[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f16nkckdr7jb1s":3,"$f31rcd4ensxatx":79,"country-posts-FR":319,"$f3qmlkv0jgylsn":320,"mdc--s0d0ul-key":323,"mdc--rpywwv-key":335,"mdc-d4gknx-key":394,"mdc--jizuxk-key":413,"mdc--4i795y-key":430,"mdc-cker04-key":477,"mdc-dimzxm-key":485,"mdc--zdqzl9-key":493,"mdc--pvzt3m-key":501,"mdc-pzen6r-key":566,"mdc-ct4dji-key":574,"mdc--4scp6z-key":616,"mdc-bbui7j-key":685},{"code":4,"slug":5,"name":6,"continent":7,"flagUrl":8,"location":9,"zoom":12,"boundingBox":13,"borders":20,"schengen":29,"flags":30,"quickFacts":32,"sections":38,"resources":73,"counts":74,"legacyKey":6,"migratedAt":78},"FR","france","France","Western Europe","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fflags%2FFlag_of_France.svg.png?alt=media&token=c8913116-3c09-46ff-b88e-1e6d115c3e85",{"lat":10,"lng":11},46.227638,2.213749,5,[14,17],[15,16],2.05338918702,-54.5247541978,[18,19],51.1485061713,9.56001631027,[21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28],"AD","BE","DE","IT","LU","MC","ES","CH",true,{"dangerous":31,"island":31,"openBorders":31,"visaFree":31},false,{"capital":33,"languages":34,"currency":35,"callingCode":36,"region":37,"subregion":7},"Paris","French","Euro","+33","Europe",{"about":39,"visa":43,"sleeping":47,"safety":52,"transport":57,"foodDrink":64,"people":67,"health":70},{"body":40,"updatedAt":41,"updatedBy":42},"France offers a variety of possibilities: sights, curiosities and cultural and folkloric events, beautiful landscapes spread between the sea and European high mountains as well as a variety of food, top wines, liqueurs and other drinks.","2021-05-04T16:45:41.000Z","01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3",{"body":44,"updatedAt":45,"updatedBy":46},"People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here https:\u002F\u002Fwww.schengenvisainfo.com\u002Ftourist-schengen-visa\u002F. The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries.","2020-09-03T09:37:14.000Z","ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2",{"updatedAt":48,"updatedBy":42,"parts":49},"2021-05-27T17:19:33.000Z",{"formalCamping":50,"hostels":51},"-   Camping seems like a great option for a low budget overnight stay. As in hotels, you have a variety ranging from nature campsites (Air Naturelle) or from small campsites (usually Municipals) to the large commercial caravan villages, usually planned around the tourist sites or coastlines. Prices therefore also depend on the type of campsite. The camping rates are clearly announced at the entrance and often so low that wild camping is not an option. In case of emergency, you can always knock on the door of a remote farm and ask to pitch your tent on its domain. There are fewer campsites in the north of the country than in the center and south, where almost every village has a campsite,\n-   For an overview of all more than 10,000 campsites, including the farm campsites, there is the FFCC guide (google). It is best to only take the maps and the text parts of this thick book with you from the departments where you will be cycling.","-   You really come across plenty of affordable hotels. You see them even more than campsites.\n-   Logis de France has a free booklet with approximately 3000 overnight addresses at independent hotels affiliated with this chain. The booklet contains clear maps and hotel descriptions and is updated every year. It is available at the hotels themselves. Even if you are alone and want to book a night, that is no problem. An overnight stay for 1 person costs approximately € 40 (prices 2007). More information at [http:\u002F\u002Fwww.logisdefrance.com](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.logisdefrance.com).\n-   Since 2003, Michelin has also published the \"Atmospheric Overnachten\" guide with a selection of special guesthouses and charming small hotels where you can get a room for € 80 or less per night. Individuals\n-   Chambres d'hotes is the French version of Bed & Breakfast. The Gites de France are one of the most famous \"labels\" for a minimal quality of the Chambres D'Hotes. See [http:\u002F\u002Fwww.gites-de-france.fr](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.gites-de-france.fr).\n-   The Trotter Chambres d'hôtes in France contains the 1500 best Trotter addresses for affordable yet characterful guest rooms in rural France. A very thorough selection, based on years of experience.",{"body":53,"updatedAt":54,"updatedBy":42,"parts":55},"France is a safe country. Only in the very large cities do you have to pay more attention to your bike, but that is just like in any other country.","2021-05-04T17:02:25.000Z",{"traffic":56},"The quality of the roads is generally good. The roads to and from large cities are of course busier. The French are very cyclist-friendly and ride around you or brake if there is no room to swerve. Make sure you stand out.",{"updatedAt":58,"updatedBy":42,"parts":59},"2021-05-04T17:00:42.000Z",{"airplane":60,"train":61,"bus":62,"boat":63},"Is possible, also to Corsica","-   Possibility to take the bicycle with you on the TGV, not disassembled: the places can be reserved and you have to pay. If one is obliged to travel over Paris, one has to change station: this is certainly doable by bicycle. Without reservation, the bicycle must be taken in a transport bag\n-   Bicycles CANNOT be taken on many through trains.\n-   In Thalys and TGV, the bicycle can be taken in a bicycle transport bag. (see next paragraph)\n-   You can also take your bike on the night train to Basel, ten kilometers from the French border\n-   Several night trains run from Lille (Lille) to places in the South of France, such as Nice.\n-   There are even TGVs where you can take the bike with you without taking it apart or packing it. The bicycle is then hung on the hook in the wagon. However, it is necessary to book in advance.\n-   Unfortunately, there is no longer a bicycle train to Avignon.\n\n**Bicycle in the TGV and Thalys**\n\nWhen booking a TGV ticket, you will be informed of the possibility to take your bicycle with you if you have it disassembled in a special bag. That bag must be 90x120cm or less. Most bicycles fit exactly in that bag, and the experience is that disassembling your bicycle before departure and reassembling it at your final destination takes about 20 minutes. SNCF gives the impression that your bicycle fits in the luggage rack in the front of every wagon. In practice, this turns out to be disappointing. The racks are retrofitted with an extra grid so that a bicycle no longer fits in the rack and you are forced to place your bicycle in front of the luggage rack. Not everyone is friendly with the obstacle, so it is advisable to walk to the luggage rack at stops to prevent people from destroying your bike.\n\nAnother potential problem is transferring in Paris. For example, the metro between Gare du Nord and Montmarte (line 4) is not equipped with escalators. Expect a long and tiring climb through narrow metro tunnels and over steep stairs.\n\nBicycle transport bags are available from Vaudé, AGU, and Rose, among others. Prices start at around 70 euros and go up to 350 euros for a hard plastic case. Bags can also regularly be found second-hand on well-known auction websites.","The bus is often not a problem, because the bicycle simply fits in the cargo hold of the regular bus. However, it can take a particularly long time.","-   From or to Italy. You can find information at [http:\u002F\u002Fwww.cemar.it\u002Fferries\u002F1\\_ferries.html](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.cemar.it\u002Fferries\u002F1_ferries.html) or at [http:\u002F\u002Fwww.seabridges.com](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.seabridges.com).\n-   Corsica, for example, has boat connections between Sardinia (Sta Teresa) and Bonifacio.\n-   Information about ferry connections across the canal can be found at [http:\u002F\u002Fwww.seabridges.com](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.seabridges.com)",{"body":65,"updatedAt":66,"updatedBy":42},"-   Many villages do have a boulangerie, where you can enjoy the French baguette, croissants and many more. In Northern France, however, they are sown more thinly than you think.\n-   Note that in France cola or beer is often more expensive than wine. For cheap drinks, you have to behave like a bon vivant in France, and drink a glass of wine with a meal.\n\n**Cooking fuel**\n\nGas cans from Campingaz are easy to find.\n\n**Markets and Supermarkets**\n\nThere is a wide variety of foodstuffs in France. The local markets are tempted to stock up on fruit, vegetables, cheese and spreads. You can also find all the necessities in large supermarkets (Le Clercq, Carrefour.) That are announced kilometers in advance. Leave the Dutch cheese on the racks for 1 time and enjoy the artisan French cheeses of the region, the ham (jambon), the liver pate, the salamis, the seasonal fruit and seasonal vegetables. This in combination with a baguette (French elongated bread) with or without a French wine is the ideal picnic during your holiday.\n\n**Restaurants**\n\nA good alternative to the “à la carte” meal in the restaurant is the “menu du jour” that the local bar offers you. Check out what the cook will be serving that day via the sign or ask the waitress directly. You often get a starter or salad, a main course and a dessert or cheese with a carafe of wine and bread at will for barely 10 to 12 €. For a smooth service, it is best to present yourselves around 12 noon but not after 1 pm.\n\n**Water**\n\nJust like with us, the tap water is drinkable. A useful advice: have your drinking cup refilled with ice-cold water at the cafe or restaurant where you had a coffee. Since the warm summer of 2003, the Horeca owners were kindly requested to offer this refreshment free of charge.","2021-05-04T17:14:21.000Z",{"body":68,"updatedAt":69,"updatedBy":42},"**Communication with the local people**\n\n-   French is spoken in France. Few French speak a second language, such as English. The French are very happy when you speak French.\n-   In the south of France I got the idea that they speak more and better English there than in Northern France. It is true that the French appreciate it very much if you try to speak their language.\n-   In various regions, the local population speaks a strong dialect. In some regions this is a light variant of French, but in other areas it seems unintelligible French. Especially in the south of France and on the Breton coast, there may be people who occasionally speak a variant of French. But everyone in France is supposed to be able to speak French.\n\n**Hospitality**\n\n-   Opinions about French hospitality and communication differ widely. Some argue that even if you speak French, the arrogant attitude of the French remains. Others have noticed little of the arrogance. The truth is somewhere in between. It seemed to us that the Parisians are a bit jerky while the French in the villages are a bit more relaxed.\n-   The reaction to holiday cyclists is usually neutral, but sometimes a bit strange. Sometimes people don't understand why you go cycling (especially with all that stuff!) When a car goes faster.\n-   (Paul 2012) I had some nice experiences with French myself, they are very warm people who like to take the time for something. This is also reflected in the small shops and cafes where the locals come. I myself have not noticed anything of the French arrogance. In general, the French love that you cycle in their country, they think you are crazy, but they are sympathetic to the idea.","2021-05-04T16:51:11.000Z",{"body":71,"updatedAt":72,"updatedBy":42},"France is well supplied with the 'Pharmacies', even the smaller towns have such a provision. Hospitals can be found in the larger towns. There is also a list of a doctor, dentist and the like at every campsite.","2021-05-04T17:17:23.000Z",[],{"pois":75,"users":76,"hosts":77},33,23,11,"2026-11-06T11:25:25.554Z",[80,89,98,106,114,122,130,138,145,152,159,166,174,181,189,196,203,210,217,223,228,235,242,249,256,263,270,277,284,291,298,305,312],{"id":81,"type":82,"title":83,"countryCode":4,"location":84,"likes":87,"excerpt":88},"fe042a81-f192-4a01-aac4-9721d248b10e","wild-camping","Many wild camping spot along the canal",{"lat":85,"lng":86},43.429951287771736,4.767016861604928,2,"Not very clean, but it's kind of the best place to go early morning in the Camargues.",{"id":90,"type":91,"title":92,"countryCode":4,"location":93,"likes":96,"excerpt":97},"d5dc69d9-3567-4214-8e0b-6207e920b54c","bike-shop","Altiplano",{"lat":94,"lng":95},45.088401560495164,5.559452176094056,1,"Altiplano est un magasin de vélo et de sports d'hiver. Ils sont très biens équipés et accueillant, ils sauront répondre à vos attentes.",{"id":99,"type":100,"title":101,"countryCode":4,"location":102,"likes":96,"excerpt":105},"25f355ac-b318-4736-a54e-8906c17524de","see-and-do","Begining of Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle",{"lat":103,"lng":104},45.04553757464296,3.8839673995971684,"Starting point of the Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle. Begin in Le Puy en Velay : great city with many assets et a wild countryside to ride !",{"id":107,"type":108,"title":109,"countryCode":4,"location":110,"likes":96,"excerpt":113},"335a2b05-ba34-4340-9976-5946816b7bdc","formal-camping","Camping des trolls",{"lat":111,"lng":112},50.818987073430364,1.6848201891858943,"Nice, small and relative affordable camping in Marquise, close to the sea. Contact: +33 3 91 21 86 08",{"id":115,"type":82,"title":116,"countryCode":4,"location":117,"likes":120,"excerpt":121},"6049836d-d2df-4afe-9165-6ddd57282d60","Beautiful wild camping spot",{"lat":118,"lng":119},45.5625123,4.8113465,0,"Right along an outlet of the river you have a wild camping spot. There's even a public toilet on the other side and you can easily pitch your tent here. There…",{"id":123,"type":124,"title":125,"countryCode":4,"location":126,"likes":120,"excerpt":129},"92a398f2-604e-4d8d-ac0c-1b834a22ec39","campsite","Bonneuil-Matours campsite",{"lat":127,"lng":128},46.67563121255357,0.5773723125457765,"Lovely campsite on the banks of the Vienne river. Great swimming opportunity! In August 2020 the campsite was officially “closed” due to Covid but people…",{"id":131,"type":132,"title":133,"countryCode":4,"location":134,"likes":120,"excerpt":137},"17d01369-bc65-4d73-80ff-1dbc66262d47","water","Campervan parking taps",{"lat":135,"lng":136},44.25592729267611,1.6093146800994875,"",{"id":139,"type":108,"title":140,"countryCode":4,"location":141,"likes":120,"excerpt":144},"965f4d2b-ed3d-44f9-a25f-86489f250c67","Camping Des Rapides de Phades",{"lat":142,"lng":143},49.882918656924474,4.775963038354924,"Very nice camping at the Semois river. You can - if place - put your tent next to the water. For prices and opening periods check their website.",{"id":146,"type":108,"title":147,"countryCode":4,"location":148,"likes":120,"excerpt":151},"2d01ca93-fc91-4f66-866d-65b81053a261","Camping les Eymes",{"lat":149,"lng":150},45.144868142170544,5.515544414520265,"Camping 3 étoiles situé à Autrans Méaudre en Vercors dans un quartier calme avec une vue dégagée sur les montagnes. 38112 Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors Tél…",{"id":153,"type":108,"title":154,"countryCode":4,"location":155,"likes":120,"excerpt":158},"c04a3148-0a11-4174-9eab-d3aee66e9499","Camping municipal les primevères",{"lat":156,"lng":157},50.85898218718358,1.7214048809028288,"A very nice, not too big campsite. Close to the sea, some nice hilly cycling roads in the nearby area and some beautifull places to hike. Check their website…",{"id":160,"type":124,"title":161,"countryCode":4,"location":162,"likes":120,"excerpt":165},"9472506f-3caa-427f-bca3-fc50377914d8","Campsite",{"lat":163,"lng":164},43.99258373097869,4.817412137381286,"We just passed the campsite.not much more I can say about it.",{"id":167,"type":168,"title":169,"countryCode":4,"location":170,"likes":120,"excerpt":173},"19fdfc6d-e62a-48f0-a6bd-0fffa59f7a6b","other","Cold drinks by donation",{"lat":171,"lng":172},48.43311299894908,-0.6278836727142335,"Paul is the owner of this magical little retreat on the edge of the Velofrancette, 4km north of Ambrières-les-Vallées. He has cold beer and soda for thirsty…",{"id":175,"type":100,"title":176,"countryCode":4,"location":177,"likes":120,"excerpt":180},"aee7e0ee-2225-4297-b68c-ece6012fa60f","Hartmannswillerkopf",{"lat":178,"lng":179},47.85874,7.15013,"At Hartmannswillerkopf stands a national monument of World War I for the fighting which took place in the trenches here.",{"id":182,"type":183,"title":184,"countryCode":4,"location":185,"likes":120,"excerpt":188},"3b236d40-6337-49a8-8123-245b20de4e20","shop","Intercité Supermarket",{"lat":186,"lng":187},44.046097605438554,4.786157476564768,"Mon - Sat 8:30 - 19:00 Sun 9 - 12",{"id":190,"type":183,"title":191,"countryCode":4,"location":192,"likes":120,"excerpt":195},"6ee14542-df18-406b-b394-bcc30132b359","Lidl Supermarket",{"lat":193,"lng":194},44.04495556470017,4.78828807973514,"Mon-Sat 8:30 - 19:30 Sun 8:30 - 12:30",{"id":197,"type":82,"title":198,"countryCode":4,"location":199,"likes":120,"excerpt":202},"7566ac08-cd2b-4fb2-ad26-0acf25176f5f","Old house with large property",{"lat":200,"lng":201},45.2294073,4.8040498,"We found a really run down house around a large property. The owner does come almost every day and it is recommended you speak french to talk with him. He…",{"id":204,"type":82,"title":205,"countryCode":4,"location":206,"likes":120,"excerpt":209},"157fe436-2838-40e6-9908-0aae506f8113","Perfect camp spot",{"lat":207,"lng":208},44.4878359,4.6969032,"Off the via Rhona there is a vast space at the southern tip of the island. Pitch your tent, put up your hammock and go swim in the bay that's there.",{"id":211,"type":82,"title":212,"countryCode":4,"location":213,"likes":120,"excerpt":216},"cc2a08e3-941c-417f-83ea-c76d261bfb87","Picnic area and wild camp",{"lat":214,"lng":215},47.36438828333038,-0.26251316070556646,"A small picnic area by the side of the road with tables, toilet and water. Opposite a car park where camper and often spend the night too.",{"id":218,"type":132,"title":219,"countryCode":4,"location":220,"likes":120,"excerpt":137},"88537449-bf48-46f5-b413-720ab693af2a","Public toilets",{"lat":221,"lng":222},43.80049568933538,1.6073834896087649,{"id":224,"type":132,"title":219,"countryCode":4,"location":225,"likes":120,"excerpt":137},"cd3d080f-32d9-49f7-97b6-85caa4cdde16",{"lat":226,"lng":227},43.63769799002638,1.5968477725982666,{"id":229,"type":183,"title":230,"countryCode":4,"location":231,"likes":120,"excerpt":234},"90cb2ca9-71b8-4e15-9d0e-f97e6e7033a3","Restaurant Faim de Loup",{"lat":232,"lng":233},43.7196893,5.2451405,"Restaurant of the town with really nice servers. We had an iced coffee here and got our water bottles refilled. Recommended.",{"id":236,"type":168,"title":237,"countryCode":4,"location":238,"likes":120,"excerpt":241},"ee5cea36-f754-4935-b8c3-d4028d97c45c","Self service laundromat",{"lat":239,"lng":240},44.4897764,4.7203507,"24\u002F7 washing outside uexpress",{"id":243,"type":82,"title":244,"countryCode":4,"location":245,"likes":120,"excerpt":248},"75b50bd6-447c-40c0-8546-fe2fa7c1ce9a","Small hut",{"lat":246,"lng":247},48.018080621876635,6.978086494012345,"Small house, open, free to access, with tools for camping and a fire place. You Can in the house or around the lake.",{"id":250,"type":82,"title":251,"countryCode":4,"location":252,"likes":120,"excerpt":255},"f2532d5e-62fb-45ec-a375-2cac3171738c","Souzay Champignay picnic area",{"lat":253,"lng":254},47.23643170169441,-0.006104707717895509,"A peaceful picnic area near the river in Souzay Champignay that is good for wild camping. Descend to the car park and cross the wooden bridge to the grassy…",{"id":257,"type":183,"title":258,"countryCode":4,"location":259,"likes":120,"excerpt":262},"2d1b0721-aba3-486b-ad11-f7093e0a63a3","Supermarket",{"lat":260,"lng":261},44.90771,4.87842,"This one is a huge supermarket. You'll find all you need there.",{"id":264,"type":183,"title":265,"countryCode":4,"location":266,"likes":120,"excerpt":269},"b408db1e-7e43-4079-85f0-d02ac666f1a4","Supermarket Leclerc",{"lat":267,"lng":268},45.2723623,4.8220261,"Really big supermarket",{"id":271,"type":82,"title":272,"countryCode":4,"location":273,"likes":120,"excerpt":276},"fcff1236-c3ea-4b91-b079-1e7a8f7c9fd0","Sweet wild camping spot",{"lat":274,"lng":275},44.902928,4.8535259,"The place is a bit exposed and it can get a bit loud with trains, but the sunrise is priceless and the river is pretty calm here so you can wash and clean…",{"id":278,"type":100,"title":279,"countryCode":4,"location":280,"likes":120,"excerpt":283},"9e8b995d-b100-419a-b4fa-06fcd9bbc496","Troglodyte village",{"lat":281,"lng":282},47.236747466317865,-0.010342524490356554,"I don’t want to give any spoilers, but this place is worth having a look around, stopping for a picnic and filling up water. Toilets available. Well worth…",{"id":285,"type":183,"title":286,"countryCode":4,"location":287,"likes":120,"excerpt":290},"b63fbb71-a6f8-4d23-91ce-3bbec49b9539","U Express",{"lat":288,"lng":289},44.4897813,4.7202859,"Monday to Saturday 8:30-19:30 Sunday 9-12:30",{"id":292,"type":82,"title":293,"countryCode":4,"location":294,"likes":120,"excerpt":297},"e5b98430-8ff5-4a95-9790-bc8bf67aebc8","View of pretty viaduct",{"lat":295,"lng":296},46.23624107778771,0.6785774230957031,"There are often campervan staying over night down this dead end road but there is enough space for putting your tent away from them. In the summer people go…",{"id":299,"type":82,"title":300,"countryCode":4,"location":301,"likes":120,"excerpt":304},"2e9712f8-f32f-4a44-a325-8a7acab4752b","Wild camping",{"lat":302,"lng":303},47.212143581854505,0.08181810379028322,"Nice spot for wild camping in the forest park between the Loire and Vienne rivers. Picnic tables only, so make sure to fill up with water before arrival!",{"id":306,"type":82,"title":307,"countryCode":4,"location":308,"likes":120,"excerpt":311},"36fa6a4d-235a-473a-86ad-1680ae0539ae","Wild Camping deluxe",{"lat":309,"lng":310},43.7452747,5.2468056,"Camp along the river and dance into the sunset. This spot is very secluded and swimming in the pristine water is a blessing after a day of cycling. Absolute…",{"id":313,"type":82,"title":314,"countryCode":4,"location":315,"likes":120,"excerpt":318},"f240b4bd-a5bc-4996-b53f-f87b4b469d35","Wild camping on the island",{"lat":316,"lng":317},43.9728378,4.8143434,"This spot is magnificent. There's an easy access to wash yourself in the river too. Only thing you should know is that you are trespassing the territory of the…",[],{"01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3":321,"ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2":322},"Wereldfietser.nl \u002F Vakantiefietser.be","Bas Idsinga",{"data":324,"body":325},{},{"type":326,"children":327},"root",[328],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":331,"children":332},"element","p",{},[333],{"type":334,"value":40},"text",{"data":336,"body":337},{},{"type":326,"children":338},[339,348,368,376],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":340,"children":341},{},[342],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":344,"children":345},"strong",{},[346],{"type":334,"value":347},"Communication with the local people",{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":350,"children":351},"ul",{},[352,358,363],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":354,"children":355},"li",{},[356],{"type":334,"value":357},"French is spoken in France. Few French speak a second language, such as English. The French are very happy when you speak French.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":359,"children":360},{},[361],{"type":334,"value":362},"In the south of France I got the idea that they speak more and better English there than in Northern France. It is true that the French appreciate it very much if you try to speak their language.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":364,"children":365},{},[366],{"type":334,"value":367},"In various regions, the local population speaks a strong dialect. In some regions this is a light variant of French, but in other areas it seems unintelligible French. Especially in the south of France and on the Breton coast, there may be people who occasionally speak a variant of French. But everyone in France is supposed to be able to speak French.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":369,"children":370},{},[371],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":372,"children":373},{},[374],{"type":334,"value":375},"Hospitality",{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":377,"children":378},{},[379,384,389],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":380,"children":381},{},[382],{"type":334,"value":383},"Opinions about French hospitality and communication differ widely. Some argue that even if you speak French, the arrogant attitude of the French remains. Others have noticed little of the arrogance. The truth is somewhere in between. It seemed to us that the Parisians are a bit jerky while the French in the villages are a bit more relaxed.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":385,"children":386},{},[387],{"type":334,"value":388},"The reaction to holiday cyclists is usually neutral, but sometimes a bit strange. Sometimes people don't understand why you go cycling (especially with all that stuff!) When a car goes faster.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":390,"children":391},{},[392],{"type":334,"value":393},"(Paul 2012) I had some nice experiences with French myself, they are very warm people who like to take the time for something. This is also reflected in the small shops and cafes where the locals come. I myself have not noticed anything of the French arrogance. In general, the French love that you cycle in their country, they think you are crazy, but they are sympathetic to the idea.",{"data":395,"body":396},{},{"type":326,"children":397},[398],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":399,"children":400},{},[401,403,411],{"type":334,"value":402},"People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here ",{"type":329,"tag":404,"props":405,"children":409},"a",{"href":406,"rel":407},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.schengenvisainfo.com\u002Ftourist-schengen-visa\u002F",[408],"nofollow",[410],{"type":334,"value":406},{"type":334,"value":412},". The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries.",{"data":414,"body":415},{},{"type":326,"children":416},[417],{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":418,"children":419},{},[420,425],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":421,"children":422},{},[423],{"type":334,"value":424},"Camping seems like a great option for a low budget overnight stay. As in hotels, you have a variety ranging from nature campsites (Air Naturelle) or from small campsites (usually Municipals) to the large commercial caravan villages, usually planned around the tourist sites or coastlines. Prices therefore also depend on the type of campsite. The camping rates are clearly announced at the entrance and often so low that wild camping is not an option. In case of emergency, you can always knock on the door of a remote farm and ask to pitch your tent on its domain. There are fewer campsites in the north of the country than in the center and south, where almost every village has a campsite,",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":426,"children":427},{},[428],{"type":334,"value":429},"For an overview of all more than 10,000 campsites, including the farm campsites, there is the FFCC guide (google). It is best to only take the maps and the text parts of this thick book with you from the departments where you will be cycling.",{"data":431,"body":432},{},{"type":326,"children":433},[434],{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":435,"children":436},{},[437,442,455,460,472],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":438,"children":439},{},[440],{"type":334,"value":441},"You really come across plenty of affordable hotels. You see them even more than campsites.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":443,"children":444},{},[445,447,453],{"type":334,"value":446},"Logis de France has a free booklet with approximately 3000 overnight addresses at independent hotels affiliated with this chain. The booklet contains clear maps and hotel descriptions and is updated every year. It is available at the hotels themselves. Even if you are alone and want to book a night, that is no problem. An overnight stay for 1 person costs approximately € 40 (prices 2007). More information at ",{"type":329,"tag":404,"props":448,"children":451},{"href":449,"rel":450},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.logisdefrance.com",[408],[452],{"type":334,"value":449},{"type":334,"value":454},".",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":456,"children":457},{},[458],{"type":334,"value":459},"Since 2003, Michelin has also published the \"Atmospheric Overnachten\" guide with a selection of special guesthouses and charming small hotels where you can get a room for € 80 or less per night. Individuals",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":461,"children":462},{},[463,465,471],{"type":334,"value":464},"Chambres d'hotes is the French version of Bed & Breakfast. The Gites de France are one of the most famous \"labels\" for a minimal quality of the Chambres D'Hotes. See ",{"type":329,"tag":404,"props":466,"children":469},{"href":467,"rel":468},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.gites-de-france.fr",[408],[470],{"type":334,"value":467},{"type":334,"value":454},{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":473,"children":474},{},[475],{"type":334,"value":476},"The Trotter Chambres d'hôtes in France contains the 1500 best Trotter addresses for affordable yet characterful guest rooms in rural France. A very thorough selection, based on years of experience.",{"data":478,"body":479},{},{"type":326,"children":480},[481],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":482,"children":483},{},[484],{"type":334,"value":53},{"data":486,"body":487},{},{"type":326,"children":488},[489],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":490,"children":491},{},[492],{"type":334,"value":56},{"data":494,"body":495},{},{"type":326,"children":496},[497],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":498,"children":499},{},[500],{"type":334,"value":60},{"data":502,"body":503},{},{"type":326,"children":504},[505,543,551,556,561],{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":506,"children":507},{},[508,513,518,523,528,533,538],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":509,"children":510},{},[511],{"type":334,"value":512},"Possibility to take the bicycle with you on the TGV, not disassembled: the places can be reserved and you have to pay. If one is obliged to travel over Paris, one has to change station: this is certainly doable by bicycle. Without reservation, the bicycle must be taken in a transport bag",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":514,"children":515},{},[516],{"type":334,"value":517},"Bicycles CANNOT be taken on many through trains.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":519,"children":520},{},[521],{"type":334,"value":522},"In Thalys and TGV, the bicycle can be taken in a bicycle transport bag. (see next paragraph)",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":524,"children":525},{},[526],{"type":334,"value":527},"You can also take your bike on the night train to Basel, ten kilometers from the French border",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":529,"children":530},{},[531],{"type":334,"value":532},"Several night trains run from Lille (Lille) to places in the South of France, such as Nice.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":534,"children":535},{},[536],{"type":334,"value":537},"There are even TGVs where you can take the bike with you without taking it apart or packing it. The bicycle is then hung on the hook in the wagon. However, it is necessary to book in advance.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":539,"children":540},{},[541],{"type":334,"value":542},"Unfortunately, there is no longer a bicycle train to Avignon.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":544,"children":545},{},[546],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":547,"children":548},{},[549],{"type":334,"value":550},"Bicycle in the TGV and Thalys",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":552,"children":553},{},[554],{"type":334,"value":555},"When booking a TGV ticket, you will be informed of the possibility to take your bicycle with you if you have it disassembled in a special bag. That bag must be 90x120cm or less. Most bicycles fit exactly in that bag, and the experience is that disassembling your bicycle before departure and reassembling it at your final destination takes about 20 minutes. SNCF gives the impression that your bicycle fits in the luggage rack in the front of every wagon. In practice, this turns out to be disappointing. The racks are retrofitted with an extra grid so that a bicycle no longer fits in the rack and you are forced to place your bicycle in front of the luggage rack. Not everyone is friendly with the obstacle, so it is advisable to walk to the luggage rack at stops to prevent people from destroying your bike.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":557,"children":558},{},[559],{"type":334,"value":560},"Another potential problem is transferring in Paris. For example, the metro between Gare du Nord and Montmarte (line 4) is not equipped with escalators. Expect a long and tiring climb through narrow metro tunnels and over steep stairs.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":562,"children":563},{},[564],{"type":334,"value":565},"Bicycle transport bags are available from Vaudé, AGU, and Rose, among others. Prices start at around 70 euros and go up to 350 euros for a hard plastic case. Bags can also regularly be found second-hand on well-known auction websites.",{"data":567,"body":568},{},{"type":326,"children":569},[570],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":571,"children":572},{},[573],{"type":334,"value":62},{"data":575,"body":576},{},{"type":326,"children":577},[578],{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":579,"children":580},{},[581,601,606],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":582,"children":583},{},[584,586,592,594,600],{"type":334,"value":585},"From or to Italy. You can find information at ",{"type":329,"tag":404,"props":587,"children":590},{"href":588,"rel":589},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.cemar.it\u002Fferries\u002F1_ferries.html",[408],[591],{"type":334,"value":588},{"type":334,"value":593}," or at ",{"type":329,"tag":404,"props":595,"children":598},{"href":596,"rel":597},"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.seabridges.com",[408],[599],{"type":334,"value":596},{"type":334,"value":454},{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":602,"children":603},{},[604],{"type":334,"value":605},"Corsica, for example, has boat connections between Sardinia (Sta Teresa) and Bonifacio.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":607,"children":608},{},[609,611],{"type":334,"value":610},"Information about ferry connections across the canal can be found at ",{"type":329,"tag":404,"props":612,"children":614},{"href":596,"rel":613},[408],[615],{"type":334,"value":596},{"data":617,"body":618},{},{"type":326,"children":619},[620,633,641,646,654,659,667,672,680],{"type":329,"tag":349,"props":621,"children":622},{},[623,628],{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":624,"children":625},{},[626],{"type":334,"value":627},"Many villages do have a boulangerie, where you can enjoy the French baguette, croissants and many more. In Northern France, however, they are sown more thinly than you think.",{"type":329,"tag":353,"props":629,"children":630},{},[631],{"type":334,"value":632},"Note that in France cola or beer is often more expensive than wine. For cheap drinks, you have to behave like a bon vivant in France, and drink a glass of wine with a meal.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":634,"children":635},{},[636],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":637,"children":638},{},[639],{"type":334,"value":640},"Cooking fuel",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":642,"children":643},{},[644],{"type":334,"value":645},"Gas cans from Campingaz are easy to find.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":647,"children":648},{},[649],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":650,"children":651},{},[652],{"type":334,"value":653},"Markets and Supermarkets",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":655,"children":656},{},[657],{"type":334,"value":658},"There is a wide variety of foodstuffs in France. The local markets are tempted to stock up on fruit, vegetables, cheese and spreads. You can also find all the necessities in large supermarkets (Le Clercq, Carrefour.) That are announced kilometers in advance. Leave the Dutch cheese on the racks for 1 time and enjoy the artisan French cheeses of the region, the ham (jambon), the liver pate, the salamis, the seasonal fruit and seasonal vegetables. This in combination with a baguette (French elongated bread) with or without a French wine is the ideal picnic during your holiday.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":660,"children":661},{},[662],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":663,"children":664},{},[665],{"type":334,"value":666},"Restaurants",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":668,"children":669},{},[670],{"type":334,"value":671},"A good alternative to the “à la carte” meal in the restaurant is the “menu du jour” that the local bar offers you. Check out what the cook will be serving that day via the sign or ask the waitress directly. You often get a starter or salad, a main course and a dessert or cheese with a carafe of wine and bread at will for barely 10 to 12 €. For a smooth service, it is best to present yourselves around 12 noon but not after 1 pm.",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":673,"children":674},{},[675],{"type":329,"tag":343,"props":676,"children":677},{},[678],{"type":334,"value":679},"Water",{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":681,"children":682},{},[683],{"type":334,"value":684},"Just like with us, the tap water is drinkable. A useful advice: have your drinking cup refilled with ice-cold water at the cafe or restaurant where you had a coffee. Since the warm summer of 2003, the Horeca owners were kindly requested to offer this refreshment free of charge.",{"data":686,"body":687},{},{"type":326,"children":688},[689],{"type":329,"tag":330,"props":690,"children":691},{},[692],{"type":334,"value":71}]