finding my ride in France?

[papaver]

Decathlon sport shops are great for bikes bits, clothing, accessories and are really good value. I am originally from the south of France, and I always make sure i stop by a decathlon when i am over there.

Their bikes are quite good too.

[tulip]

What a great opportunity. I am quite familiar with most of Brittany. Rochefort-en-Terre is in a beautiful area, and the chateau is spectacular. I've only been there once, as most of my time in Brittany has been spent in the north (Le Tregor), the far west (Finisterre), and the plumb middle (Carhaix).

Brittany is my favorite part of France, and of the world, really. My first ever bicycling trip was a through Brittany when I was 15 years old, and that sealed the deal. I always thought I would end up living there, but so far it has not panned out. So far .

If I were you, I'd get a detailed Michelin map and just meander the roads that are yellow and white on the map. You'll end up discovering hidden villages and lost country roads. I'm envious of you!

Although I have traveled to Brittany countless times, I have only brought my bike twice. Once was when I was 15, and once was about a year ago. The other times I did not ride because I was traveling with and visiting family members who did not ride. These days, however, I bring my bike whenever I go. Of course, I have a folding bike so that makes things easier.

When I lived in an area north of Bordeaux (Charentes-Maritimes) for a few months, I rented a 3-speed bike and took it on long rides, up to 50 miles. I was not speedy on that bike, but speed was not my intent. That was 15 years ago, so I bet local bike shops have a better selection now. You might want to see if there are rentals in Vannes, which is the closest larger city to Rochefort-en-Terre.

Of course, you could just bring your own bike. The airlines will charge upwards of $100+ each way extra for the bike, and you should keep your box for the return trip. Either way, you will not regret having a bike in Brittany!

Best of luck and have a wonderful time!

[Triskeliongirl]

I looked at the posted rates on that rental site, and I think it will be more expensive than bringing your own. Just shop around for airlines and carefully read their policies and fees regarding bicycle transport.

[papaver]

Brittany is my favorite part of France, and of the world, really.

I couldn't agree more. It's magnificent! You're going to love every second of it.

[latelatebloomer]

Wow, thanks for your enthusiasm and your input! I'm not sure what we can afford to do - I asked BikeRentals for a quote - they look like an excellent service but I think they're going to be way over what we can afford. Taking our bikes would be more reasonable but not cheap by any means, and if you saw our bikes - well, they're the best we can afford right now and we love them, but they probably have a combined value of $300. Mine's an old Giant OCR 3 that I bought 4 years ago for $200 and DH's is an old steel "franken-bike" decent but old wheels, frame given to us by a college student who pulled it out of a dumpster.

Heck, maybe BikeRentals will offer to sell us a couple used bikes, and after the residency we ship them back here to replace what we have! Sometimes I feel like we're not wealthy enough to be cyclists! But then I remember how much weight I've lost, how much my health has improved, and how glorious the road feels on a good day.

Something will work out. Thanks again for your input!

[Possegal]

I too am quite envious and hope that you will be posting about your adventures while you are over there.

Sometimes I feel like we're not wealthy enough to be cyclists!

This cracked me up!

[papaver]

Wow, thanks for your enthusiasm and your input! I'm not sure what we can afford to do - I asked BikeRentals for a quote - they look like an excellent service but I think they're going to be way over what we can afford. Taking our bikes would be more reasonable but not cheap by any means, and if you saw our bikes - well, they're the best we can afford right now and we love them, but they probably have a combined value of $300. Mine's an old Giant OCR 3 that I bought 4 years ago for $200 and DH's is an old steel "franken-bike" decent but old wheels, frame given to us by a college student who pulled it out of a dumpster.

Heck, maybe BikeRentals will offer to sell us a couple used bikes, and after the residency we ship them back here to replace what we have! Sometimes I feel like we're not wealthy enough to be cyclists! But then I remember how much weight I've lost, how much my health has improved, and how glorious the road feels on a good day.

Something will work out. Thanks again for your input!

when we rent a holiday home in Brittany they mostly have free bikes you can use. Maybe they have them where you're staying too. Just ask!