So I had this bright idea...What are the odds of picking up a bike and riding around the southern frace area. Maybe even a moped. I doubt if it's feasible, but I'm just curious to know if anyone has ever tried it.

What area in southern frace

Seriously, are you talking about renting a bike or buying one or what? Many areas of southern France are very hilly/moutainous and riding a bike would be very strenuous if not downright dangerous. I don't know about mopeds. If you're staying in one town/village for a while and renting an apt., a bike might make sense for getting to the market etc. What specifically are you thinking about?

There are a fair few guided bike tours of selected parts of France, but they are expensive and they cover fairly limited areas - France is a very large country.

I cycle throughout Provence and the Cote d'Azur several weeks each year. You can rent bicycles in any town of any size. Terrain has nothing to do with it. Today's mountain bikes are 21, 24 and 27 speed. Cycling is very popular in all the mountain areas.

Larry J

I would agree that renting a bike in France should not be too much of a problem. If you have a town picked out, you might explore that town/area on the web, and you'll likely come up with a nearby bikestore. I've done that before. You could make the arrangements for your rental before you go. Last year, I brought my own helmet, and that was about all I really needed.

Given enough time and money, I hope to return to Normandy and tour by bicycle.

Haven't used them, but this company has self-guided tours in France: http://www.diversedirections.net/

Keith

Hi epossible,

Here's a resource you may want to use: http://www.randonneetours.com/. It's a self-guided vacation provider; they provide the bicycle, maps, tips, lodging, and luggage transport, and you go on your own.

I haven't used it, but I keep saying that I will one day.

s