Planning a cycling trip: Lokki's advice

We've all heard that "fortune favors the bold", but let's be honest, a little preparation never hurt anyone! 😅 Before setting off on the roads of France or Europe, a little checklist is in order. And no, we're not talking about the one where you tick off the snacks to take with you (although that's also capital, it's true! 😋).

🚲 The right bike for the right route

The choice of bike is like the first meeting of your adventure: it can be love at first sight or a total flop. Whether you choose a mountain bike, a road bike, or even a tandem for the romantics, the ideal option depends above all on your itinerary. A mountain bike gives you versatility on varied terrain, while a road bike is your ally on asphalt. 🚴‍♂️

The electric bike is that little extra something that can spice up your trip. Are you afraid of hills, or do you simply want to increase your range? The electric bike adds a turbo to your pedaling. Some purists will cry foul, but we say: the important thing is to enjoy the journey, right? 🌟

🛠️ Gear and equipment: The essentials

Okay, so you've got the bike, but you've also got to think about all the stuff that goes with it. We're talking panniers, lighting, repair kit, and even that little bell that goes "ding-ding" (essential for saying hello to cows as you pass). 🐮

Oh, and don't forget the water bottles. As well as the ones filled with wine from the vineyards you pass along the way, of course! 🍷

🏕️ Accommodation and length of stay: Do you have to plan everything?

Spontaneity is fine, but sleeping under a bridge because all the hotels are fully booked is not. A minimum of preparation for your accommodation and the length of your stay can save you from unpleasant surprises. What's more, planning ahead also means more time to improvise and discover nuggets along the way. 🗺️

If you'd like to sleep in a local's home (but no, it's not a crutch 😅), we suggest you read this dedicated article: 5 sites for sleeping in a local's home on a cycling trip.

Are you wondering how to share this wonderful cycling adventure with your loved ones? Here are our top tips for a successful cycling trip with family and friends. Yes, even with Uncle Robert, who hasn't done any sport since 1998! 🤣

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 As a family: an adventure for young and old alike

You don't need to be Tour de France-level to have a great time as a family. Cycling is all about itinerary and rhythm. You can always plan shorter stages and activities that appeal to the whole family.

For the little ones, think trailer or follower bike to help them (in fact, it's mostly you! 😉 ). And remember, the aim is not to beat a speed record, but to create unforgettable memories! 🌟

👯‍♀️ As a group: the more the merrier

Are you ready to hit the roads and tracks of France with your friends? Great! But beware of the pitfalls (no, not the ambushes of highwaymen, this isn't the Middle Ages! 😅). Make sure everyone is clear about the itinerary and meeting points in case of separation. Solid communication is essential to avoid friction.

And above all, choose a route that's accessible to all levels of the group. After all, we're not here to challenge each other, we're here to have fun and explore together! (Yes, even if Kevin claims he can climb Mont Ventoux in ten minutes. We all know that's not true, Kevin! 🤣) 🚴‍♀️

Want to discover France like never before? Then get on your bike and let the road guide you (or better yet, Hexplo, our partner in love! 🥰 ). Our country puts miles of roads, tracks and paths at our disposal for itineraries and routes signed liberté.

So, what specific equipment is needed for each region? What are the pitfalls to avoid? Follow the guide! 🚴

🌿 La Loire à vélo: Between châteaux and vineyards

There's nothing like planning your cycling itinerary along the Loire on EuroVelo 6. With its landscapes and castles, it's an ideal region for a family trip. 👪

Think of waterproof panniers to protect your luggage. And for photos, get ready to capture postcard-worthy landscapes. Consult a guidebook for castle schedules and to avoid crowds. 🏰

Do you prefer electric bikes? Good news, the routes are accessible! 🥳

⛰️ Brittany: Coastal and pancake paradise

Get ready to eat up the miles on Brittany's roads. The terrain can vary, so be sure to check the gradient to choose a route suited to your physical level. And don't forget your rain gear, as this is a region where the climate can be capricious (at least the Bretons keep repeating it, is it to scare tourists away??). 🤔).

For gourmet breaks, there's nothing like planning your itinerary around the region's best crêperies. (Wouldn't a little detour to Dinard be in order???) 😋

If you're looking for bike trips that criss-cross Europe, the Brittany region hosts the start of the Vélomaritime, or EuroVelo 4. This route takes you as far as Dunkirk. But if you branch off at Calais, you can join EuroVelo 5 and cross 7 European countries to find yourself in the very south of Italy. It's not a round-the-world trip, but you've got to admit, it would be one of the most incredible bike journeys, wouldn't it? 😏

🌊 The Canal du Midi: Pedaling under the plane trees

The Canal du Midi is part of EuroVelo 8, also known as the "Mediterranean Route". So here, too, you can extend your adventure for miles and miles if the mood takes you.

The canal offers a tranquil stay, with plenty of places to put your panniers for the night. It's the crème de la crème of cycling itineraries, especially if you're equipped with an electric bike. 🚴‍♂️

Don't forget your repair kit and a pump. You're on a towpath, so the terrain is fairly stable, but a puncture doesn't just happen to someone else! (Especially to Uncle Robert, who's forgotten to check his tires since the last millennium. 🤣)