Taking the train to La France

[robstvr]

Anyone here packed their bike onto a train to get down through France, perhaps to Lyon or Nice?

Is it worth it? Are there good roads to be had instead? Just remember N. France being pants, and it could work out cheaper?

[black-k1]

I’ve not done the ‘train thing’ with the bike down to the South of France but I find the Autoroutes to be quite enjoyable (as far as motorways can be) and Nice is achievable in a day from Calais. If you wanted to mostly stay off the Autoroutes then it’s going to take 2 days (minimum) but apart from the first 100 or so miles from Calais, the roads are great and reasonably fast progress can be made without trying too hard.

[Ballon]

Never looked at taking the bike by train, however the car was spitefully expensive, so I assume the bike will be to.

I think the French motorways are in the main pretty good, depending on the the time of year. French National holidays being a complete no, no!!

Iron arse ride in a day but achievable, very early start though.

[mc101]

robstvr said:

Anyone here packed their bike onto a train to get down through France, perhaps to Lyon or Nice?

Is it worth it? Are there good roads to be had instead? Just remember N. France being pants, and it could work out cheaper?

Yes, over night motorail from Calais to Narbonne ... a couple of years back.

Was a first class laugh and left us time to play in the Pyrenee's for a few extra days. Wasn't the cheapest option but I dont enjoy sitting on the autoroute all day ;-)

[speed8]

If it was to the Pyrenees then I would maybe look into it but the distance your talking about is only a days ride. There was a car train going from Brussels-ish to Milan but it was obscenely expensive.