these days. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-281003 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 09:23:24 +0000 sallyhinch 281003@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>OK, so our original plan of overnight ferry + train to Nantes having been scuppered by the SNCF strike, we're now looking at Eurostar to Gare du Nord, and then train to Nantes from Gare Montparnasse. We've allowed about 3 hours to do this so if we have to walk the whole way we would be fine, but if anyone has advice on cycling through central Paris and not dying, that would be great </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-280793 Sun, 22 Apr 2018 22:30:53 +0000 gkgk 280793@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Mercury, you cld also start in Nice. It's a nice loop, iirc, Nice - La Turbie - Menton via one of the small roads, then the madone and back downhill to Nice. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-280788 Sun, 22 Apr 2018 20:41:28 +0000 mercury1and2 280788@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I hope to be in france middle of may 2018 and would like to cycle in Menton, maybe i could do the infamous col- i would maybe hire a bike - has anyone does this in Menton ? there are about 4 bike shops. Advice greatly received. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-278869 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:56:35 +0000 paddyirish 278869@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Frenchy, that is really cool. Was aware of similar enclaves on the German-Dutch border, but not that one. Sadly too far west for this holiday, but mental note made. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-278847 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:19:25 +0000 gembo 278847@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There is a bus shelter in Northumberland wit thatched roof (the audaxers will know of it). I hazard a guess several babies have been made in it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686&page=2#post-278845 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:00:58 +0000 paulmilne 278845@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I'm trying to learn to adopt a more relaxed approach, while still ensuring we don't end up sleeping in a bus shelter.</em></p> <p>There are worse places to sleep. And it would make a great story forever after. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278844 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:49:03 +0000 Frenchy 278844@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Minipaddy wants to a cycle round the shore to take in 3 countries and a walk to do the same- right across Lichtenstein into Switzerland (who am I to stop her?).</em></p> <p>Does she know that, slightly further west, she could cycle (or even walk) all the way round Germany?</p> <p><a href="https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=14/47.6998/8.6917" rel="nofollow">https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=14/47.6998/8.6917</a><br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%BCsingen_am_Hochrhein" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%BCsingen_am_Hochrhein</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278843 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 12:31:02 +0000 paddyirish 278843@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm/rider73.</p> <p>Know and love Austria well. Ideal for our kids at the current age. Have stayed in Alpbach in the Tyrol the last 2 years- cycled to Hintertux at the end of the Zillertal the first year and up Kitbuhelerhorn the 2nd year.</p> <p>We're going back there the 2nd week. The first week, trying something different, staying in Bludenz in Vorarlberg and will use that to explore that area and the Bodensee. Minipaddy wants to a cycle round the shore to take in 3 countries and a walk to do the same- right across Lichtenstein into Switzerland (who am I to stop her?).</p> <p>I have my eye on a route which takes in the Silvretta High Alpine road and then maybe back via the Arlbergpass if I have the energy and take the train if I don't.</p> <p>However the road world championship is based in the area and I fancy trying the finishing circuit around Innsbruck. Apparently it is brutal.</p> <p>I'll have to see if I can negotiate more than one pass. </p> <p>Any hints/tips welcome. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278838 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 11:21:59 +0000 I were right about that saddle 278838@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>to the point of ruining being in the place where I am for myself and everyone around me</em></p> <p>That doesn't sound like you. I'm about to post some vague plans here that I'm told are desirable but that will make me feel like a Nazi. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278835 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:44:02 +0000 steveo 278835@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em> how to value plans against possibilities</em></p> <p>Its a bit early on a Wednesday morning to be that existential </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278834 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:42:39 +0000 rider73 278834@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@paddyirish - i was there last summer for 4 weeks.</p> <p>loved it.</p> <p>cakes, coffee, food, mountains, walking, cycling, it had it all - and austrians so friendly.</p> <p>some "A" roads were a bit high speed, but mostly they had cycle ways and country roads .</p> <p>it got very busy around mid July - before that, fine and plenty of accomo. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278833 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:41:14 +0000 sallyhinch 278833@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Plus, this thread has gone quite a long time before succumbing to even mild drift. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278832 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 10:40:32 +0000 sallyhinch 278832@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As someone who values certainty and also gets over anxious about being at the place where I've said I'd be, at the appointed time (to the point of ruining being in the place where I am for myself and everyone around me), I'm trying to learn to adopt a more relaxed approach, while still ensuring we don't end up sleeping in a bus shelter. It's a learning curve. It also sounds like if we can't manage it in France, we won't be able to manage it anywhere. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18686#post-278829 Wed, 28 Mar 2018 09:41:56 +0000 I were right about that saddle 278829@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This isn't a thread about hotels in France but about one of Life's Big Questions; how to value plans against possibilities. Plan to stay in town A and you'll never see towns B, C, D....make no plans at all and you only ever see your own town.</p> <p>I'm an extremist, in that I value total cycle autonomy and am willing to go to the effort of lugging ration packs and other junk around in order to be able to stop anywhere I fancy. </p> <p>In Alastair Gray's <em>Lanark</em> there's a passage where the 'hero' flies so high he finds himself looking into the pupil of God's eye. He hears the words 'Is, is, is, if, is...' indicating that the world is four-fifths predetermined and one fifth susceptible to free will.</p> <p>So toss a coin in Nantes? Heads you go up the Loire, tails down the Atlantic seaboard. You'll get a room either way. </p>