Picked up a simple touring bike on a whim after seeing a video of someone touring through Europe. Fell in love with it right away after some initial bumps. I've worked up the following route (mostly following Eurovelo 4 with some skips and detours), and I'm wondering if anyone who's been here previously has some pointers for a new visitor! Wild camp spots, sightseeing, places to eat.. Anything's welcome 🙂
PS: I'm from the Netherlands (where the trip ends), so I'm not strong on big climbs yet. Would also love to help people out with trips to the Netherlands if desired.
by idcjosh
4 Comments
Nice route ! I recommend stopping by Bruges or even Gand, both cities are wonderful
Have done that route over a couple of separate trips, lots of great places to eat in France just go to any village/town sq for lunch or get a picnic and some wine on the beach. The coastal route through Belgium into Netherlands is a bit dull so would recommend a detour into Gent and from there maybe Breda.
The Belgian coast sucks. I’m saying this as a local.
Where possible, I would go a bit inland (like 5km) and cycle through the polders, which are much nicer.
Passing by Bruges is also a good idea.
I like cycling along water but 9 days along the coast would probably get a bit boring.
Wild camping is easy in France. There are a lot of farms, so there are a lot of (dead end) farm roads without traffic, offering you plenty of possibilities to pitch your tent in a secluded spot out of sight, without having to hide in a forest. Here are some [wild camping spots near your 2nd day stop](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1g2DkBp8rDjIoLY0WHp-4tBm9LWBS_F0&usp=sharing) that I would personally consider. Of course, Google Maps does not give all information so be sensible about it, do not camp in pastures with livestock and do not camp on (the edge of) farmland that is on the brink of being harvested or worked by farmers, as your tent could be in the way of their machinery at 6AM the next morning.
And of course, being in France you’re gonna have to raid the local bakery every morning for a fresh croissant and a pain au chocolat.