Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravanning and Camping Abroad 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Info Req`d for cycle Tours-French Canals Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonBKVimto
14/5/2018 at 11:05am
 Location: SR8
 Outfit: None Entered View BKVimto's Profile View Profile   Reply to BKVimto Reply   Quote BKVimto Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   97
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Having seen a posting by Oxter (Sedate Cycling in the Abroad forum) regarding canal towpath cycling, it got me thinking of what to do in August.

Has anyone had any experience of cycling holidays that include bike hire. We could drive or fly depending on where a good holiday can be had.

It's a long while since we cycled, so perhaps an ebike might be a good choice to start with.

I look forward to any suggestions on offer

Thank You


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonBerriow
14/5/2018 at 11:56am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Berriow's Profile View Profile   Reply to Berriow Reply   Quote Berriow Quote  
Joined: 21/12/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3980
Site Reviews Total: 53
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Too strenuous and hot for me, but for the Canal du Midi look upRelaxbiketours.com They cover the length of the Canal between Toulouse and Sete with several pick up and drop off points along the way. Flights to Beziers and Carcassonne are cheap as chips outside the peak period.


PersonBKVimto
14/5/2018 at 1:06pm
 Location: SR8
 Outfit: None Entered View BKVimto's Profile View Profile   Reply to BKVimto Reply   Quote BKVimto Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   97
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thank you


PersonKelper
14/5/2018 at 3:02pm
 Location: Northern Ireland
 Outfit: Sterckeman Alize Concept CP480 View Kelper's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kelper Reply   Quote Kelper Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7948
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 93
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 9  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 8  
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 50
Site Nights 2022: 49
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 52
Site Nights 2018: 53
This site. shows all the cycle routes in France. (i.e. specifically designated routes)

I've cycled some of the Canal du Midi, and the Loire valley ...

Many places to bike hire in France ... also, lots of companies will drive your 'kit' from base to base, so that you can cycle without load carrying.

For instance

And ... here

Post last edited on 14/05/2018 15:16:03


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


Personmissmally
15/5/2018 at 7:07am
 Location: Leicestershire
 Outfit: Old Eura Mobil View missmally's Profile View Profile   Reply to missmally Reply   Quote missmally Quote  
Joined: 09/1/2003

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   435
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 27
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 3
I would possibly stick to northern France if thinking of cycling in August, especially if it's been a while. August can be so hot in the South. We take our bikes but mainly use them for shopping/short trips in the summer as it's often too hot to cycle any distance. Around Lac D'orient is fairly flat - http://www.aube-champagne.com/en/cycling-mountain-bike/


-------------
Kyla


Advertisement



PersonSGThomas
15/5/2018 at 7:40am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
You generally find that the major canals such as the Garonne/Midi, Burgundy, Nivere and so on, are bordered by mature plane trees. This makes them far cooler in hot weather.

Trails like the Via Rhona, or the coastal routes do tend to be hot and crowdwd inAugust.


PersonIronned
15/5/2018 at 7:49am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Chausson S697 View Ironned's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ironned Reply   Quote Ironned Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2016

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   432
Site Reviews Total: 62
Site Reviews 2024: 5  
Site Reviews 2023: 14 
Site Reviews 2022: 9  
Site Reviews 2021: 15 
Site Reviews 2020: 10 
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 15
Site Nights 2023: 18
Site Nights 2022: 22
Site Nights 2021: 30
Site Nights 2020: 19
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 16
There's a long distance cycle track along the Loire and most of the larger campsites either hire bikes or can suggest companies that do, including e-bikes.
The temperatures are a bit lower than further south and the paths pretty flat, so you might find it a bit tame. But of course the local architecture is pretty striking !

-------------
Seeking luxury in unexpected places


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonBKVimto
15/5/2018 at 8:03am
 Location: SR8
 Outfit: None Entered View BKVimto's Profile View Profile   Reply to BKVimto Reply   Quote BKVimto Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   97
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks again everyone.

Going to hire a bike and try some 'day trip' cycling when we go to Spain in June and ascertain what we can manage with the heat and choice of normal cycle & ebike.


PersonJoannaLesley
15/5/2018 at 8:06am
 Location: South Northamptonshi
 Outfit: Delta-Freelander View JoannaLesley's Profile View Profile   Reply to JoannaLesley Reply   Quote JoannaLesley Quote  
Joined: 31/8/2015

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1198
Site Reviews Total: 51
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 29
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 31
A few years ago, my daughter and I walked the length of the Canal du Midi. All along the route thee were places to hire cycles, so you won't have a problem. Try the local tourist offices for a list (you can probably get them on line).

When walking, we used a guide book for both the route (not so silly as it sounds as it keeps changing sides of the canal and isn't always obvious)and for the points of interest along it. It also gave some interesting diversions/trips out for cyclists. I got it on Amazon (can't remember the exact title), so a search should find it.

-------------
Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.


PersonVal A
15/5/2018 at 12:59pm
 Location: West - North Yorkshire
 Outfit: Swift Speedbird 490 Mondeo Estate View Val A's Profile View Profile   Reply to Val A Reply   Quote Val A Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   18741
Site Reviews Total: 30
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We have cycled some parts of the Canal du Midi and in summer it's an exhausting business - especially as long stretches are now unshaded with the demise of the huge plane trees.

I too would recommend somewhere further north if you want to do summer cycling - or think about it for a spring holiday instead.


Advertisement



PersonFrazzle-
15/5/2018 at 6:02pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Outwell Montana 6P tent View Frazzle-'s Profile View Profile   Reply to Frazzle- Reply   Quote Frazzle- Quote  
Joined: 25/6/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   969
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Looked at the website that Kelper suggested £2k- £3.5k plus
, I'm guessing per person.

Compares to other holidays but not to camping.


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonBKVimto
15/5/2018 at 8:19pm
 Location: SR8
 Outfit: None Entered View BKVimto's Profile View Profile   Reply to BKVimto Reply   Quote BKVimto Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   97
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
It 's all food for thought - Thanks for all advice to date.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravanning and Camping Abroad - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

5436 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder