Semaine Federale

[Really Ancien]

I've started working my way through some of the footage I took in 2009 in St Omer, it cheers me up on a dull day. I think a week at the Sem Fed would be a great introduction to cycling in France. The set up is pretty much the same as PBP without the sleep deprivation. There are rides up to 200 km every day for a week and lots to do for all the family. My first film concentrates on the French love of opening ceremonies. They love a parade and a speech. They generally last longer than the 4.38 of this video.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/eYL62aY-Vvw&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/eYL62aY-Vvw&rel=1</a>

Damon.

[De Sisti]

I'm going to the SF next year in Verdun.

[bikepacker]

And me 

[Really Ancien]

I was looking at the Sem Fed 2010 website, it's in French, but having a go at understanding it would be a start in refreshing your skills. It's the depth of the organisation that impresses.
Semaine Federale de cyclotourisme Verdun 2010 - Accueil
From the position of Verdun I'd expect there to be a lot of climbing up and down the Moselle valley

Damon.

[Madcow]

You can't apply until January but when they put the application form on the site to download ("bulletin d'inscription" i think its called), they usually offer a version in English.But otherwise everything is in French.They dont do multicultural or offer free translation service, but they usually welcome "les anglais" and appreciate people who make an effort to visit France and  ride a bike.