Author Topic: Sun 28 May to Sun 4 June Avignon camping (Read 14026 times)

Polar Bear · « **Reply #25 on:** 01 January, 2017, 03:18:03 pm »

I don't know if European Bike Express mediterranean routes might be an option for anybody interested. They go to Orange which appears to be the closest drop off point and seem to be travelling south at about the time indicated.

Steph · « **Reply #26 on:** 02 January, 2017, 10:55:54 pm »

The arrival in Orange is (or always has been)early in the very early morning. Take the main(ish) road out via Roquemaure and then get onto the little roads after La Defraisse through the vineyards until the sharp little turn for the dam. Either cross the dam and follow the tracks and little roads down to the campsite or turn rt onto the main road and ride past the castles in Villeneuve and the market, which will just be setting up if it is on, with fruit and other noms, and then over the bridge to the campsite. The Royaume bridge has a cycle track and is also good access to the town via the continuation on the Daladier bridge.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #27 on:** 05 January, 2017, 02:17:42 pm »

A hoped-for planned trip has fallen through and I am very suddenly available, and extremely interested in this trip. I have a feeling my passport runs out this year. Good! When I replace it I will still get an EU one.

Polar Bear · « **Reply #28 on:** 05 January, 2017, 05:34:28 pm »

My passport has expired already but I'm not inclined to replace it until we have plans to travel. I'm thinking that we need to revisit some islands in the north of the UK again. Shetland is nice...

Canardly · « **Reply #29 on:** 05 January, 2017, 09:20:24 pm »

You thinking of taking your Brompton WB?

Wowbagger · « **Reply #30 on:** 05 January, 2017, 09:26:56 pm »

No. I shall take my Thorn. Will work out the best way to get it on a train.

I was right about my passport: it expires on 26th June - my birthday. I have just filled in the application. I will nip down to the station tomorrow to get some suitable photos.

Canardly · « **Reply #31 on:** 05 January, 2017, 09:39:06 pm »

Perhaps we can compare notes via PM?

Wowbagger · « **Reply #32 on:** 05 January, 2017, 11:28:28 pm »

http://www.seat61.com/bike-by-train.htm#France

That is probably one of the most informative pages we are likely to find. TGVs may well have bike restrictions. Slower trains don't.

Speshact · « **Reply #33 on:** 07 January, 2017, 11:07:34 am »

Most excellent adventures around Avignon are for sure if Wowbagger and Canardly are present. Any others tempted?

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Canardly · « **Reply #34 on:** 08 January, 2017, 01:02:44 pm »

Well looks like the train or nothing and this may be a slower journey with much faffage. Air is out, and ferry/car is out. Interesting to note that old fogies get 25% discount with off peak non TGV. (note that TGV booking still asks for age group.)

https://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-tickets/travelling-with-your-bike

Edit. SNCF site now appears to have an on line bike reservation slot with ticket sales for TGV folded or unfolded but too early to book as yet.

LittleWheelsandBig · « **Reply #35 on:** 08 January, 2017, 01:16:45 pm »

Seat61 Man knows his stuff but isn't always up to date. I'd be inclined to believe the SNCF map.

andrewc · « **Reply #36 on:** 09 January, 2017, 12:29:47 am »

Ongoing discussion about bikes on European trains here http://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=111472

Canardly · « **Reply #37 on:** 09 January, 2017, 10:18:01 pm »

Could well be London with change at Lille etc.

andrewc · « **Reply #38 on:** 10 January, 2017, 11:33:45 am »

It's tempting, but if I do it I'll be extending it to a 2 week trip, the amount of faffing re travel doesn't really make it worthwhile otherwise. Liverpool - London, London to Lille or Paris and then on from there. I'll have to take a detailed look at those train sites and see which ones allow unbagged bikes.

Canardly · « **Reply #39 on:** 15 January, 2017, 11:17:23 am »

TGV Calais Lille is very reasonable and bike friendly.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #40 on:** 02 March, 2017, 08:56:55 pm »

Tickets are bookable for this now. Research is under way...

Speshact · « **Reply #41 on:** 02 March, 2017, 09:33:03 pm »

Excellent!

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Wowbagger · « **Reply #42 on:** 16 March, 2017, 05:40:07 pm »

I am contemplating going a day or two earlier and leaving a day or two later than the OP's dates. I was wondering about getting to Calais via the shuttle bus and cycling to Lille to pick up the train to Avignon. Calais - Lille is about 60 miles.

Canardly · « **Reply #43 on:** 31 March, 2017, 08:58:43 am »

Can anyone confirm that a French travel pass does actually include UK rail journeys to and from the border referred to in the terms and cons for a French TP?

Wowbagger · « **Reply #44 on:** 31 March, 2017, 02:59:51 pm »

According to voyages-SNCF, Eurostar is included on the Interrail travel pass. However, there is a booking fee of £26.50. That also might be subject to an extra £10 handling fee. The "Cheap flights" song suddenly starts up in my ear-worm generator.

You can take bikes on the Interrail pass as well, but let them know you are taking a bike at the time of booking.

PS I have just bought a 4-days-in-one-month Interrail pass for France, starting 20th May. £161 including postage of £10 (express delivery).

Canardly · « **Reply #45 on:** 31 March, 2017, 10:56:22 pm »

Ditto. Now to find out how to actually get there....

Rob Gull has written elsewhere about bike bags.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #46 on:** 31 March, 2017, 11:05:03 pm »

Quote from: Canardly on 31 March, 2017, 10:56:22 pm

Ditto. Now to find out how to actually get there.... Rob Gull has written elsewhere about bike bags.

Linky?

Canardly · « **Reply #47 on:** 02 April, 2017, 07:19:40 pm »

They are old cyling Uk posts and I think things are different now. I will ask him however for travel tips. Regional trains are possible but will take an awfully long time. e.g.

Calais, Boulogne Dijon via Joinville, Lyon, Avignon with each step several hours duration with additional connection time. (and need also to check for maintenance works). Limitations can also apply during rush hour.

JenM · « **Reply #48 on:** 02 April, 2017, 07:55:01 pm »

Why not get a fast train and then hire a bike for a few days?

http://www.provence-bike.com

Canardly · « **Reply #49 on:** 02 April, 2017, 08:01:15 pm »

We have discussed this and may revisit thanks Jen.