You've made up your mind and you're ready to go, but you don't know where to start. Don't panic: a little organisation is all it takes so you don't forget anything.
Cycling is, above all, about planning ahead. How you intend to travel determines a lot: the equipment to bring, the weight you will carry on your bike, and the budget to plan for.
Phase 1
Prepare
1
Choose the right bike
You need a suitable bike with a comfortable saddle. For La Vélodyssée, choose a bike with wide tyres or a hybrid bike, and have it serviced before you leave.
Prefer to hire one? See the list of rental shops along La Vélodyssée and one-way rental companies.
2
Decide how long to go and when
The length of your trip affects what you need: a week is not planned like a month. The weather also shapes how you travel, from high temperatures to the rainy season.
3
Plan your route
For a first trip, stick to signposted routes: you will waste less time looking for your way. 75% of La Vélodyssée is on dedicated cycle paths: the path is all yours, with no cars in sight.
Phase 2
Organise
4
Stay flexible
Leave room for the unexpected: a wrong turn, a mechanical problem, a detour or a longer stop. At the end of the trip, what you remember most are the surprises.
5
Choose your type of accommodation
For a first trip, it is best to know in advance where you will sleep, especially in summer and on the coast. Choose accommodation with the Accueil Vélo label, within 5 km of the route.
Good to know: more and more campsites are setting up overnight accommodation suited to touring by bike.
Phase 3
Set off with peace of mind
6
Equip your bike
Helmet, waterproof panniers, tent: once you have set the length and time of your trip, you will know what to take. For a first trip, choose waterproof panniers over a trailer that you have to pull as you pedal.
7
Travel light
Take only the essentials: a windproof jacket, socks, glasses, and what you need to repair your bike. Comfortable clothes come before smart ones.
8
Be kind to yourself
Cycling is a sport: some aching muscles in the first few days are normal. Take breaks, drink plenty of water, bring a snack: it's not a competition. Pain can also be a sign of a poorly adjusted bike.
What to budget
Indicative prices to give you an idea before you leave.
Bike hire
Indicative prices for 1 week (7 days)
For one-way hire, a supplement applies, often based on mileage. It can be high for 2 people, but much more cost-effective for a small group.
Accommodation
Indicative prices per night
Camping is the cheapest option but requires equipment (second-hand or borrowed). Accueil Vélo campsites may offer special rates for cyclists.
Day to day
on average per day and per person
Accommodation, transport if needed, bike hire and repatriation if needed, meals, visits and unexpected expenses.
