Anyone ridden to the south of France?

[poisonidea]

Hi

I'm going on a biking holiday through France in August with a couple of mates. The route isn't finalised yet. I've not really done anything on this scale before and just wondered if anyone had any advice/things I should be taking...etc. Thanks!

Chris

[Mogs]

No advice sorry, but the Millau Bridge has got to be on your route, I'd love to go over it.

[Luckypants]

You might get a better response in the EuroTour section (http://forums.sv650.org/forumdisplay.php?f=120), but I did a trip clockwise around France last year - see here (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=86997). I cannot really offer advice, except don't be too rigid in your plans and don't be over ambitious with daily mileage - plan a rest day every 3-4 days if doing lots of miles.

Don't know where you are in the UK, but I like to get to the 'other side' of the channel then kip for the night. That way am not knackered from bashing down UK motorways to the channel. I do the same thing on the way back. This year am staying in the Formule1 in Dunkirk - about 15 minutes from the ferry.

Ask questions, loads of folks done this and can offer answers to any problems.

[Corf]

i am riding to france next weekend and after tips form guys on this site have made list of some things:
- insurance doc and policy booklet (let them know you are going too). not sure if log book necesary
- european medical card (online from post office arrives in few days)
- breakdown cover with euro assistance
- medi kit may be needed as a requirement if pulled over (not sure if someone said was in france)
- spare keys/fob.
- i got wilyfox one trip haelth cover too.
- chain lube
- puncture kit/small tool kit/spare spark plug and bulb.

you prob knew all this mind.

[poisonidea]

Just checked out that bridge, looks awesome! Just really wanted to know if anyone knew of any places worth visiting? I've kinda worked out the milage and it looks like we'll be doing about 250 miles a day on average (1500mile round trip in 8 days) Which I think is doable. Should I be taking any spares...etc?

[poisonidea]

you prob knew all this mind.

:smt107

[Luckypants]

i am riding to france next weekend and after tips form guys on this site have made list of some things:
- insurance doc and policy booklet (let them know you are going too). not sure if log book necesary - YES it is.
- european medical card (online from post office arrives in few days)
- breakdown cover with euro assistance
- medi kit may be needed as a requirement if pulled over (not sure if someone said was in france)
- spare keys/fob.
- i got wilyfox one trip haelth cover too.
- chain lube
- puncture kit/small tool kit/spare spark plug and bulb.

- Warning triangle. You can get a cloth one that fits over a helmet from HG for 2 quid
- GB sticker (or blue EU-GB badge on your number plate)

you prob knew all this mind.

Just checked out that bridge, looks awesome! Just really wanted to know if anyone knew of any places worth visiting? I've kinda worked out the milage and it looks like we'll be doing about 250 miles a day on average (1500mile round trip in 8 days) Which I think is doable. Should I be taking any spares...etc?

Viaduc du Millau is awesome. If going there try riding down the Gorges du Tarn, then head north out of Millau to approach the bridge from the north on the motorway. Much better view of the bridge from that direction.

Other places? the list is long :cool: N85 is a must if you can. The Alps obviously, ride a few of the passes for hairpin scariness :D Gorges Verdun are meant to be good to.

IMHO stick to N- and D-roads and you will not go far wrong.

Get a Michelin road atlas of France, it is easy to spot wiggly roads then. :cool: Like this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/France-Michelin-Tourist-Motoring-Atlases/dp/2067119826) which is A4 spiral bound so it folds in half and fits in a tank bag.

[STRAMASHER]

+ 1 for Gorge Du Verdon. Head west from Castellane (nice place to stay and on the Route Napoleon N85). Earlier in the morning you get onto "the loop " the better. Road to yourself. Breathtaking roads and scenery.

:)

[Luckypants]

Ohhh +1 for Stramasher, plus a great tip he gave me last year.... get off the autoroute at Dole and ride the N5 to Nyon on Lake Geneva. Top tip, one i hope to follow on my way home this year :D

[Corf]

speaking of euro rides, and as am on first trip next week - how good are they at putting bike on ferry? what do they do? will i need to take something like a camping mat to attach to it as i assume they put right against a wall? any advice on how it shoudl be done so can make sure ferry bods do it appreciated.

[CoolGirl]

speaking of euro rides, and as am on first trip next week - how good are they at putting bike on ferry? what do they do? will i need to take something like a camping mat to attach to it as i assume they put right against a wall? any advice on how it shoudl be done so can make sure ferry bods do it appreciated.

Easy - you put it on the stand and they'll strap it down for you. Give the bike a good tug to make sure you're happy with the job. You might also want to take a tea towel or similar to put across the tank to avoid scratches (and handy to have one anyway). And your tail plastics should be well covered in tape for similar reasons and to avoid wear marks from your luggage.

[Luckypants]

most are pretty good now and supply ratchet straps to tie down your bike. Here is mine from last year....

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/France%20Trip%202007/2007_0718FranceTrip0001.jpg


Per Coogirl you can see my plastics covered in masking tape. Masking tape was a mistake as the glue dried out and became hard. Gaffa Tape is a better solution.

On the subject of gaffa tape, take a decent roll and some cable ties for repairing any minor bodywork damage if the worst happens.

[gazza]

You MUST go to Carcasonne in the pyrenees. Head for the centre of the town then follow signs to "La Cite". This medieval walled city has to be seen. Then if want a fantastic ride out of the town head to a place called Mazamet on the D118. The Millau viaduct is also a must see if you are going to the south of France.

[embee]

Just a tip.

South of France in August can be hellish, everyone and his brother on holiday. Avoid the med coast unless you really really must.

It can be hot with a capital H, make sure you carry water (a litre minimum)and stop regularly for a drink, heat and dehydration will give you serious headaches, and worse. If you're going to stop watch out for some shade to stop under.

Other than that, take it easy and enjoy.

[timwilky]

Many years since I last did it. When in France. first lesson is you ride on the right. Which means you also turn right at roundabouts. Whoops.


We dossed down at the side of the autoroute near Lyon and got down south next day. Preston - Lyon in one day was bloody hard work and I was knackered.

Plenty of places to camp down south. We usually used a site in Antibe. I saw one guy go metal on metal on his front pads before he got to Dover. I saw another need a new chain/sprockets in the south of France. So I guess the first thing is to make sure your bike is actually roadworthy before you set off.

Learn a bit of French. Enough to talk the camp site owner etc into letting you pitch in the shade. Be able to borrow his Facom toolkit etc. or to get directions to the nearest bike shop. A small English French Dictionary is a must.

OK now the really sensible things to take.

1) A pack of baby wipes. not just for your backside.
2) A credit card. Remember that you may not be able to get fuel in rural locations on sundays.
3) tie wraps, duck tape and a cargo net.
4) small first aid kit, include something to remove wasp/bee stings. Plenty of aftersun cream and sun block. I could not get a helmet on because of the blisters on my ear lobes.
5) Immodium/paracetomol etc.

The French are generally bike concious, courteous if you also make the effort. However watch out for Belgians in Volvos and Mercedes. They are down right dangerous.

As for August. Ideal time to visit Paris. The Peripherique is wonderful in August

[STRAMASHER]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g87/stramasher/GordondeVerdon2X640.jpg

[STRAMASHER]

Looking back up the gorge from the bridge.http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g87/stramasher/gorgedeverdon3.jpg

[STRAMASHER]

These are the 3 standard issue Gorge Du Verdon photies that everybody thats evr been , takes.:D

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g87/stramasher/gorgedeverdon4.jpg

[STRAMASHER]

Col de Galibier. 3rd week of June. Even colder than it looks with the wind chill.


http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g87/stramasher/MontBlanc.jpg

[poisonidea]

I've never been more excited about going!