Cycling/travelling in France

[Thorn]

The Loire? It has been on our list for a while. I've done more research on the history than the cycling (geography as taught by Eleanor of Aquitaine). While the tour often goes through it, when I've looked into the routes that tour groups use (yes, I steal ideas from tour brochures), I notice a lot of "and then we'll pack your bike in a cab/our van and get you to the next starting point". For that reason, I'd suggest really doing research. My guess is that the roads might be too busy or the pretty bits are intermixed with working world bits. Or, maybe not--it just might be a really big area.

As for the wine....all of France has great wine. Speaking of the US, we only ever see a fraction of the types and varieties of wine that France and the rest of Europe produce. The best part of travelling in France is finding the local wines and cheeses. The ultimate "cost saving extravegence" is the picnic lunch--wine, cheese, and a loaf of bread. Pick the region and find the good wines; don't pick the wine and travel the region (unless, of course, it is the top place you want to go).

[margo49]

The best part of travelling in France is finding the local wines and cheeses. The ultimate "cost saving extravegence" is the picnic lunch--wine, cheese, and a loaf of bread.

Biked a month through France 25 years ago (toute seule).
That is why I haven't posted till now - a. it was a zillion years ago and b.I was totally self-contained.
To this I would add the absolutely critical caloric intake (uptake, cup cake) from morning and afternoon teas/snacks from little tiny village boulangeries and learning all the names of all the little creamy cakes and pastries and fruity glazed tartes...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[EBD]

If bike rentals are so expensive, consider bringing your bikes with you! There is a surcharge to take them on the plane (checked in a box) and you'd have to reassemble (and bring good locks), but it might be cheaper, and you'd be more comfortable. Some friends of mine did a tandem tour of Europe, and brought their bike on the plane - it was their first tour as a couple and let me tell you, the romance almost ended when they arrived and he realized he'd forgotten his bike tool for the reassembly! My boyfriend has also checked his touring bike to fly home from a cross-country tour (biked from NC to CA) - I think it cost $60-80 and some airport hassle.

A friend and I travelled through the South of France a few years ago - we rented a car and found it reasonable - we rented for a whole week, that may have made it cheaper. We stayed in mostly 2-star hotels - there isn't really an equivalent here, but they were maybe $80 a night with our own bathroom. Worth it! We made extensive use of Lonely Planet to find good cheap lodgings.

Tiny winery hint - stay away from the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape - yes the wine is delicious, but there isn't a bottle in town for less than $60.