Has anyone done this bike riding adventure in France before? I am planning to do it this August but will need to hire bikes and possibly a tent (or buy a cheap one)when I get to France. Does anyone know of where I can do this? The ride this year is in Perigord.

aussie, here's some info on this year:

http://tinyurl.com/2xhcnq

I believe that the Leclerc hypermarché will carry camping equipment (somewhat like Target). There's one outside Périgueux on the road to Limoges. But don't count on the information without a confirmation. Maybe a French resident on this board can confirm it.

Thanks to all replies, I appreciate the information and leads to hire bikes. I will check them out.

There's also a huge LeClerc just outside Sarlat on the road to Gourdon where you can buy camping equipment. You can also find tents and such at any Bricomarché or Monsieur Brico in the region.

For bike rentals, contact the Sarlat tourist office or google locations vélo Dordogne (or Périgord).

The big sporting goods chains are Décathlon (www.decathlon.com) and Go Sport (www.gosport.fr). Stores all over France.