Some tips to help you prepare as best as possible before the big departure!
Because a cycling getaway should always be fun for the whole family, especially with young children, check out our tips. First and foremost, it's important to explain the project to the whole family. To fully experience the adventure, all family members need to feel involved. Your children will be delighted to be empowered by participating in the project in their own way. Why not offer them the choice of a visit, entrust them with the itinerary, etc.?
Choose easy routes
For first family hikes with young children, La Vélodyssée recommends easy, child-friendly routes: between 15 and 25 kilometers per day.
Discover the easy, family-friendly steps
For a trip with children who are just starting to cycle, you can plan for 35-40 kilometers per day.
đĄ Before your first bike trip, try it out over a weekend or long weekend.
Trailer, towbar, what should you consider for children?
Bike trailers are ideal for transporting toddlers up to 5-6 years old. The advantage is that you can also fit a few belongings in them! Be careful, though, if you plan to travel by train, trailers are unfortunately not permitted. Beyond 5-6 years old, or when the child begins to pedal, the towbar or follow-me system is very practical. This system allows you to easily and safely connect the rear wheel of an adult bike to the front wheel of a child's bike. This can be very reassuring when there's a bit more traffic or when the child is a little more tired!
đĄ Before investing, ask around; you might be able to borrow some equipment. It's also a great opportunity to test out the different systems.
Before your stay, some things to remember:
- Be prepared... do you need a bike helmet or not?
Cycling holidays do need the right equipment. Before heading off, itâs vital to check the condition of your bike (tyres, brakes and lights). All cyclists, both young and old, should wear a helmet for optimum safety. This will protect your head in the event of a fall! Please note that helmets are mandatory for children under 12 years since March 2017, whether they are passengers or drivers.
- Check your childâs bike
Is the bike the right size for your child? Is it in good condition? To find a bike that can be adjusted as your child grows, check out bike sales fairs or classified ads websites!
- Remember the road safety rules
The Highway Code also applies to bikes. Whatever the distance, itâs important to remind your little ones of road safety rules so that dangerous situations can be avoided: cycle on the right, keep looking straight ahead, stop before crossing a road⊠Read more
- Donât forget your first aid kit and sun cream!
Be sure to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in one of your saddlebags. Sun cream and mosquito repellent will be your greatest allies once you take to the saddle!
During your stay, here are some tips:
- Take regular breaks
Donât hesitate to take a break so that you can relax and explore the sights, or go for a swim at the lakes or seaside. There are countless spots for this all along the VĂ©lodyssĂ©e route!
- Bring plenty of snacks! And drink lots of water!
Make sure you bring plenty of snacks to boost both energy and morale! Drinking lots of water to keep hydrated is also vital âespecially as cycling means riding in the sunshine for a long part of the day!
- Check the weather forecast
The success of your holiday can depend a great deal on the weather. Youâll find the MĂ©tĂ©o France weather forecast web site and application particularly useful.
- Improvise and enjoy!
With âslow travelâ you donât need to plan anything except the route. The main thing is enjoy the countryside and let yourself go and exploreâŠ.
- Keep to the greenways
Opt for the sections of La Vélodyssée which are reserved for non-motorised traffic and designed for pedestrians, cyclists, roller bladers and mobility-impaired travellers. These routes follow canal and river towpaths, former railway lines, coastal walkways and forest and urban park pathways. Greenways are ideal for family cycling.
