Anyone ridden to the south of France?

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

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, but I did a trip clockwise around France last year - see here. 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.

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.

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?

Originally Posted by Corf

you prob knew all this mind.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by 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 - 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.

Originally Posted by 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?

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 N85 is a must if you can. The Alps obviously, ride a few of the passes for hairpin scariness 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. Like this one 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

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.