First Trip To France

[dizzyblonde]

I have friends that live in tonnay Boutonne and decided its about time I got a face lift for suzy and took her to visit my mates. As a single mummy I don't have much time to do long distance. Have I gone mad, will my partner go mad trying to find enough petrol stations to fill his thirsty Raptor 1000. Any advice for traveling in August? Will the French mind noisy pipes? Are they really more bike friendly than here?

[Lissa]

No you haven't, yes he will, never been in August, no they won't, yes they are

The main problem you'll have I think is the petrol situation. Many petrol stations are closed on Sundays, you generally only find them open in the towns. Add a Raptor into the equation, and if you need to travel on a Sunday, plot your route accordingly.................scenic, deserted roads are great until you grind to a halt

That's a bit of a trek, and not a part of France that I'm familiar with.

However, in general the French are more biker friendly than the UK. Loud pipes etc don't bother the police, just be courteous and keep to the speed limits through the vilages.

August is hot, and the French are on holiday themselves. Last time I went to France during mid August many of the smaller shope and petrol stations were closed. Speaking of which, gas stations are often closed on Sundays, so make sure you fill up on Saturday evening and that your Sunday route takes you through a couple of "towns" so you get a chance to fill up.

It is customary for you to provide a couple of pics once your back in Blighty

Have fun !!

.

[dizzyblonde]

I have chosen to go on ferry 6pm on a sunday, however i have firmly put my foot down and will grind to a halt in a b&b somewhere away from Calais! Yes I'm a wimp but by then I'll be sick of his pipes- they make mine sound legal!

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by Jelster

August is hot, and the French are on holiday themselves.

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but I'm also planning a France trip and am wondering now if August will be too hot for riding? I'll be doing a round trip of France, does the climate differ that much?

[dizzyblonde]

Last time I was in France I got on a plane, in August. Its very hot think it topped 40. If this silly birds got the balls I'm sure you have. I think I'll come back skinnier than i left, the heat can't frazzle my brain anymore than it already is!!!Where Im heading is just above Bordeaux. On the coast on Ile D'oleron is blazing but beautiful.Watch out for fort Boyard

[Stu]

When I was in France I noticed that petrol stations weren't on the main road like here but more tucked out of sight. So do make sure you know where they are. (Also not cheaper than here )