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Bicycle Camping in France ( North) – Fact Sheet ( 1100
words)
© Grace Newhaven
bikefish@iinet.net.au
2017. Jun 6
Before you go
:
·
Use a tent
that blends into the landscape
·
Make a
Google map of your proposed journey ( it’s Shareable via www) to plan &
calculate distances. Consider a Google
plan as well ( also Shareable)
·
Download an
“off line” e/map and experiment with it. Get a good translation app.
·
Get Google codes
if you want to use other computers besides your own.
·
Source a
useful adapter, with USB port(s).
Roads & Traffic : Motor
traffic is very courteous by Australian standards. Rural roads carry little
traffic and are generally well surfaced. Separated, sealed bicycle paths, are
very common, especially in larger towns, mostly with an adequate surface. Road
signage is good, on a numerical system, usually easy to follow. Roads are
generally free of bottles and other litter. There are a lot more bicycles than
you see in Australia, though not many bike shops, apart from those in
department stores.
Maps : Paper road maps are of good
quality, but may be expensive. I recommend “Pocket
Earth” or similar off-line maps as well ( some are free). Some of these
will show bicycle friendly roads and paths. Even small towns often have Tourist
offices with good local paper maps, ask for “the bicycle map”, especially in Alsace.
For a map of France, showing bicycle routes, try here
Water : There is tap water everywhere
in France, but French people may have some unexpected ideas about drinking it.
You can buy bottled water everywhere, if you are prepared to waste the plastic
bottles – there is no standard recycling scheme. Generally, it can be a problem
trying to find a tap outside ( ie accessible) : parks and gardens don’t
have them, nor do most private homes. Many small towns may appear deserted, but
you can ask for water in a bar or café, and cemeteries are good too. While
people are generous and well meaning, several times I was refused tap water
when the locals claimed it was “non potable” [“not suitable for drinking”] in
their own homes ! Even if you ask for “ordinary water”, people may give you a
plastic bottle. It will be useful for overnight camping to have a wine cask
bladder or similar bulk container. If you are lucky, you may see a working
fountain, or locals will show you to a spring that they use themselves. However
you go, be careful not to run out.
Food : Food is various and usually
delicious in France. However, after competition from hypermarkets, many small
villages have only a bakery or café left, so it may be difficult to find
supplies sometimes. Food is generally a little cheaper than in Australia
(despite a higher GST). Supermarkets are huge, selling everything necessary,
open long hours, but closed on Sundays, and many other shops close on Mondays,
too, so be prepared. Petrol stations may be open for food – and alcohol- on
Sundays. Alcohol is very cheap and easy to find; there are no bottle deposits,
but recycling is extensive. Even cheap beer is very good, and you can try the
cheap wine. Muesli** is however hard to find. If you want Milk powder in
Germany, you will not find it, so buy in France. Fuel alcohol (“alcohol a
broulee”) is now restricted, but was common and cheap in supermarkets. Shop
staff are usually friendly, but it will help to have a little French. Roadside
vendors are also useful for small quantities of fruits and vegetables. The very
cheapest restaurant meals would be ~ €9.00, with very cheap drinks prices (
compared to Australia).
Camping : French
people will often tell you that “free camping” is difficult or impossible, but
in my experience there was plenty of accessible, green, public space in
forests, reserves etc. With a small, discrete tent, you should have no
problems. “ Bivouac” is a French word ! There are public camp grounds
[“Camping Municipal”] in many towns (
but not all), charging from E6.00 to €12.00 or more for a single camper. These
are marked on maps, but it may be hard to find one for every night
without a lot of planning. Some have WiFi, of variable quality, for an extra
charge, sometimes expensive. These campsites cater for motor travelers on long
stays, rather than overnight cyclists, and are sometimes about as attractive as
car yards. But you can get a shower and wash your clothes, and perhaps charge
your device. Youth Hostels are expensive !
Trains : Express trains are not
bicycle-friendly. However, local or regional trains may be much easier with a
bike, as well as cheaper. Ask for any “special” prices, particularly at week
ends and “off peak”. Bikes may also travel on some tram systems. Be wary,
however, not to buy a ticket that crosses an international border (if
possible), unless you want to spend too much ! Germany : flat rate €5.00 per
bike ( folders free !)
Internet & WiFi : WiFi is
useful, if and when it’s available, ( eg at MacDonald’s), but having
connectivity in “real time”, especially from your “wild” campsite, is so useful
it’s practically indispensable. I recommend having a local pre-paid SIM card.
My “International Travel SIM” from Australia was expensive and almost useless.
To access your Google or Hotmail accounts, you need to make arrangements before
you leave home to carry printed “security codes” with you. Be aware too that
French keyboards may be difficult for people not accustomed to their layout.
FaceBook Messenger is quite useful, too. Internet cafes are no longer common,
so your own device is almost indispensable.
Misc : While there are many bicycles
in France, with all types of riders, finding a specialised bike shop may be
difficult outside the hypermarkets. Very basic parts can be found in
supermarkets.
Websites :
For a log of the trip that produced this Fact Sheet,
click here
For a similar Fact Sheet to this, see “Germany : South
West “ http://members.iinet.net.au/~bikefish/Germany.htm
Eurovelo Routes ( France) : http://www.eurovelo.com/en/cycling-in/france
Distance calculator : https://www.freemaptools.com/how-far-is-it-between.htm
Free camping in France : http://www.freewheelingfrance.com/cycle-camping/wild-camping-in-france.html
Glossary
English |
French |
German |
Beer |
Biere “Be-aire” |
Bier |
Bicycle |
Velo |
Fahrad |
Bread |
Pain [ “paa”] |
Brot |
Cheese |
Fromage |
kase |
Fruit |
Fruit [ “fru-ee”] |
Obst |
Map |
Carte |
Karte |
Meat |
Viande “ vee-ond” |
Fleisch |
Milk |
Lait “ lay” |
Milch |
Vegetable |
Legume |
Gemuse |
Water |
Eau [ “oh”] |
Wasser (“Vasser”) |
Wine |
Vin [ “veh”] |
Wein |
2016/Feb 01