Cycling France

[OzAlex]

Hello
I'm looking to complete the Via Francigena next year from Canterbury to Rome.
I was planning to cycle through France and walk from Switzerland.
Does anyone have any information on cycling the section through France please?
Regards
Alex

 

[Harington]

Try https://pilgrimstorome.org.uk/planning-your-jouney/cycling-the-via-francigena/, and also get a copy of this: https://pilgrimstorome.org.uk/shop/guide-books/new-booklet-of-accommodation-and-services-in-france/

 

[Matthew King]

I cycled the VF Canterbury to Rome in 2017.
I have to say that I found the northern parts of France were a little tedious in the sense that the landscape is undulating arable fields.
Perhaps that's a false memory...
For me what was more interesting was seeing the WW1 battlefields and war graves
The further south I went, I found the scenery more inspiring.
There are fewer accommodation options than in the Italian section of the VF
One important thing to consider is choosing the dates that you plan to arrive at the Great St Bernard Pass. The road over the top to the GSB hospice (cycling(and walking I would think)through the tunnel is disallowed) is limited by snow until about mid June I think. I don't know how it works out if you're planning on walking the Swiss section.
All in all, it's a very inspiring pilgrim route. Enjoy!
Matt

 

[OzAlex]

Try https://pilgrimstorome.org.uk/planning-your-jouney/cycling-the-via-francigena/, and also get a copy of this: https://pilgrimstorome.org.uk/shop/guide-books/new-booklet-of-accommodation-and-services-in-france/

Thanks Harrington

 

[OzAlex]

I cycled the VF Canterbury to Rome in 2017.
I have to say that I found the northern parts of France were a little tedious in the sense that the landscape is undulating arable fields.
Perhaps that's a false memory...
For me what was more interesting was seeing the WW1 battlefields and war graves
The further south I went, I found the scenery more inspiring.
There are fewer accommodation options than in the Italian section of the VF
One important thing to consider is choosing the dates that you plan to arrive at the Great St Bernard Pass. The road over the top to the GSB hospice (cycling(and walking I would think)through the tunnel is disallowed) is limited by snow until about mid June I think. I don't know how it works out if you're planning on walking the Swiss section.
All in all, it's a very inspiring pilgrim route. Enjoy!
Matt

Thanks Matt , I had heard something similar about walking through certain parts of France. I am also interested in the WW1 history part of the trip.
I’m looking to use my road bike with wider tyres for the trip to cope with different surfaces , was this an issue for you at all ?
Regards
Alex

 

[Harington]

Thanks Harrington

Harington

 

[Corned Beef]

WW1 cemeteries are (regrettably) too many in that area. The town of Albert (rail connection to Paris) is the centre of that area. Pics from some places you might pass by.

Albert was as far as I got before my derailleur fell apart (must pack lighter next time). So I skipped ahead to past Besancon. I still have the French section to do, so will be interested in the route you eventually take.

 

[Matthew King]

Thanks Matt , I had heard something similar about walking through certain parts of France. I am also interested in the WW1 history part of the trip.
I’m looking to use my road bike with wider tyres for the trip to cope with different surfaces , was this an issue for you at all ?
Regards
Alex

Alex.
I used my Surly Ogre, a rigid steel frame bike on 50-622 Shwalbe Supreme tyres. I had absolutely no issues with the tyres. Mechanically I went through quite a few pairs of disc brake pads (I should have used sintered) but fortunately I had brought enough spare pads so didn't have to rely on finding bike shops. As you can see, I was pretty well loaded (the bike, not me)
Hope the info helps!
Matt

 

[OzAlex]

Alex.
I used my Surly Ogre, a rigid steel frame bike on 50-622 Shwalbe Supreme tyres. I had absolutely no issues with the tyres. Mechanically I went through quite a few pairs of disc brake pads (I should have used sintered) but fortunately I had brought enough spare pads so didn't have to rely on finding bike shops. As you can see, I was pretty well loaded (the bike, not me)
Hope the info helps!
Matt

Great set up Matt , taking a few spares is a good idea. How much of the terrain in France was off roads ?

 

[OzAlex]

WW1 cemeteries are (regrettably) too many in that area. The town of Albert (rail connection to Paris) is the centre of that area. Pics from some places you might pass by.

Albert was as far as I got before my derailleur fell apart (must pack lighter next time). So I skipped ahead to past Besancon. I still have the French section to do, so will be interested in the route you eventually take.

Yes , very sad time in our history . my grandfather served and after the war went to Ypres to work for the Imperial War Graves so he could be close to his fallen mates. I will read up on the areas before I head off. Thanks again.

 

[Matthew King]

Great set up Matt , taking a few spares is a good idea. How much of the terrain in France was off roads ?

Alex.
I started trying to follow the walking route, but gave up on that idea when I was still in Kent and just off the ferry near Calais. Afterwards I would cycle on small roads ( B type or smaller) usually cycling three of Sigerac's daily stages each day by bike. I had two agendas for arrival. Firstly passing the GSB by mid June when the GSB top is passable once the snow has melted) and (perhaps more importantly) meeting my wife in Rome, who flew there for a mini break (and brought my bike bag for flying back to the UK.)
I completed the ride in about 30 days, obviously not strictly following the original walking path. That's why I got away with using the Shwalbe Marathon Supreme tyres (semi slick).
I always take some spares, eg inner tubes ( now I use tubeless so only one inner tube for disasters), derailleur hanger, brake pads
Hope all this helps you.
Matt

 

[OzAlex]

Thanks Matt , I was a bit worried about what road surfaces to expect but understand now you can alter your course to suit. Regards Alex

 

[drgalvin]

Thanks Matt , I had heard something similar about walking through certain parts of France. I am also interested in the WW1 history part of the trip.
I’m looking to use my road bike with wider tyres for the trip to cope with different surfaces , was this an issue for you at all ?
Regards
Alex

I have ridden the Chemins in France 5 times, including crossing the Pyrenees 4 times. Have used 700 x 25 on a Trek 520 and 26 x 1.25 on a Bike Friday. Had no problems except for deep mud once.

 

[Matthew King]

I have ridden the Chemins in France 5 times, including crossing the Pyrenees 4 times. Have used 700 x 25 on a Trek 520 and 26 x 1.25 on a Bike Friday. Had no problems except for deep mud once.

It's true that you can get caught out by mud from time to time, but as long as you don't mind lateral thinking, there's usually a way out of the "goo"