roadside village parties on PBP

[redfalo]

Last time, on the way back, I stopped at the lovely village party in St-Martin-des-Pres (on the westbound journey 469km from Ramboulliet) for some BBQ food and a beer. If there's a party on the way out, it would be a good location to refuel after having bounced Loudeac control



I also remember a roadside tent in Le Ribay on the way beack (71 km after Fougeres, and 17 km before Villaines).


And there was the coffee booth half way between Mortagne and Dreux in Senouches, which came in handy during the last night.

Does anyone know if these will be around this year as well? and any further tips for village parties and the like? 

[LittleWheelsandBig]

I remember having some vin rouge in St Martin des Pres in 2003 with a USA-ian lady who was worried about continuing to Carhaix alone. It was a happy place. My self-imposed rule that year was to have at least a glass of vin rouge every day.

[Phil W]

There was a place before Montagne where I stopped for soup and also danced with a French woman. Can't remember where, sorry, it was the middle of night; but a nice break from the riding.

[Wobbly]

I mostly remember the friendly village roadside brothels.

Exhausting...

 

[Exit Stage Left]

The bar used to open all night at St Martin des Pres. It was originally called the Auberge St Hubert, and was run by a lady called Sonya. It used to have an outside bar, with draught beer, and a large tent where a variety of food was served.
In 2011, the bar had become a pizzeria, and there was some outdoor catering. In 2015 the bar owner didn't want to open for PBP, and the villagers took charge of the catering. That history means that there's a charge for the food and drink. Other roadside stops don't have a formal charge, and there's usually a plate where you can leave some money.

[simonp]

There's usually a late night cafe bar in Sizun as well, good place to stop between le Roc and Brest. I have also stopped three years in a row at le Relais de la Varenne in Ambrieres-les-Vallees between Fougeres and Villaine on the return. 2007 when I was riding with a Danish group, 2011 when riding together with Feline. Both these were around lunchtime or early afternoon. In 2015, I was expecting it to be closed: however, I arrived there around 4am to discover the place ablaze with light. They had laid on appropriate food for cycling, and had some mattresses out the back where you could have a lie down.  A nice surprise. I'd expect a night time arrival on the return again, on the 80h start. So I'll be disappointed if they're closed this time.