biking in France

Old Sep 1st, 2014, 09:29 AM
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biking in France

Hello,
I'm looking for a base in southwestern France, a small city, that has easy access to bike trails, public transportation, and with a good mix of cultural, geographical & historical (naturally)l interest and liveliness. I know about riding along Canal du Midi, but was hoping for something along the coast, too...a la the rails to trail route in San Remo, Italy.
So far, I've considered Montpellier, for its location and access to other places, but am open to any and all suggestions. This trip will likely be in the spring or fall, and be for about a week.

And, finally, we don't need to go riding every day, just interested as a means of enjoyment, without riding on highways or roads.

Thanks to all who may respond.
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Old Sep 1st, 2014, 09:54 AM
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Most of us call Montpellier a big city.
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Old Sep 1st, 2014, 10:29 AM
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I've got no specific recommendations for you but you can have a look at this link which has a lot of info about biking in France and how to research a do it yourself bike trip. It's rather a lengthy thread and there are a lot of links you'll need to look into but it will help you get the ball rolling:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...96466#20796466
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Old Sep 1st, 2014, 12:19 PM
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Train is the better option than bike i think
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Old Sep 1st, 2014, 01:18 PM
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I don't think the OP is particularly interested in using a bike as transportation but is interested in cycling as an activity.

I'm not familiar with cycling paths in this area but try the link FrenchMystique suggested. There should be some who can make recommendations or, all else fails, try Google.
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Old Sep 1st, 2014, 01:19 PM
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Bordeaux is the centre of a lot of bike paths. Have a look at

http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Bordeaux_Guide.php

http://www.eurovelo.org/routes/

The French have done well developing their rivers and canals as bike paths. So anywhere with a r.....
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Old Sep 1st, 2014, 02:00 PM
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Just googled and here are a few sites that may help. Or not.

www.mapmyride.com/routes

http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/photos/cy...uth-west-coast -of-france/

www.boblucky.com/Biking/Dordogne/intro.htm
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Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 12:32 AM
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I forgot this

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rench-food.cfm
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Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 03:25 AM
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bilbo - In the thread I provided there is a link to your excellent cycling website, plus several others.
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Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 05:56 AM
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Sorry FMT, I didn't open it to see (busy painting the ceiling), but thank you
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Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 06:18 AM
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Thanks for all your responses. The jeremytaylor link from history was particularly inspiring. (No cars, whohoo!) Also loved the Med link from the eurovelo link from bilboburger. I'm inclined to stay along the Mediterranean general area as my daughter wants to visit Carcassonne, so I will do more homework...and thank you all, for all your advice.
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Old Sep 2nd, 2014, 06:38 AM
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Carcassonne is worth a drive by and possibly a walk to the top. If you look at the map it is not far from the Atlantic
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Old Sep 4th, 2014, 03:38 PM
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Bilboburgler,
Personally, Carcassonne is not a must for me, but I'm keeping it in mind, for my daughter's sake. To be perfectly honest, almost anywhere in France would be of interest to me, as I've only been to Paris and the riviera. I planned on Provence this summer, but we ended up going to Italy instead. My bucket list keeps expanding and I will soon need a barrel. Thanks, again to all.
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