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