Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Good Roads in France Good Roads in France
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 50
Good Roads in France
Thinking about heading down through France in early October. I will cross using the Tunnel, then head for the south coast. I want to travel on good roads avoiding motorway. When I get to the coast I will ride accross the Pyrenees between France and Spain to the north of Spain. I will cross back to the UK from Santander, hope to do this over a 8 - 10 day period. I am looking for advice on roads down through France.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Thumbs up
Get a Michelin map - the nicer roads are banded green. But, as has been said, you really can't go far wrong sitting on 'A' roads (called RN in France), and then taking things as they come.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 198
Stop for a nights camping in Potes, South of Santander in the Picos de Europe, it is lovely.
__________________
Cheers Dan
gettinglostagain.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
A french friend of mine insists France is for travelling across on the basis of driving (presumably riding too) no more in a day than from a late breakfast until an early lunch - then stay put until the next day.
He snorts and shrugs in disgust to hear I get from London to Var in less than a day.

But, he is right!
- - - - - - -
If you are avoiding motorways because of tolls, the long section from Clermont Ferrard to Montpellier or Beziers is free except for the Millau bridge (€7 on a bike last year).

A fantastic route south (for scenery, villages and great biking roads) and off motorways is via Reims, St Dizier, Langres, Gray, Dole, Champagnole and over the Monts Jura to Geneva then on south via Grenoble, Gap, Sisteron.

Enjoy.
(You will)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
+1 for the Picos de Europa. The camping at Santa Marina de Valdeon is superb if you like waking up to this view!


And if you get a chance to walk down the canyon at Cain, which is about 4 miles away, do it.

You walk through tunnels in the canyon walls...


Then it opens up to this...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 50
Thanks for all the information, I have visited northern Spain etc in the past (2 trips) I have riden my my bike down to The Algarve from Santander and back up through the west coast of Portugal and north west Spain. I love real Spain. I was looking for places of interest as I head down through France avoiding the motorways etc. Thanks again for all your help, I did like the pics. I also enjoyed Norway this year Doctor, I liked it so much I went back last month for my 2nd visit this year. I went to The Lofoten Islands, fantastic. This retiement job is the best job in the world, retire as young as you can, there is a big world out there needing some bikes to visit it.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
What was the weather like in Norway in August? I chose to go to Spain instead because it looked a bit dodgy but the reality may have been different.

Last year I went up as far a Roros in September and the days were clear blue skies, wonderful. This year I haven't been for the first time since '04 and I miss it.

Next year...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 50
I had 10 days last month, (Aug) 2 days of rain and 1 day with showers. I think Norway is the best country for biking, very like Scotland but more of it. People say it is expensive, but if you watch what you are doing, it can be ok. I did over 7000 miles in Norway, spread over 2 trips this year. The far north is fantastic, but just east and north of Bergen towards Lom etc (road 55) is just great. I have biked lot of Europe, and hired bikes in Canada but Norway has been the best for me. I think I will go back next year, need to think about the ferry now with DFDS not sailing from Newcastle. I came back from Bergen (£124 with shared cab) last month on The Symril Line to Scrabster and it was very good. Some bikers were heading up to Iceland, after Scrabster, that has got me thinking!!!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Wildman's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The Garden of England
Posts: 478
Quote:
Originally Posted by tourman View Post
Thinking about heading down through France in early October. I will cross using the Tunnel, then head for the south coast. I want to travel on good roads avoiding motorway. When I get to the coast I will ride accross the Pyrenees between France and Spain to the north of Spain. I will cross back to the UK from Santander, hope to do this over a 8 - 10 day period. I am looking for advice on roads down through France.
If it was me, I'd follow the D964 Sedan to Neufchatel, route des Granes Alpes Thonon les Bains to Sospel, across the south of France via the Cevennes National Park, visit Andorra (lots of motorcycle accessory shops with good kit very cheaply priced ads there's no tax), spend some time in and around (to the north of) Sort in the Pyrenees - super roads and off-road - then follow the D918 as close as I could to St. Jean de Luz. Means you miss the Millau Bridge though.
__________________
Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 94
Pyrenees and Picos in September
Hi,
Just got back from a 2 week jaunt down to the Pyrenees (across the French side then back on the Spanish side) and the Picos d'Europe. Thought I'd fill people in with my route and thoughts!

Pics and detailed road report here:
Trip around the Pyrenees and Picos d'Europe - September 2008
__________________
UK to Australia 2007
www.planitearth.co.uk
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need a good route through France - HUMM Charlotte Goose Europe 4 16 Jul 2008 01:04
Unpaved roads France/Spain suicufnoc Route Planning 0 11 Jul 2008 21:24
France, Pyrenées, good mechanic Matt595 Repair Shops, Europe 0 1 Sep 2005 06:06
Any good roads/routes to recommend south of Hamburg? Route Planning 5 17 Jun 2005 10:27
dirt roads in belgium/netherlands/northern-france trui_gaea Europe 1 21 Oct 2004 00:50

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top