France Guide
Getting around
By bicycle
Bicycles (vélos) have high status in France, where cyclists are given respect both on the roads and as customers at restaurants and hotels. In addition, local authorities are actively promoting cycling, not only with urban cycle lanes, but also with comprehensive networks in rural areas (often on disused railways). Most towns have well-stocked repair shops, but if you're using a foreign-made bike with non-standard wheels, it's a good idea to carry spare tyres.
The train network runs various schemes for cyclists. Trains marked with a bicycle on the timetable allow you to take a bike in the dedicated bike racks (packed in a carrier 90cm by 120cm) for free. Alternatively, you can put it in the luggage van (€10) – reservations are obligatory and space is limited, so make sure you buy your ticket well in advance. Another option is to send your bike parcelled up as registered baggage for a fee of €39; delivery should take two days, bearing in mind the service doesn't operate at weekends.
Eurostar allows you to take your bicycle as part of your baggage allowance provided it's dismantled and packed in a bag no more than 120cm by 90cm. Alternatively, if you are travelling to Paris, you can put it in the luggage van of the same train you are travelling on at a cost of £20 one way; space is limited, so reserve well in advance by calling Esprit Europe ( 
08705 850 850, 
www.espriteurope.co.uk ). For the same price, you can also send it registered baggage to Paris or Lille with the same company, with a guaranteed arrival time of 24 hours. Ferries usually carry bikes free (though you may need to register it), as do some airlines such as British Airways, while others now charge – check when making your booking.
Bikes – usually mountain bikes (vélos tout-terrain or VTT) or hybrid bikes (vélos tout-chemin or VTC) – are often available to rent from campsites and hostels, as well as from specialist cycle shops and some tourist offices for around €10–15 per day. The bikes are often not insured, however, and you will be presented with the bill for a replacement if it's stolen or damaged; check your travel insurance policy for cover.
As for maps, a minimum requirement is the IGN 1:100,000 series – the smallest scale that marks contours. The UK's national cyclists' association, the CTC ( 0844 736 8450, www.ctc.org.uk ), can suggest routes and supply advice for members (£35 a year or £57 for a family of four, and £12 for under-18s and full-time students under 26 years). They run a particularly good insurance scheme.