So How's France?

Marc here, it's my job to find the options for our tours and make the routes. I read a lot of internet stuff on cycle touring. When I found out that France has an abundance of campgrounds I figured it would work well.  Then I found out that you can take most trains with your bike, That is a game changer. I speak French...quite poorly now, but I can be understood. I spent some time in France in my youth and know how good the lifestyle can be. So, the Tour de France was born.

It's working! The campgrounds cost $25/30 a night. And when the weather is good it's hassle free because we like our tent, love sleeping outdoors and our bikes are right there. At hotels we often have sneak them into our room.

The "why France thing" came into sharp focus yesterday as we crossed into Spain heading to San Sebastian. Totally different vibe. Weaker bike infrastructure, which means more riding with cars or rerouting. Smaller towns are no longer "pristine" and there is a less affluent vibe.

The bakeries in France are no small contributor. At your second breakfast croissant stop it's easy to pick up a sandwich and then we have a picnic lunch in the pannier whenever we get hungry. 

Every region in France has its own culture and history. Once you learn to zoom in it's like changing "countries". Stage 1 was Provence all Mediterranean inflected, warm breezes and olive trees. Stage 2 is the Pays Basque in the foothills of the Pyranees with cold winds and shifting clouds as a stage curtain for shockingly beautiful verdant mountains. Of course the last three days have been brutal cycling ...up and down. It's often true that harder the the riding the beautiful the scenery. Or at least that's what you tell yourself!!