My mate is living in Montpellier so another friend and I were considering cycling through France in the summer and then staying with him for a few days before flying back.
First bit of planning is underway so just looking for some tips!
Have had a quick read of this:
[url] http://www.teambuzztourdefrance.blogspot.com/ [/url]
and it's looking like flying to Bordeaux and cycling from there would mean we'd actually get a holiday at the end of which is a bit more attractive - plus this is the first bit of cycling touring either of us has done.
At the moment we'd be doing it unsupported and staying in B&Bs/hostels to keep the amount of equipment down.
What do i need to consider for a trip like this?
http://pompinos.blogspot.com/
feel free to ask any other questions.
Via Michelin has cherbourg>montpellier as 650+ miles
Id allow around 60miles per day.
Bordeaux to Monpellier isnt a particularly interesting route unless you go due east and then south. If you go the direct route it's not so good.
Cheers will have a read of that later 😀
Just a quick skim of the maps and your route, looks like we could go Bordeaux - Bergerac then head north a bit to do the Champagnac - Saint Flour - to around Mons before turning to Montpellier.
We 'did' Caen to Montpellier a couple of years ago. It's quite lumpy in Swiss Normandy so expect to work hardish for the first few days. Drop me a PM if you want anything specific.
20 miles a day and one rest day in that so 12 days to do 650 miles. Be flexible - don't book up accomodation. Make sure your luggage on the bikes is secure and convenient to use. I like to have one small bag ( bar bag) that can be removed easily and contains passports and the like.
Start early in the day if you can get the miles in befoer lunch - and enjoy a nice lunch with a beer.
enjoy
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This was our full route.
I can recommend the stretch that you suggest but heading down through Nasbinals and Marjevols to Florac in the Cevennes.