Le VeloThere is some fantastic cycling to be done in France and September/October is perhaps the best time of year to cash in.
France is undoubtedly one of the cycling Mecca’s of the world and the cycling culture that exists there is an absolute pleasure to partake in. To ride on smooth tarmac roads through stunning paysage with not a car in sight is almost unheard of in Australia.
For our French friends it is par for the course. If you do happen to cross a car while cycling in France, the driver will sit patiently behind you until given the single to pass. The grateful driver generally offers some words of gratitude and encouragement as he overtakes - Allez, merci mon ami.
This is a welcomed change from the Australian equivalent of a earful and an empty coke bottle in the back of the helmet.
Les routes de France cater for all tastes. Whether it be the flat long straights through forests, winding coastal routes, the undulating open roads dans la campagne or the draw card for the sadistic masses, the climbs.
France has something that will turn everybody’s pages.
And what an enviable list of climbs France offers – the mythic L’alpe d’huez, the relentless Mont Ventoux, the 35 km piste into the heavens that is Col de Galibier, le tortuous Col de Tourmalet, Col de Peyresourde, la Plateau de Beille, the list goes on…
Once you have sampled the delight that is cycling in l’hexagon, you will fully comprehend why countless cycling fans are drawn there. It is a richly rewarding experience. Be warned however, once bitten you will be compelled to return.
You may also find it difficult to climb back into the saddle for laps of Parramatta Park after going contre le montre up Alpe d’Huez.
Based on numbers and level of interests Wallaby Travel will arrange a local cycling guide & aid you with hiring bikes. This is cheap entertainment and for a cycling aficionado it will provide an unforgettable experience.
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