TRAVEL TIPS

with Pete Broad - France

Although France is superb for Biking, there are a few things you should remember. Here are a some examples.

Most shops are closed on Mondays in France. Their week end is Sunday and Monday.  This doesn't apply to the larger Supermarkets, but it does apply to Banks. Not many garages open on Sundays, so plan your fuel stops carefully. Most small shops close from 12 - 2 for lunch.  It's the wrong time to go shopping. The reverse applies to larger supermarkets, they are less busy at 1oc till 2oc.

MONDAYS. Most things are closed but supermarkets usually open. Some close for lunch but more and more are staying open. If you are arriving on these days, ALLOW FOR IT. This applies to food too.

LUNCH. Is sacrosanct to the French. If they are at lunch, it can last for two hours. Unlike the UK, it's their main meal of the day, so don't try shopping between  12 - 2, except in big supermarkets.

We always carry a toilet roll. There's nothing worse than finding a toilet that hasn't been restocked. We also carry a compass. They are cheap and a quick check will save you going miles in the wrong direction.

Satellite dishes usually face SOUTH.

E111 (or the new EHIC equivalent) is essential. So are your passports, tickets, MOT certificate, driving licence, insurance, registration documents, and road tax. (Actually, French bikes don't have road tax or MOTs, but the Gendarmes may know UK law). You must, by French law, carry a spare set of bulbs for your machine, and a First Aid kit.

HEADLIGHTS(Dipped) must be used 24/7. You may not agree but it's the law in France.

BEWARE OF FRENCH CAR DRIVERS.  They are the worlds worst for tail gateing. Lovely people, lousy drivers. Only Portugal have a worse accident record, although saying this, the French are much more Biker friendly. French Bikers stick their RIGHT leg out to thank them if the car pulls over to let you pass. Try it. If cars coming towards you flash their lights, it means Police ahead or there has been an accident.

IN TOWNS and on country roads BEWARE. Some side turnings have priority. Very difficult to judge which ones though. If the turning has no white stop line, they could come straight out on you. Stupid idea, probably comes from the horse and cart days.

ROUNDABOUTS. The priority is the same as the UK (Those ON the roundabout have the right of way) but everything else is reverse.  WATCH FOR TRAFFIC COMING FROM THE LEFT WHEN ENTERING.  The inner lane is often made of Cobbles. Nasty in the wet.

TYRE PRESSURES. They use BARS. 1 BAR is 15 Ibs pressure. 30 lbs is 2 BARS. (Approx)

DRINK DRIVING.  MUCH stricter than the UK. One small beer is the limit. Trouble is, the French don't seem to think that Wine is drink.

HOTELS. If you stay at one on a main road, ask for a room at the rear. Camions (Lorries) will keep you awake at night otherwise. Better still, choose one away from the road.

COUNTRY LANES. Depending on the time of year, they can be dodgy. Tractors make them muddy (BOUE) & covered in cow S**T. Take it easy.

THE FRENCH LANGUAGE Some find it diffiicult, including moi (Me) but try some simple bits. Bonjour = Good Day.   Merci = Thank you. Why not buy a small French-English dictionary. Bet you now wish you had listened more at school.


BEWARE of riding on the Gloss white paint they use on French roads. This also applies to the shiny black stuff they use to repair roads. OK in the dry, lethal when wet.

IT PAYS to give everyone in the group a photocopy of the route sheet we send you, and our address. If they get seperated, they can find their own way.

BIKES get stolen in France too (but not as often). LOCK IT UP. Then LOCK IT AGAIN. PREFERABLY TO ANOTHER BIKE.

You will be accepted almost anywhere in France. Even Swish hotels. We have heard differently, on occasions, but it hasn't happened to us.

BEWARE on Motorways, they have been known to time you between junctions. Big fine. Don't speed through villages and towns, they do not like it. Probably the best place to "Stretch the Wire" is on dual carriageways either at lunchtime (the Police eat too) or in the evenings. Slow down in the wet. It's compulsory.

DRIVE ON THE RIGHT It may sound obvious, but it usually goes wrong coming out after filling up with fuel, or coming out of a side turning. It comes with practice.

P&O give discounts to Bikers, but things they are a changing.  SHOP AROUND ON THE INTERNET.

CARRY a chain spray for your bike. For one thing, they are cheaper in the UK.

They don't put points on your licence, they just fine you heavily. Watch out. If you are REALLY speeding, they can take your licence and bike away on the spot.

The French do not like helmets taken into Supermarkets or stores. Leave them secured to your bike or at the reception desk. They usually give you a numbered card. Don't lose it.

The French will usually give a signal when overtaking a cyclist, but don't bother for junctions. Knock a cyclist down, and you are in big Poo Poo.

We once had a couple get to Germany, but forgot their tent. CHECK YOUR LIST, AND CHECK IT AGAIN.  Another guy arrived here on two bald tyres (no comment). Riding abroad can be magic, but just needs a little thought, and planning.

Even if you don't plan to ride at night, you should fit beam deflectors on your headlights. With the older type lights, they go at about 8 o/c on the glass. Check for newer models with your workshop manual or dealer.