Off Road across France.... Maps?
 

Does anyone know of a good resource (book/ website / etc) to allow me to plan a route across France (either towards the Alps or towards the Pyrenees from the UK) taking in as much off road as possible? Google has thrown back loads of holiday companies but nothing like a map that I can use to plan a route and link off road sections.

There was a similar Q asked on here back in 2005 but no responses...

Thanks

Off road France
 

Try Trail Rando they are a tour company but they do a thing called diagonal accross France . They use green lanes tracks etc with farmers permission. Thier base is on the Francochamps race track . Really nice people . Maybe you won't want to do a tour with them but there might be something to help on there

That's a great place to start , thanks. Now I know its possible time to start planning...
I also found Best Offroading trails in France : Wikiloc
but haven't worked out yet how to show multiple routes limited to just off road vehicles so I can see the best ones to join up...

Anyone else used this site?

C

maps
 

Hi you can go on ign.fr and access 1:25000 mapping of all of France for free,what we in the UK call byways are all shown,the maps are approx. 12-15 Euros,good luck Brian

France Offroad
 

How far did you get with putting a route together? It would be great to share.

I live in France, and I can tell you that it's inreasingly difficult to find offroad tracks that are legal to ride on. Unfortunately, no map will tell you that, it's only at the start of the trail that you'll find a sign that says "forbidden" (or not). And it's different every year, we come back and find out a mayor has plastered the area with "entrance forbidden to motor vehicles" signs.

In addition, some forrests (forêts domaniales) are forbidden to all vehicles.

Plus there are restricitons in Souther France during the summer months due to fire hazards.

FYI, the usual fine for trespassing is 135€.

That's the reason those travel companies can sell offroad tours, finding nice and legal trails is very difficult and time-consuming.

Laurent

PS: Mongolia is just 8000 km away, so why not make a little detour ?:mchappy:

Indeed finding off-road tracks in France has become very difficult. Did an in-depth search on Wikiloc earlier and found a number of remotely located tracks, mostly all short ones (10-40 km) spread over many parts of the country. I ended up selling my enduro bike but before, I did treat myself riding off-road in Limousin about 2 years ago, it was absolutely worth the 600 km driving distance. Great couple there, fantastic food, very interesting tracks, plenty of them actually, they rode it all. They also rent bikes (mostly TTR250) in case taking yours is too complicated. I strongly recommend as a "must do", possibly one of the last place to ride in peace. Enjoy! Road & Off Road Motorcycle Holidays in France - Ridelimousin

A good topo map + the ability to understand French + a LOT of patience + an understanding about what the priorities of the local 'Maire' are doh...then try this site. By now...you should be totally confused:lol2: C'est la vie!
Pas de problèmes! Guide attached Enjoy! :Beach: