mudda Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 Has anyone done cycling and camping in France during the Tour de France? Any advice ? Any cost indicators (camp sites/ food / visas / air tickets / car rentals etc etc) ? Taken your bike with on the plane or rented a bike there ? Drivers and cyclist behaviors ? Safety at the camp sites ? Safety while cycling ?
UpShift_Cycles Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 Plenty over the last 6 years. Never did camping, only hotels. Car rental for a midrange like a golf or Megane for 3 weeks is in the region of 10k, flight return is +- R9k spending money about 15k and lets not talk about hotels which is the most expensive. I rented bikes that side the first few years which is around R400 per day so it can be expensive if you want to trane every day. Most concept stores hire proper bikes and if you go to Trek store on top of Huez, steve from Benoni actually works there(not sure if his still there) and helped me out. As for taking your bike, it costs around R1k each way but make very sure you have a proper bike box as I have heard some sad stories of broken frames when people use cardboard boxes. Im not going to sugarcoat it, Europe is very expensive but if its one of those "once in a life time" things then go. The experience is beyond your wallet, its a jol!Oh and there is no need to worry bt drivers, they indicate to other road users that they overtaking cyclist and give you plenty of space. They respect cyclists
Rolfalps Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 Motorists are very courteous and patient. Cycling is so much a part of the culture there that I have never experienced an unpleasant moment on the road. I have flown a number of times with my bike. I just put all my kit in my bike bag and check it at oversize luggage. You don't pay extra as long as you don't exceed the weight limit with most airlines. Just check first before you book. Visa is a bit tricky. You have to have all your ducks in a row before you apply. This includes accommodation , car hire etc.
cat-i Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 When I cycled from Amsterdam to Paris a few years ago, I found the Paris motorists quite impatient. Maybe it week we spent in Amsterdam before the travelling began, spoilt it for me - there was a definite difference in driver attitude after the Belgium border. Still way way better than Sandton, I suppose. Flown with my bike 3 times return with air france (Amsterdam and back from Paris), British Airways (to and from London) and Emirates (to and from Katmandu). Every time in a cardboard box except one return flight from London where the airline didn't have any cardboard boxes for sale - so the bike flew just as is. No issues and no damage to the bike on any of the flights.
bjor1978 Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Not done much cycling during TdF but been camping and driving there a few times, originally from UK. Don't underestimate how many people will be there especially at the popular spots eg Alpe d'Huez, Tourmalet etc. for example Huez was closed a full 24 hours before the riders passed there as it was full of motor homes and campers Only ever had 1 night where we couldn't find a campsite but slept in the car with no problems. If you can get hold of decent Michelin maps (physical maps) you can do some real good forward planning with backup campsites etc. Camping per person per night averages around 15€. Most towns have municipal campsites which are not as good as private ones but good if you are pushed. Feel free to DM me if you have areas in mind I can help with planning and campsites. Motorists, fellow campers, fellow cyclists are all very helpful if you can learn a few words or phrases in French it will also go a long way Regards
bjor1978 Posted June 19, 2015 Posted June 19, 2015 Forgot to say you will find food very expensive. But it can be done cheap if you are willing to buy from supermarkets, butchers etc and cook yourself on a camping stove.
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