Originally Posted by
lucille
Not all D roads have been created equal. From my experience, they go from tiny roads through the vineyards (also canal du Midi had a D road marking) to quite busy highways. Still, even on those busy roads we got way more space and respect from drivers, than we would here at home.
You're right, Lucille. D roads can be very busy. The best thing I've found is to look for the 'white Ds' on the Michelin map. I've only ever been on a handful of white roads that I'd consider too busy to ride on and I've been cycling here for 2.5 years. The 'yellow Ds' are often much straighter, avoiding many of the smaller villages, and therefore busier and faster.