United Kingdom - cycling in France

Hi everybody!

I have decided to travel across France, I wonna see places like Paris, Lyon, Montpellier and Toulouse. Is there anybody who knows good guides which could be helpfull for this trip. I'm intested in getting info about the best roads and places to sleep...

For any advice, many thanks!

Are you travelling by bike?

Yes, by bike... That's what I'm thinking about, but maybe sometimes I will have to take a train...

We live in France and have toured France on two seperate occasions, before moving there. By connecting to the various regions via train, it should be easy. You will love it. France has great respect for cycling. I assume you will go solo. / Not home, so I can't give you titles, but there are several books about cycling in France that will be helpful. One by Lonely Planet. / Regarding trains. Should you put your bike on the fast TGV train, you will have to box your bike. If you choose the regional TEG trains, you will not need to box your bike. These links might provide you with some suggestions. You get down to Roussillon, look us up. Take you on a wine tour. ?

http://www.ffct.org/index.htm

http://www.ecf.com/83_1


Maybe this one too.

http://www.mapmyride.com/

Ha ha! Wine tour, that sounds great! :D
Thanks for your help...
Take care

P.S. Will see what I can do with this wine tour:)

Roussillon wines. Some of the least discovered , but almost equal to France's best. My tours take you by so many vintners, we better plan on getting a taxi home.

Hi Pyrolinka,

How long are you going for? Are you looking for hotels, or are you camping? I've cycled a lot in France, and my favourite maps are the IGN Series TOP 100, 1:100,000 series. Michelin don't do anything with enough detail, and these maps are perfect. You can get them all at Stanfords on Longacre, Covent Garden, London.

Are you sure about the places you've chosen to visit? If you're going that far, take in some mountains, you'll never regret it. Check out some of the legendary climbs in the Alps and the Pyrenees. The gradients aren't scary, and if you're happy to take your time they are well within the grasp of any reasonably fit cyclist - they only become killers when you have to race up them or do more than one in a day. I've never cycled up any Alpine mountain without stopping several times, and there are usually villages, cafes etc. on the way up. You'll never forget it.

Apart from the mountains, my favourite place in the whole of France is the Dordogne. Check out the region between Bordeaux, Toulouse and the Massif Central - beautiful, with really friendly people.

One final thing, the Offices du Tourism are brilliant - they open late, there are loads of them, they all speak English and I've found them universally helpful.

Have a great trip, I'm jealous!

Bernard

Hi
Thax a lot for ur help! I really appreciate that.

I'm going to go with my tent, so probably... camping;) I really can't wait!
By the way, if u're so jealous go on cycling too. Maybe u wonna travell across France once again? I'm looking for a company anyway...

Take care