First time in France on a bike

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NeilM
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First time in France on a bike

Post by NeilM »

Before covid, I had planned a short trip to France to visit the two war graves of my great uncles, then what happened, happened.

In a spur of the moment decision, while contemplating the same trip in April 2023 it occurred to me that the weather is currently excellent, so... why not go next week.

The plan is to catch a late ferry from Newhaven over to Dieppe. From there it is a couple of hours (no motorways) to a little town called Meaulte for my first visit, then a short hop to Pozieres for the second. After that I am travelling back to Dieppe for the afternoon ferry.

I do have a valid passport with several years to run, I am insured in Europe, for what it's worth I do have an NHS blue card and I have driven cars in France and wider Europe so other than those, are there any bits of advice or information I should be aware of.
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by Scott_rider »

They like bikes in France so I reckon you’ll have a great time. Quite a lot of fuel stations are automatic and only take cards; and the French style service stations serve a good meal and don’t turn their nose up at bikers dressed in all our clobber.
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NeilM
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by NeilM »

My second cemetery visit is only a short ride from La Tommy, so I think a brunch may be in order there but it's good to know bikers are welcome.

Is it worth taking twenty quid in Euro's? Or will I be able to use my card's in most places.
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by OnHellas »

Cards will be accepted in most places but a bit of cash might come in handy…..if you don’t use it you’ll have it for next time.

I know that you’re not going that far from the ferry but have you considered breakdown cover and travel insurance. The EHIC/GHIC card is NOT travel insurance whatever the expert in your local pub tells you. :roll:
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by OnHellas »

Oh and remember….enjoy your trip.
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Godspeed
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by Godspeed »

And just in case you get stopped, take your bike docs with you: V5, insurance certificate, and I always take last MOT too.
All the normal stuff for France too like hi viz jacket and turn off radar and speed camera stuff too

Have a great time
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NeilM
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by NeilM »

I considered taking my documents, so thanks for that tip, I will be sure to have them with me.

I am not really a spur of the moment kinda guy, so this is a bit of a rush job in comparison to my usual well planned approach, but given the weather and the fact I have the time, I thought... what the heck!
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by ErikGustav2 »

Small polite words like bonjour and merci are very apriciated
To say nothing is taken as a bit rude.


Most small rowns has a central rundabout. Plaza. With cafes around. Stop there for a coffee break and enjoy.
France is an easy country to travel in.
As long as you drive on the right side. And watch up in roundabouts.

Do not worry, enjoy
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by garyboy »

Godspeed wrote: Mon Oct 03, 2022 11:21 pm And just in case you get stopped, take your bike docs with you: V5, insurance certificate, and I always take last MOT too.
All the normal stuff for France too like hi viz jacket and turn off radar and speed camera stuff too

Have a great time
0779D238-3A55-4627-A2FA-08F0B0E1AE9E.jpeg
ou est les ongiyongs ??
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Re: First time in France on a bike

Post by garyboy »

i not been to France for far too long (decades) .. but at that time i was in the AA (not now) .. and they used to give advice and info pack ... really useful.

i am wondering if any other organisations give such advice?
of course, google will give good info, [as long as up to date].
others, like ABR, will give great advice, and even suggested routes.
perhaps your Insurance co. will give advice.
motoring organisation like aa rac etc.
even credit card people?
etc
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