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Judging distances: All the itineraries in this book give distances in both kilometers and miles (1 km=.62 miles). Itineraries and maps available from tourist offices in France provide distances and times based on km only.

Cycling break (courtesy of Trek Travel)

Sometimes an average time for the route is suggested. This is based on an average speed of 20 km per hour (three minutes per km), which is what French cycling organizations expect that a trained cyclist who is reasonably fit and cycles regularly can cover. For uphill routes, add one hour per 1,000 m (3,280 feet) of climbing (six minutes per 100 m/328 feet). Adjust this rate to suit your own fitness and the weight of your backpack or panniers.

Rules of the road: When using public roads, cyclists are subject to the same rules as motorists. During daylight hours, cyclists can ride in pairs but must go back to single file when a motor vehicle approaches to pass. During darkness, cyclists must ride single file. When passing a cyclist, motorists must give the cyclist one meter (about three feet) of clearance in built-up areas and 1½ m (about five feet) of clearance elsewhere.

Road signs for cyclists: Signs follow international agreements and most are easy to understand. These road signs are particularly important for cyclists: Compulsory equipment: Your cycle must have certain equipment. Most cycles available to rent will have everything required by law, but it’s wise to double-check for the following:

• Two working brakes
• A bell or horn that can be heard at a distance of 50 m (165 feet)
• Several red reflectors visible from the rear
• Several red reflectors visible from the sides
• One white reflector, visible from the rear

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