Cycling in France on a Budget


Photo by ktylerconk

There are lots of flight bargains to be had if you can be flexible about where you want to go and when for a vacation. Apart from Paris, almost anywhere in France will offer you fantastic scenery, food and the opportunity to take life down to a gentle pace for a while. France is a country where Auto Routes aside, most local roads are great for cyclists and there are cycle shops in most towns and villages where you can get help with a puncture or you can buy the latest gismo for your bike.


Some keen cyclists would not consider leaving the hire of a bike to chance and would insist on bringing their own, but check first with the airline what arrangements they have in place. You can hire bikes in France though and they have an impressive selection because France really is a Cycle Heaven. Make sure you hire panniers and lights so you are equipped both to collect your baguette from the patisserie in the morning and get back from the café after dark. Padlocks are of course a necessity.

You will need to get the local cycle maps and the local Tourist Information will be able to supply specific cycle route maps if you want the planning done for you with suggested meal stops.

Some parts of France are very mountainous and that may be what you want especially if you are a keen cyclist. You could check out the route of Le Tour de France and follow it and there are companies that will combine this with watching stages of the Tour with like-minded cyclists. If however, you just want to experience the French rural life, eat some croissants and cycle around quietly at your own pace then keep away from the hills and follow the quieter roads along canalways where you won’t be troubled by cars at all.

There are lots companies who offer package discount holidays for cycling in France. This may well not appeal but don’t dismiss them because they do have the advantage that they will take your luggage on to your next hotel so you can cover a greater distance and explore a wider area than if you have to take circular tours from a base point. Another advantage of these holidays is that you can book your bike in advance, which, if you have younger children who need trailer bikes, may be advantageous.

If you decide to ‘do your own thing’ and maybe rent a typical French gite for your stay and live French style rather than staying in a hotel, then you will have to use local maps and guides. There are a number of companies such as Susie Madron who actually publish books of their rides and this is quite a useful exercise before booking your discount flight.

France is a beautiful country but the French will be a great deal friendlier if you attempt to speak to them in French so before you go, at the airport pick up a French phrase book and practise during the flight! The French love to see people cycling and they will strike up a conversation in a way that would never happen in the streets of Paris. You will go home with a host of amusing stories to tell your friends, some great photos and you’ll be pounds lighter from the cycling if you haven’t gone too mad at the local restaurants with the cheap French wine and food. So, if you would love to bike through France on a discount, start your online search today.

Posted by Gabe on Mar 29, 2008 | Comments


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One Response to “Cycling in France on a Budget”

  1. Posted by: Jenny - 10/20/2008

    Cycling is fun! A family thing on a budget

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