Most cyclists come to France dreaming of empty roads, village cafés, and long lunches in the sun. And honestly, it really is like that. But there are a few quirks that can catch you out if you’re used to riding in the UK or the US — from helmet rules to closed boulangeries in the middle of summer.
In this video I walk through 5 things every visiting cyclist should know before hitting the roads in France:
0:00 Intro
0:36 Whether helmets are actually required by law
1:18 The two-abreast rule and how it works in groups
1:44 Why cafés and shops close at the times you least expect
2:25 The summer holiday closures that catch tourists out — even in busy areas
3:14 How to handle France’s cycle path network (and why I almost always use them)
Filmed on a solo summer lunchtime ride from my base in Normandy. I’ve been guiding and riding in France since 2008 — 12 of those years in Bourg d’Oisans at the foot of Alpe d’Huez — and these are the little things I wish someone had told me before my first trip.
Planning a cycling trip to France?
Custom supported cycling holidays throughout France, with bike rental available — enquire here:
Watch next: 5 Tips for Cycling in France — https://youtu.be/tz8L0ljZw6k
Got your own French cycling quirks or rules to add? Drop them in the comments — always interesting to hear what surprised other riders.
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360° camera — Insta360 X-series
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Microphone — Hollyland Lark A1
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12 Comments
Simple rule: If the road sign is a bike on a blue square, then the cycle path is recommended. If it is a blue circle, then it's mandatory 😉
I genuinely didn’t know that !
Yeah, I definitely learned the hard way about places being closed for lunch 🙂 Public holidays are another one. Last year I rolled into a little village and everything was closed because it was VE day. I always bring a spork so I can have super market Tabbouleh which makes a change from ham sandwiches.
In the video you are filling your water bottle from a well. Do you have tips for getting water?
one thing: gas stations sell especially in Elsass in a lot of cases just fuel but no drinks or snacks. So especially on sundays the preplanning for food should be good or you are running empty
Loved the cycle path between Bourg d’Oisans and Allemond last year, so much better than taking your life in your hands on the D1091.
Which of these surprised you the most? Or is there a French cycling quirk I missed?"
Даже не знаю почему youtube рекомендовал мне это видео, может хочет чтоб я побывал во Франции?
Headphones, earbuds etc are banned in France for cyclists just as they are for motorcyclists and car drivers, even "open" ones.
Carry bread and cheese with you and candy bars
You do not need to wear a helmet in the UK either.
I think you should always have water and snacks with you in every country. In Europe en general a lot of schops close for lunch. Supermarkets, restaurants, gasstations and cafes or open.
Be aware that even large supermarkets close on Sundays. If you're really lucky though, you may find a large one that opens Sunday morning but don't rely on that.