Touring - CO2 Cartridges Available in France?

I'm traveling to France in a couple of weeks for a cycling tour that includes the TDF.

I've heard that CO2 cartridges are not permitted on airplanes, even as checked baggage. Is this correct?

And, is it possible to purchase CO2 cartridges in France?

I'm traveling to France in a couple of weeks for a cycling tour that includes the TDF.

You lucky--- I'll just stop right now. I get to travel to... Detroit. Ugh. :(



I've heard that CO2 cartridges are not permitted on airplanes, even as checked baggage. Is this correct?

Correct.



And, is it possible to purchase CO2 cartridges in France?

Probably. I mean Zefal is a French company and they sell CO2 inflators and cartridges.

Wow, I carried a whole case of CO2 cartridges through to Europe for my trip, and I even returned with some spare CO2 cartridges. Not a whisper from anyone.... and I know they opened my bags when I was leaving out of O'Hare. I watched them open and check my bags, then relock and load them on the conveyor belts. And I don't know about France, but CO2 cartidges were available in Switzerland and Italy. My thought is that they would be available.

Koffee

I'm traveling to France in a couple of weeks for a cycling tour that includes the TDF.

I've heard that CO2 cartridges are not permitted on airplanes, even as checked baggage. Is this correct?

And, is it possible to purchase CO2 cartridges in France?


Google is hard. (http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&newwindow=1&safe=off&as_qdr=all&q=co2+cartridge+site%3A.fr&btnG=Search)

Google is hard. (http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&newwindow=1&safe=off&as_qdr=all&q=co2+cartridge+site%3A.fr&btnG=Search)

But sarcasm is so easy.

Look for "Decathlon" stores in France - in every medium size town and up - fantastic stores. I should have brought no gear at all and bought it all when I arrived in France.

Maybe for you if you're on the pound, but we're on the dollar, which means things cost more for us if we're converting to the euro, then paying those crazy prices out there.

Koffee

I checked sporting goods stores thruout Europe on my recent trip
CO2"s available in all even in The Czech Republic and a small bike shop in the Valle D'osta in NW Italy. Euros seem to like them better than pumping.I carried 2 with me, but had only one flat in 2 months of riding and that was in Paris the first morning I rode. I asked at CDG about CO2s and was told DEF NOT, they would be removed if found during a search
And I found lots of things cheaper even with Euro /dollar conversion, I bought a front rack and front panniers in Berlin both for 60 Euros, work perfectly on my Trek.Saw Orliebs but way beyond my budget. Also bought a bike bag at Go Sports in Paris for the return flight, 40 Euros, about 50$ and a great pump as a gift for a bud, a folding foottype pump for 15Euros same store. With my forthcoming trip to Calif to ride the PCH the bag is almost paid for, and Air France delivered the bike in perfect condition both directions(and the food was first rate ,even in the far rear section of the aircraft)
BTW I know its way early but anyone want to join me in Italy or Spain next year 2-4 weeks in Italy and a month in Spain and Portugal. I'm planning to leave in April and travel schedule in Europe is totally flexible

Maybe for you if you're on the pound, but we're on the dollar, which means things cost more for us if we're converting to the euro, then paying those crazy prices out there.

Koffee

Beauty of Europe - Ireland uses the Euro too. It's only the xenophobic Brits who haven't converted yet :)

Xenophobic Brits and the ever-cautious Swedes...

:beer:

--J