Bike trip to France over easter..

[w00dzy]

Me and a couple of mates are going for a road trip in france..

We are leaving on the 31st March early in the morning and coming back Easter Monday evening..

I have never really seen much of france.. looking forward to some nice roads, hopefully ok weather, beaches, lots of food and drink... Will be stopping off at a few b&b's and taking tents just in case

Anyone have any recommendations where to visit? Would like to check out some french bike tracks.. maybe an event? Can anyone recommend some must ride roads etc..?

Open to suggestions as we havent decided what we will do yet or where we are going exactly..!

Anyone on here fancy coming along?

Look forward to reading the replies

[jo]

France is a lovely country. The cakes and pastries are to die for.
I went with my then boyfriend on a tour of northern france. Amiens has lots of history, we also went to Abbeville. The motorways are worth a blat down as they are tolled and the locals don't use them much! You will have a great time. :)
I love France!

[Taggyd]

just watch out on the tolls as some will time you from gate to gate and if you've been going too fast they'll do you! a stop for a cuppa half way usually sorts the time problem out!

[w00dzy]

Cant wait to get out of England

Will make sure we stop of for cakes, pastries and tea to sort the time issue - cheers...

Will be planning our route this weekend..

[banoffee]

tempted to tag along!

[nige.smith]

The more I visit France the more I like the country, especially the south. Coming from the deepest darkest depths of England (Weymouth) we were always taught to hate the French, but I am over it.

1. Take all the documentation that is recommended on most websites, (Veh Reg doc, MOT, insurance, ) spare bulb set. Do not worry about loud can, small plate, in my experience they couldn’t give a toss.

2. Don’t forget to stop, look around and take photos, there is always the urge to push on, remember it is a holiday.

3. Ensure you give your bike a good going over before you leave.

4. Camping before May is difficult, most campsites are closed, however, do some research on B&B, + we have done the camping bit, and after a hard days riding, the last thing you want to be doing is pissing about with a tent. It also means you can travel a lot lighter.

5. McDonalds does not open until 10 oclock on the continent, however, burgers are on the menu straight from the start.

6. Once bitten, you will be smitten, try Spain next……..its even better.

[w00dzy]

Some great tips mate..

Will bear all of them in mind..

Your more than welcome to come along banoffee will be a good laugh..

Will do some research at the weekend see what looks good.. Im glad they wont be worried about a loud pipe but will get a baffle made up to carry along just in case..

[avinitboys]

Morning all,

I go to France a lot............but always end up in Belgium somehow! I think the roads are a little better, the traffic a bit lighter and the scenery much nicer. Particularly if you can get to the other side of Brussels. Its only 30 minutes (or less if a bit spirited!) to the border from the tunnel and about an hour or so to Brussels, which is a great city in itself.
Agree that Amiens and Abbeville are nice. Even better, try to get the other side of Paris for a better taste of France. Chablis area is fantastic and locals in that region seem to be much more friendly. Just try and make the effort to speak some French, even if it's only hello and goodbye. You'll get much more from them if you do!
You can use the payage down towards Paris and either skirt around on the ring road and head south for a bit (bit mad so be careful!) or head north from there and then skirt into the bottom end of Belgium. I do that a lot and skip backwards and forwards across the border.
I'm sure whatever you do it'll be fun.
Agree with nige.smith though. Don't expect much to happen before 10am. Most of the locals never emerge before midday which we Brits find strange. Almost all shops are shut on Sundays, inlcluding Cite Europe at the tunnel. Only eating places and tabacs are open. And yes, try to organise hotels/b&b before you go, or use formula 1 hotels (cheap and VERY cheerful) or for a bit more class Ibis are good and cheap enough if booked in advance. I tend to book first night and last night accomodation off the internet and leave the rest to chance to give some flexibility.
Would be tempted to tag along myself but I think I'd get shot if I did!

[w00dzy]

Lol if you manage not to get shot your more than welcome! thanks for the tips/ideas..

will take them down the pub tonight see what the lads think..