Parlez vous francais?

The trip to France is now almost a year away, but we are looking on the bright side, as this gives us a whole extra year to learn French.  As per our previous Blog Post on language learning, it takes 600 hours to get to a proficient level, just imagine how good we will be by August 2026!!!

So while the trip didn't go ahead, lets take a positive frame of reference:

• Every cloud has a silver lining

• Make lemonade out of lemons

• Count your blessings, not your problems

• Bloom where you're planted

So yes, our French learning is continuing to progress.

• Doulingo continues (those streak goals are addictive to some). 
  
  
• Damien has discovered a great free French learning program developed by the University of Texas - Français interactif.  Particularly useful if one seeks to better grasp French grammar.

In future, look forward to a bit more French lingo sneaking into our Blogs Posts. 

Travel troubles (2)

Well, surgery is booked. So trip is definitely off - or should I say delayed for one year.

Today was spent cancelling a couple of accommodation bookings. We hadn't actually made all that many, just the first week or so, given it was a cycling holiday and we wanted flexibility. 

Cancelling those hotels that had a Free Cancellation policy was no problem.

Cancelling those through Hotels.com that were paid up, with a No Cancellation policy, also went fine.  Hotels.com contacted the venues and they agreed to cancel and provide a refund.  This was great, aftercall, it was a month out.

I was disappointed that the two hotels (Basel and Dijon) pre-paid through Booking.com, refused, upon enquiry, to allow us to cancel and get a refund.  I definitely won't be using Booking.com again.

Travel troubles (1)

 Mid July, and it is looking highly likely that the trip will sadly not go ahead.

This is due to a significant and urgent medical issue that has come up.

So today some time was taken to contact both Insure & Go, our travel insurance provider, and Webjet, who our flights are through, to enquire what the process was and what information was needed for trip cancellation.

As expected, this sort of thing is never easy. 

The risk is losing the magic

Meat on the bones is needed, but going overboard with research and preparation means our skeleton is not only getting meat on the bones, but makeup, accessories and more. 

So easy to get carried away with doing research, reading interesting information and viewing pictures. 

Information overload, or perhaps FOMO?

The planning is progressing well.  A structured and thorough approach involving:

• AI has been heavily used to provide an initial list of points of interest/activities.
• Cross examination of the list by humans, double checking against local tourism information (can't fully trust AI, and that FOMO specter is constantly hovering).
• Ensuring a interesting mix and variety. Particularly of Loire valley Chateaus - Damien knows that sadly he can't see them all.  And it seems like every town has a gorgeous cathedral or church (or both), and France is busting with a variety of museums and other historic places.
• Short list created of key places and activities of most interest to us. In many locations the list is still too long - unfortunately, we aren't on holiday for 6 months.  We will will probably choose what exactly to do the day before, apart from the most popular activities (eg Louvre, shows, etc) where we will need to book well ahead.
• Mapping of these points of interest via Google My Maps. What an awesome site. Also ensures that most things are on the cycle route, or in a town that there is nothing too far away to get to.
• Creation of an information mini-booklet for each leg. History, demographics and geography, average weather, information on each sightseeing location and activity, with a photo and website link (eg for opening details/bookings). 

At this stage, six weeks out, have plotted out the things to see and do in the towns along the route, for half the holiday, up to Mont Saint Michel.

The extensive planning has provided useful as we have amended our original skeleton.  

• 3 days in Paris was not enough, so that has been increased to 4.5 days (still not enough....).
• We decided not to cycle the Regalante leg (not a huge amount to see from the bike along the way), but instead hire a car and drive north from Nantes, to St Malo, Mont Saint Michel and also added in Bayeux and the Normandy landing beaches.
• Looks like a change will also be needed for the Bordeaux to Carcassonne leg. 

Check out our route and points of interest below:

Frankfurt

A city that combines warmth, cosiness and cosmopolitanism, a place where tradition meets modernity and every laneway, every riverbank tells its own story. Frankfurt is not only a meeting point of travellers from all over the world, but also a melting pot of cultures, flavours and innovation.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is nestled near the German border and steeped in both French and Germanic heritage. It is the official seat of the European Parliament. It blends medieval charm with modern political significance. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and picturesque canals of the Petite France district. With its timber-framed houses, Alsatian cuisine, and bilingual culture, Strasbourg offers a unique fusion of tradition and cosmopolitan flair.

Cycling from Strasbourg to Basel

Basel

Basel is a vibrant Swiss city perched on the banks of the Rhine, where Switzerland, France, and Germany converge. It boasts over 40 museums. Its medieval Old Town, dominated by the red sandstone Basel Minster, blends seamlessly with cutting-edge architecture and a thriving pharmaceutical industry. With its rich humanist history, dynamic arts scene, and cosmopolitan flair, Basel is a city that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

Dijon

Dijon, is a city rich in medieval elegance and gastronomic fame. Once the seat of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, its old town is a tapestry of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Renowned worldwide for its mustard, Dijon also delights with local specialties like gingerbread and crème de cassis. With its UNESCO-listed city center, lively markets, and proximity to famed vineyards, Dijon offers a refined blend of culture, cuisine, and charm

Paris

Paris: a mythical city... There are a thousand things to do and see in Paris and however much time you have here, it won’t be enough: Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the Champs Elysées, visit the Louvre, see many shows and exhibitions, or simply wander along the banks of the Seine...read in French in the Tuileries garden, and quite simply take the time to experience the Parisian way of life! Stepping into this whirlwind that takes you from frenzy to romanticism will leave you with enduring memories.

Loire Valley:

- Orleans

Gateway to the famed Loire Valley heartlands, once a capital in early medieval France, Orléans is now a lively modern city and a unique place to visit. A remarkable restored historic centre, served by new tramway; Place du Martroi square and its statue of Joan of Arc; Ste-Croix Cathedral; streets lined with timber frame houses, like Rue de Bourgogne; high-quality museums, plus the historic Hôtel Groslot.

- Orleans to Chambord

A fantastic journey filled with river views, vineyards, medieval towns, and countryside charm. The route is mostly flat and well-signed. The whole ride offers incredible views of the Loire River, with shaded paths, old bridges, and sandbanks that attract herons and wild ducks.

- Blois

The city of Blois has a great charm: a remarkable architecture that mixes monumental heritage and small streets with historical houses, a peaceful way of life but not a sleepy city. A city built around the Loire River and that offers a magnificent setting.

- Chambord to Amboise

Cycling from Blois to Amboise is one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of the Loire à Vélo route. This stretch hugs the Loire River and rolls gently through vineyards, charming villages, and riverside landscapes. Includes the Pays des Châteaux tourist area - famed castles around Chambord and Blois.

- Amboise

Amboise is a charming town, famed for its historic Château Royal d'Amboise and its connection to Leonardo da Vinci. The town itself is picturesque, with cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and views of the Loire River.

- Amboise to Tours

Cycling from Amboise to Tours offers a stunning ride. Along the way, you'll pass through charming towns, historic sites, riverside vineyards, and quiet countryside. The microclimate at the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers proves ideal for imparting unique qualities to the grapes of the exclusive Montlouis wine appellation.

- Tours

Tours is a Unesco world heritage site. Today it is the largest city in the Loire region. Tours is known as a gateway to the châteaux of the Loire Valley, a center of gastronomy, and a university city with a vibrant cultural scene.

- Tours to Villandry

Cycling from Tours to Villandry offers a scenic and gentle ride through the heart of the Loire Valley with relaxing stops, cultural sites, wine tastings, and riverside views. Great mix of nature and rural charm

- Villandry to Saumur

This is a star-studded Loire à Vélo stage, a true highlight of the Loire Valley, offering a mix of historic towns (some of most beautiful villages of France), vineyards, châteaux, and riverside scenery. On this stage, you cycle along a quiet raised levée and tree lines lanes beside the Loire, allowing you wonderful views of the great river. August is prime time to see blooming sunflowers and grapevines heavy with fruit.

- Saumur

Succumb to the beauty of the Loire panoramas and the atypical charm of the troglodyte villages crowned by the silhouettes of the emblematic châteaux. It has splendid old churches and houses; glorious horse-riding traditions; and magnificent winehouses.

- Samur to Angers

This section is one of the most scenic and rewarding rides in the Loire Valley, through vineyards, historic villages, and riverside nature reserves, with plenty of charming stops. If you're finishing late in the day, the stretch between Les Pontsde- Cé and Angers is gorgeous at sunset, with glowing skies reflected in the river.

- Angers

A remarkable historic city with a great cultural life, linked in part to its universities and theatres; an exceptional castle and many excellent museums.

- Angers to Nantes

This part of the route is a beautiful and varied ride, offering a relaxed mix of riverside scenery, historic villages, and cultural sites. You’ll follow the Loire River westward through peaceful landscapes and charming Loire-Atlantique towns, small villages, and rural landscapes. You're riding through Muscadet country — stop at small vineyards or wine cellars along the way for tastings.

- Nantes

A vibrant city known for its rich history and dynamic culture. Today, Nantes is celebrated for its innovative urban planning, thriving arts scene, and diverse economy. The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Jules Verne and for its picturesque landmarks such as the Château des ducs de Bretagne.

Nantes to Bayeux

This region spans the historical heartlands of Brittany (Bretagne) and western Normandy. The region has a rich and layered history that reflects the broader evolution of France. It sits at the meeting point of several ancient tribes, medieval feudal powers, and modern cultural identities. Check for local cider producers – Brittany is cider country.

Stay tuned for information on the rest of the route!

Nomad Necessities: The Wash Bag Diaries

 Sooooo exciting -> our Scrubba wash bags have arrived.

Geez, I know you may be rolling your eyes, but one must not underestimate the importance of having at hand a practical and reliable way of regularly washing your clothes when on a pack-light touring holiday (basically - wash every night). 

   

A goodly amount of research was done before coming across this product.  It immediately ticked all our boxes: compact and lightweight, built in washboard, quick to use, and drying kit accessories like an absorbent towel, and a portable line and pegs.

And it was also great to read the personal story of the designer, Ash, for developing the Scrubba. Its fantastic when someone sees a genuine need/gap and is innovative and dedicated enough to invent something that others can benefit from.

So obviously it will be awhile yet before we get to use the Scrubba, but I cannot underestimate how excited I am to be doing my first wash with it in France.

And can't wait to share with you photos of us using it and drying our clothes. I know you are also eager to see such photos  😜.

Putting some meat on the bones

Sorry, not the most appealing title, but as a public servant we use that term all the time. Idioms have a purpose.

Months are rolling by and the trip is getting closer. There is so much to research and plan.

You may be wondering what our skeleton looks like - well, it is pretty sturdy - good enough to do a jig.

Back in January we had enough of an outline to book the start and end date (and locations). That would be the skeleton's head and feet?

And by May, the skeleton pretty much had its shape:

This France cycling site was great:  https://en.francevelotourisme.com/ 

- 1 day in Frankfurt

- train transit day

- 3 days cycling the Strasbourg to Basel leg (part of the EuroVelo 15 cycle route) (129.9km)

- 1 day in Dijon (with train transit to and from) 

- 3-4 days in Paris

- 9 days cycling the Loire Valley (383.7km) from Orleans to Nantes

- 4 days cycling from Nantes to Mont Saint Michel (Regalante cycle route) (250.1km)

- train transit day

- 7 days cycling Bordeaux to Carcassonne (Atlantic/Mediterranean cycle route) (391km)

- transit day

- 3 days cycling Sete to Cavaillon (Mediterranean cycle route) (165km)

- transit day

- 1 day in Marseilles

Now time to get some meat on these bones.

What's keeping me awake at night?

It may be odd to some, but as the trip gets closer and planning is progressing, one thing that keeps coming to my mind (strangely, at night) is security of the gear on our bikes.

Damien seem much more relaxed about this that I am. 

And its probably the detail and logistics arising from the planning process that is highlighting travel  touring security as a key issue. There is a definite lack of peace of mind!

Balancing convenience, trust and risk management.

Unattended panniers: visual temptation for thieves (even if we are just ducking into a cafe), easy quick grab theft (special pannier cable locks needed), valuables at risk (even if panniers are locked onto the bike, someone can grab stuff out of them).

Locations: there may be no secure infrastructure to lock the bike up to. Even where there is secure infrastructure, do we need multiple locks (eg D Lock for the frame and a cable lock for wheels and panniers).  Overnight - assuming we will be able to take the bikes into our room (what if this is not allowed somewhere?)

What to do with our panniers/gear: will attractions have coat rooms?  if not, do we have to lug our panniers around with us (a) panniers are not backpacks and are not ideal for carrying around, (b) even travelling light, the load will still be heavy over time, (c) what about when walking up to a lookout or such, seems an inconvenience to have to take our gear.  

Research has some suggestions, although not enough to address all the above concerns.

- Leave gear at the accommodation. 

- Use multiple locks.

- Be more cautious in cities than in regions.

- Always keep key essential (passport, wallet, phone) on your person.

If anyone has been in this situation and has suggestions, please share your ideas in the Comments.