Katie1 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 The breathalyser has been abandoned in France. http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/driving-abroad-whats-new-2012.html Ride magazine says bikes are exempt from having to carry spare bulbs, warning triangles (and I think hi-viz??). They also say the stickers on helmet aren't generally enforced however if your caught for another offence e.g. Speed then they'll fine you for the lack of stickers too Handy to know. Although it's not compulsory to carry a warning triangle and hi-vis, you still have to have them if you break down on the motorway! I keep one of these under the saddle when in France: http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Motorcycle_Helmet_Bag_Break-down_Triangle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poundbag Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Hi there! The ride you are planning is great, you will see huge differences in the lifestyle of the French as you travel South. I lived in the SW of France (specifically Bidart, 2 miles from Biarritz for nearly 2 years) and did nearly 4000km on my way there from Glasgow. The ride from Roscoff is a beaut. Actually, i went via Paris towards Switzerland and then back through Dordogne and up towards La Rochelle. Bordeaux is a horror to drive through the city mway but the ride in is great, vineyards on either side. La Rochelle is lovely too and there's a long bridge over to Ile d'Oleron which you can scoot round happily and pickup some great fresh seafood by the kilo. Messanges is a great place to stop, long windy tarmac roads with forests on the right and oceans on your left. No problems with the gendarm here either. Leaving Bordeaux you will on the main autoroute, at that time of year, it will be primarily lorries on all sides. Its a major courier route from Spain and Portugal. Messanges to Biarritz is great too, you hit surfer country of which theres a great vibe. Rememer, tourist season is now over and the locals will be enjoying themselves! I'd HIGHLY recommend the ride from Messanges, Hossegor and Anglet or Bayonne down through Biarritz onwards onto St Jean de Luz which is a stunning coastal ride into Spain. I used to ride Biarritz to Spain this way often to pick up meat and smokes. (much cheaper) The autoroute is where you'll find the gendarmerie and Biarritz is purely municipal police. If you'd like to know any more, I'd be happy to help. Bon vacances! P.S. i know this is my first post but im reading this forum in the market for a Cruiser and just feeling the vibe of owners so felt compelled to jump in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paragon1-1 Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Did same route a few years back, you wont go far wrong if you follow the route below. Go On Google maps pump in the places below and hit avoid Highways and enjoy. Roscoff Carnac Pornic Les Sables-D'Olonne Royan Soulac-sur-mer Biarritz cheers gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norcot Posted July 30, 2013 Author Share Posted July 30, 2013 Looks great guys, thanks for all the suggestions, will put the, all into my route planning and see how it pans out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Preload Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Hi norcot...newbie here...I used to work for mercedes breakdown and had many many surprised customers on the phone not realising that on french motorways, if broken down (and I hope you dont) then you have to wait for the local authority to tow you off to the " nearest town" wherre they so happen to have a family garage...if you dont want to go to a garage then they drop you on a side road...high vis I would definitely suggest...but also a little cash carried at all times...for persuasion other then that mate...lots of pics of the gorgeous places your gonna see Hi Remelad is that a free service or chargeable? Ignore the question it was answered later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator mervin Posted July 31, 2013 Moderator Share Posted July 31, 2013 here you go the website and charges in english http://www.autoroutes.fr/en/breakdown-service.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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