Reader Q&A: Getting back to the UK from the south of France

Published by Lyn on 25 August 2013

Luke wants to know how to get back to England after his cycle tour to the south of France.

It's imporant to check the Eurostar bicycle carriage policy before booking to ensure you can get yourself – and your bike – home together. Photo: James Butler

It's imporant to check the Eurostar bicycle carriage policy before booking to make sure that you can get yourself – and your bike – home together.
Photo: James Butler  

Lyn,
 
I am planning to cycle to the south of France.
 
What is the best way of getting back to England bearing in mind I will have my bike with me?
 
Many thanks
 
Luke.

Answer:

Hi Luke

Thanks for your email.

It completely depends where you end up, your budget and if you prefer to fly or go overland.

See here for information on taking bike on French trains.

Regional and intercity train services are generally excellent. Most trains (but check your particular route) take bikes and have dedicated racks (best to reserve space ahead to make sure). If you have a bike bag and you're happy to dismantle it, then you can be a bit more flexible and won't need to worry about booking - just store it in the luggage area like you would a suitcase.

From Paris (or Lille), you could then take the Eurostar – see here for info on taking the Eurostar (and here for more details on Eurostar's bike carriage policy). On the voyages-sncf.com site, it's possible to book all your French train travel in one place, including the final Eurostar leg.   

If you go by train further north, you could take the ferry or even the Eurotunnel, but this would be more hassle if you're just intent on getting home.

There's also a specialist bike bus service that you might want to check out. If you're leaving from near one of its destinations, the Bike Express is perfect and hassle-free.

And then of course you could fly - you need to do a little research on your preferred airline and make sure:
a) your chosen airline take bikes;
b) you confirm if bikes are included in your luggage allowance or if they cost extra and
c) you pack your bike securely.
See here for more more on bikes and planes.

Always double check everything yourself with airlines though as policies do change.

So, basically, it depends on your preference and your budget.

Hope that helps - would be good to hear back what you decide and how it goes.

Cheers
Lyn.

On the blog

Reviews

More books

Cycling in France?

Search for tours & accommodation

Discover France

© 2011-2024 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs | Supported by GEL Studios