Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
first hill or headwind—realistically evaluate your physical condition and be clear on the
limitations bikes present. Start with an easy pedal to a nearby village or through the vine-
yards, then decide how ambitious you feel. Most find that two hours on a narrow, hard
seat is enough. I've listed bike-rental shops where appropriate and suggested a few of my
favorite rides. TIs always have addresses for bike-rental places. For a good touring bike,
figure about €12 for a half-day and €18 for a full day. You'll pay more for better equip-
ment; generally the best is available through bike shops, not at train stations or other out-
lets. French cyclists often donotwear helmets, thoughmost rental outfits have them (fora
small fee). Some shops rent electrically assisted bikes.
If you're visiting one or more French cities on a longer European trip—or linking up far-
flungFrenchcities(suchasParisandNice)—aflightcansavebothtimeandmoney.When
comparingyouroptions,factorinthetimeittakestogettotheairportandhowearlyyou'll
need to arrive to check in.
The best comparison search engine for both international and intra-European flights
is
www.kayak.com
.
For inexpensive flights within Europe, try
www.skyscanner.com
or
www.hipmunk.com
.
If you're not sure who flies to your destination, check its airport's
website for a list of carriers.
Well-known cheapo airlines include easyJet (
www.easyjet.com
) and Ryanair
(
www.ryanair.com
). Also check Air France for specials.
Be aware of the potential drawbacks of flying on the cheap: nonrefundable and non-
changeable tickets, minimal or nonexistent customer service, treks to airports far outside
town, and stingy baggage allowances with steep overage fees. If you're traveling with lots
of luggage, a cheap flight can quickly become a bad deal. To avoid unpleasant surprises,
read the small print before you book.
