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Wales to Biarritz, France Wales to Biarritz, France
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Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 16 Jun 2008
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Wales to Biarritz, France
Hi,

I am new to all this and am travelling from my homw in Wales to the south of France. I am travelling from Poole in Dorset to St Malos on Wednesday 18th June. It's my first trip and I am shitting myself. I am getting into St Malos at 7.30pm. Is it a good idea to travel to another town to stay for the night? Any good ideas as to where is nice to go? Any tips on my journey would be good I think! I am travelling on a new Yamaha Fazer 600cc.

Roger
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  #2  
Old 16 Jun 2008
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personally I would stay the night at or very near to St. Malo. You can find accomodation by using Via michelin website or france telecom ( look for chambres D'hote) ensure in towns that they have secure parking. I would advise against riding by night on your first day on french roads.
We are about 4 hours or so from St Malo and biaritz is a days ride ( say easy 6 hours) from here ( avoiding the peages)

If you are camping, there are several good 'aires' between Rennes and Nantes' which you could probably reach in daylight. Pm me for tips and further information.

Never allow yourself to be bullied into riding farther or faster than with which you are comfortable. Just ride safe.
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  #3  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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Roger:

I would be even more conservative than the previous poster's reply (which I agree with) and suggest that you stay overnight at the ferry departure point in the UK, then take an early morning ferry that would put you in France much earlier in the day.

Ferries run late, and it takes time to get off, get out of the compound, etc. You really don't need the stress associated with running around in an unfamiliar country at 8:00PM or later trying to find a place to stay.

Heck, I speak the French language, and have toured all over the world, done multiple ferry crossings, etc. and I would try to avoid a late evening arrival. It's just no fun, has potential for too much stress.

Michael
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  #4  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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Oh shit,

I have booked the ferry now and leave tomorrow. I think I better book the accommodation this end, today. I have a sat Nav so hopefully I won't have too much problem. Do you know if bike theft is a problem in that area?

Roger
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  #5  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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Oh well, can't change my ferry booking.....I may try to make Reenes from the ferry and stop there on my first night. Do you think that is sensible?
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  #6  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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Don't head for Rennes. By the time you get there it'll be getting dark and you still won't have anywhere to stay. Stay overnight in the St Malo area and use the time to relax. There's loads of cheap hotels in the area - Etap, Formula 1, Ibis etc

Have a look here, chose one you like the look of and do an email booking. Saint Malo hotel booking:Â*8 Accor hotels in Saint Malo
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  #7  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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There are loads of hotels in St Malo - a lot easier to find something there than Rennes - it is a transit stop, out of season tourist stop and, being on the English ferry route, plenty of people speak Engish. Small too - Rennes is a major(ish) city, no fun to be circling a foreign city in the dark on your first night. 7.30pm is plenty late. Remember, you need to eat, man!

Stop in St Malo. Have a look on the net for something. Unfortunately France is not a great place for turning up late - the French day is very regulated. But you will certainly find something in St Malo. A lot nicer than Rennes too: have a walk by the sea at night and breath your French biking adventure air.

You can stop in Nantes next day with us if you like - I have sent you a Personal Message.

Simon
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  #8  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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Thank you guys I really appreciate all the advice. Simon, I have tried to PM you but I have to do another 4 posts on here before I have my status upgraded, which is a pain. Thank you though for your generous offer but my plan at the moment is to stay in St Malo tomorrow night and then head straight down to Biarritz the next day. Would I be correct in assuming it should take about 6 hours?

Roger
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Old 17 Jun 2008
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Also, Do you know if a printout of my insurance will suffice as my insurance company have only posted mine today but have emailed me a copy? The ferry company said I would be ok?

roger
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  #10  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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I would put that journey as a minimum nine to ten hours in a car, sitting on the motorway all the way, taking shortish breaks. On a bike, well, that is a long day. Up to you. It is big bite to take, but a doable one. Just. Depends on your need to get south, and happiness spending all day in the saddle. If you intend to do it in a day, then get an early start.

See how you get on. Offer's open on the stop in Nantes remember. Just turn up.

I have sent you my email address.

Simon
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