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By bike: France is one of those unusual countries in which almost all the borders are natural features. The only flat borders are along the Atlantic south of the Gironde (it flows through Bordeaux, in the southwest) and along the western part of the border with Belgium. | By bike: France is one of those unusual countries in which almost all the borders are natural features. The only flat borders are along the Atlantic south of the Gironde (it flows through Bordeaux, in the southwest) and along the western part of the border with Belgium. | ||
Entry requirements: No border controls between countries in the Schengen area. Note that this does not include Britain and Ireland. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens as those of many other countries do not need a visa for a stay in the whole of the Schengen area (not simply in France) of less than 90 days. People from some other countries need a visa for a stay of any length. Check before you leave | Entry requirements: No border controls between countries in the Schengen area. Note that this does not include Britain and Ireland. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens as those of many other countries do not need a visa for a stay in the whole of the Schengen area (not simply in France) of less than 90 days. People from some other countries need a visa for a stay of any length. Check before you leave. | ||
=== Language === | === Language === | ||
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=== Traffic rules === | === Traffic rules === | ||
Avoid red roads (national roads); white roads (communal roads) are safe and pleasant; yellow (departmental roads) are bigger. Don't forget to cycle on the right! France uses standard European traffic signs. Traffic lights are on the stopping side of the junction; stop at the orange or red light. You cannot turn right on a red light unless a small cycling sign or a green arrow tells you so | |||
If the village you seek involves a change of direction at a junction, a sign will show it. If it doesn't, ride straight on. | |||
There is a rule across continental Europe that seems more pronounced in France than elsewhere: priority from the right. Remember that you DON'T have priority over traffic from the right unless a sign specifically tells you so. It is the ABSENCE of a sign that you're looking for, whether it's a metal sign or a painted line on the road. | There is a rule across continental Europe that seems more pronounced in France than elsewhere: priority from the right. Remember that you DON'T have priority over traffic from the right unless a sign specifically tells you so. It is the ABSENCE of a sign that you're looking for, whether it's a metal sign or a painted line on the road. | ||
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''Voies vertes'' and ''véloroutes'' are safe and delightful cycle paths, a tranquil way to ride across the country. They show you the country, since they meander rather than take the obvious and busy route. Being for bikes, they pass through stone gates, under tunnels and across meadows where drivers can't or wouldn't go. | ''Voies vertes'' and ''véloroutes'' are safe and delightful cycle paths, a tranquil way to ride across the country. They show you the country, since they meander rather than take the obvious and busy route. Being for bikes, they pass through stone gates, under tunnels and across meadows where drivers can't or wouldn't go. | ||
=== Repairs === | === Repairs === | ||
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Camp sites: very popular, ''Camping municipal'' or ''camping à la ferme'' will be cheaper, friendlier and quieter. Some sites close at the end of August and almost always by the end of October, not to reopen until April at the earliest. | Camp sites: very popular, ''Camping municipal'' or ''camping à la ferme'' will be cheaper, friendlier and quieter. Some sites close at the end of August and almost always by the end of October, not to reopen until April at the earliest. | ||
Wild camping: with a small tent, for a night, people are favourable towards quiet bike riders. But it is not allowed everywhere, so ask | Wild camping: with a small tent, for a night, people are favourable towards quiet bike riders. But it is not allowed everywhere, so ask permission if in doubt. | ||
=== Supplies === | === Supplies === | ||
==== Food ==== | ==== Food ==== | ||
Small supermarkets, shops and markets (local fresh food) in towns (closed noon to 2pm). In the suburbs supermarkets stay open over lunch. There are restaurants in any village of | Small supermarkets, shops and markets (local fresh food) in towns (closed noon to 2pm). In the suburbs supermarkets stay open over lunch. There are restaurants in any village of size, with a ''plat du jour''. Remember to say ''bonjour'' on entering a small shop or bar; it is impolite not to. | ||
==== Water ==== | ==== Water ==== | ||
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=== Contacts === | === Contacts === | ||
Meeting the locals: Strangers are not always greeted with a smile but don't worry, it's not coldness but politeness. Try to speak few French words for the first contact. They will help you if you struggle or even if you have to speak English. | Meeting the locals: Strangers are not always greeted with a smile but don't worry, it's not coldness but politeness. Try to speak a few French words for the first contact. They will help you if you struggle or even if you have to speak English. | ||
=== Children === | === Children === | ||