biking in France
#1
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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.
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.
#3
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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
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...96466#20796466
#5
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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.
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.
#6
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.....
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.....
#7
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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
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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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.
#13
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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.
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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