Re bike check - am reading that orange wheel/side reflectors and a bell/horn are mandatory under French law - is that correct? If so, I'd probably take my chances with Les Gendarmes/Police Nationale, but do they form part of the bike check?
I suggest this mandate is approached in the traditional Gallic manner.
The bike check in 2019 in the marquee did not check either of those items (was just brakes and lights - seemed to me like 'make work' for keen old volunteer blokes to allow them to feel 'part of it').
ACP:"Bikes must be in compliance with French regulations. Bikes must possess a lighting system powerful enough to be seen at a distance of 100 m from the front and 150 m from the rear. It must be securely and permanently fixed on the bike, even during daytime, and in working order at any time. Flashing LEDs at the rear are forbidden.
"Start control: . . . from 30 to 60 minutes before . . . start. Lighting and reflective vests will be checked . . "
Source: Legifrance Code de la Route -
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/texte_lc/LEGITEXT000006074228Art. R.313-18. Every cycle must be equipped with one or more rear retro-reflectors.
Art. R.313-19. Every cycle must be equipped with orange reflectors visible laterally.
Art. R.313-20. The pedals of any cycle shall include retro-reflectors of the color orange. Every cycle must be equipped with a visible white reflector on the front.
Art. R.313-33. Every cycle must be equipped with a warning apparatus constituted by a bell whose sound may be heard at 50m at least. Any other sound signal is prohibited.
They cost fuck all, they add very minimal weight. I'd just fit them.
We're riding to Brest and back, not round urban Paris. A rear reflector makes sense but normal road pedals don't have the reflectors incorporated: how do you propose you'd fit them J? And what are these laterally visible orange reflectors: reflectors fixed to spokes? Most of this is anti-aesthetically displeasing as well as a drag.
Bells are good through: the more sonorous the better, for enhancing the atmosphere and replying to the locals' 'bon courage'.