![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2008
|
![Andy9's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar108.jpg) |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: England
Posts: 1
|
|
Bilbao to Calais
Hello All
Its my first post so here goes!
Could anyone give me some ideas for a route from Bilbao to Calais taking in the Pyrenees, Millau Bridge, Verdon Gorge and the Swiss/French alpine passes. We hope to go mid May for 8 to 10 days. If you have some road numbers and good campsites that would be great.
Many thanks in advance.
Andy9
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 184
|
|
Hi Andy,
First things first... ![Welcome](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/welcome.gif) The more the merrier!
Sounds like a great trip you've got on the books! Have you had a look at BestBikingRoads.com Motorcycle Travel, Motorcycle Touring, Motorcycle Routes, Motorcycle Roads, Motorcycle GPS, GPS Motorcycle Rides, Motorbike Roads ?
Also see the link below to a thread i started:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-europe-31463
Have a look at best biking roads and see if there's some rides on your way that interest you, link it in to the trip ( look at google earth, google maps, viamichelin.com etc for some route planning)
I often find that works for me: find what you want to see then figure out what you can fit in and how to get to each Point of Interest, with some nice quite back roads and when time constraints require it some motorways.
Good luck and have fun!
Steve
__________________
'99 R1100GS - In a suitable shade of black
It's not that life is so short, It's just that we're dead for so long....
"The world is a book, those who do not travel read only one page." ~ Saint Augustin
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
Andy, Hi
The Millau Bridge is a fair detour from Pyrenees to French Alps and not, in my mind, worth it. it is something people invariably ask if you have seen, but why? It is a tall modern bridge - thats all!
I prefer seeing what God made rather than what Man made.
However for those wanting to cross France quickly North/South, Millau has the advantage of being on a long section of Toll Free autoroute (other than the bridge itself) from Clermont-Ferrand and the coast at Beziers
The Verdon Gorge is stunning, with a terriffic bike ride up to see it from Draguignon (near Frejus) on both the D955 and the D25. For mile upon mile, no sign of humans or anything man made - except the good road surface.
Even more stunning is the Gorges d'Ardeche and it is closer to Millau if you still want to see it!
Every rural road in France has a unique charm. Enjoy them all.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
|
|
Good routes
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy9
Hello All
Its my first post so here goes!
Could anyone give me some ideas for a route from Bilbao to Calais taking in the Pyrenees, Millau Bridge, Verdon Gorge and the Swiss/French alpine passes. We hope to go mid May for 8 to 10 days. If you have some road numbers and good campsites that would be great.
Many thanks in advance.
Andy9
|
I agree with the last posts; if you like bridges then fair enough.
France is bigger than you may think (depending if you have been there before - I don't want to state the obvious).
There are quite a lot of threads in here about France, so you can get more ideas by doing a search.
I suggest that you get a Michelin map; they are as good as any, better than most and it will tell you where to go, if you read it properly - look for the green-edged roads for the scenic routes, and anything that goes through the mountains.
The Verdon Gorge is interestingly impressive, but so is the whole of the Massif Central and that is much nearer to Millau.
__________________
Dave
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
|
|
The Millau bridge is quite impressive to look at but not much to see when you ride over it. If you're passing, by all means go and have a look but I wouldn't make a special trip. I shot a video of my trip over the bridge. Watch it and make your own mind up if it's worth the trip. I agree the Gourge de L'Ardeche and Gourge verdon are well worth the trip.
YouTube - Riding over the Millau Bridge
I camped at La Cascade near Meyrueis. A nice, small site and the owner speaks English. Meyrueis is a great little town for a base to explore the region and has some great local roads. If you're prepared to gas it down the autoroutes you can do Le Havre to Millau in 12 hours.
Last edited by Flyingdoctor; 4 Feb 2008 at 19:18.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
4 Feb 2008
|
![MarkLG's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar007.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
|
|
The N240/N260 run along the Spanish side of the pyrennes is a nice run.
I did a similar trip to the one you're thinking of a couple of years ago:
N240/N260 to the spanish med,
back up to Andorra, then onto Millau
along the coast to Nice
N85 Route Napoleon to Grenoble
The weather in May can be a bit variable - the spanish side was fine, but when you get up into the hills it can be a bit hit and miss. You'll definately need to pack your waterproofs.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Feb 2008
|
![stuxtttr's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal014.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 576
|
|
Before you head east check out the Picos Europa, gem of a region close to Santander, definatly worth a short detour when you get off the boat.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|