I'm looking to do a 7 to 10 day our of France next spring. Do you have any suggestions on touring companies or favorite region? I've only toured once before, in New Hampshire for five days. Although I do ride every weekend I can. I've also vacation in Paris and the countryside to the south. So now I'd like to join by two favorites riding and France.

Hmm, I gues it's not really a Touring thread yet? :confused:

Hmm, I gues it's not really a Touring thread yet? :confused:
zeke, buy the lonely planet guide to cycling france. i am an american living in heidelberg germany there are so many good places to tour in france. one of the best is the normandy area, you can see the invasion beaches, pedal up to bayeux and see the famous tapestry and then down to st mont michele to see the famous abbey, i would do about four or five days in france and then jump a ferry over to england and see hastings and the coast as well for two-three days.

let me know what you decide, perhaps we can set something up together.

Thanks for your reply I'll definitely check Lonely Planet. I've given some thought to doing Germany as an alternate to France. I'll keep in touch.

I'm looking to do a 7 to 10 day our of France next spring. Do you have any suggestions on touring companies or favorite region? I've only toured once before, in New Hampshire for five days. Although I do ride every weekend I can. I've also vacation in Paris and the countryside to the south. So now I'd like to join by two favorites riding and France.


zeke, if you decide to come to germany definitely let me know. i am in heidelberg which is a gorgeous city and close to many good touring areas, check out the book "germany by bike" published by the mountaineers.

i am heading out this weekend, we are taking the train early friday morning to Freiburg and pedaling into France up the Rhine on the French side back into Germany at Strasbourg and then home to Heidelberg.

stay in touch: jason.b.nicholson@us.army.mil

I'm looking to do a 7 to 10 day our of France next spring. Do you have any suggestions on touring companies or favorite region? I've only toured once before, in New Hampshire for five days. Although I do ride every weekend I can. I've also vacation in Paris and the countryside to the south. So now I'd like to join by two favorites riding and France.
It was in 1989 & 1990 that I toured in the Dordogne and Provence regions. I preferred the Dordogne - few Americans, very quiet, few cars, good country roads, lots of medieval history & architecuture, hills, hilltop towns, bikes, hills, scenery, great food, etc. And, did I mention hills? I got a hotel room every night, in smaller towns. never had a problem. I'd make a reservation in advance if i wanted a special place, like a chateaux. It helps a lot to speak French. I wouldn't attempt it without modest practical language skills and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.....

It was in 1989 & 1990 that I toured in the Dordogne and Provence regions. I preferred the Dordogne - few Americans, very quiet, few cars, good country roads, lots of medieval history & architecuture, hills, hilltop towns, bikes, hills, scenery, great food, etc. And, did I mention hills? I got a hotel room every night, in smaller towns. never had a problem. I'd make a reservation in advance if i wanted a special place, like a chateaux. It helps a lot to speak French. I wouldn't attempt it without modest practical language skills and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.....


i'll think you find there are few americans wherever you go in france, especially out bike touring. also, obviously it helps to speak french but i travel in france from germany quite often and do not speak french other than being able to order food and a room. take a simple phrase book and you will be ok.

Avoid Northern France (normandie for example) in Spring. Generally rainy and cold. Hell, its rainy there now!

scooby

My wife and I spent a week in the Dordogne one spring, several years back. Heaven on earth. Relatively uncrowded. Friendly folks. Towns so romantic and lovely, it'll make your head spin -- Rocamadour, Sarlat, Domme, La Roque Gageac, Cirque Lapopie, Bellecastel. Several lazy rivers to meander beside. Well-tarmacked roads. Plenty of green, flowery hills to climb, but nothing truly bone-crushing. Prehistoric caves to visit. Cro-Magnon art, still on the walls. Take a boat ride on the underground river that flows through the Gouffre de Padirac. Food and wine beyond compare.