[embee]

Don't panic, it isn't so bad.

You need to carry the original documents which you'd have to produce if required to at home, so V5C, insurance cert, paper part of your licence (as well as the card), plus of course passport. Make sure you have copies at home, and ideally also carry one copy of everything with you. I believe technically you should have the MOT too, but I never have and I doubt it would mean anything to a gendarme, they don't have the equivalent "controle technique" on bikes in France.

I'm not absolutely sure whether the hi-vis requirement applies to bikes but it's a good idea anyway, you only have to wear it if out of or off the vehicle on a road. In a car it must be readily accessible, i.e. not in the boot.

Spare bulbs are a good idea anyway, as is a basic first aid kit (can be had very cheap on t'interweb, in a nice little pouch). Spare glasses if you wear them. I've been stopped at routine checks a few times (quite common in France) but never been asked for anything other than basic papers, passport/licence.

You can be fined on-the-spot. Failing to stop at a stop sign is frowned upon heavily, touch a foot down. The bike can (and will) be taken if you can't pay, so always carry cash. Gendarmes don't have much of a sense of humour and don't have the burden of UK "correctness" to deal with. Behave.

Speed cameras are not that common but are growing, but are clearly signed (and a sign means a camera). They are usually a biggish grey box at eye height. Police speed checks are common, not signed. Be sensible.

Speed limits in towns/villages start at the town name signpost, 50kph is the default and isn't signposted usually. Be sensible.

Use dipped headlights in the day, no need to mask off the dip on bikes.

Generally speaking things are pretty easy going, just be respectful.

Don't forget to have your EHIC card, available on-line. Also check with your insurer if you need to extend your insurance for foreign use.