This blog is for the geezers going to ride in France in September and October of 2012. This will be a bucket list tour for us. At least for some of us. We will be going to Bayeux on the Normandy coast and then to Tors and ride alone the Loire River.
As we began this planning portion we compared the cost of doing the trip ourselves verses several companies that run tours. There is not doubt that the convenience and efficiency of selected tours (VBT et.al.) offer nice options for some specific events. We wanted several options not linked to a schedule and compared our cost to theirs. We found, not yet completed, that our anticipated costs will average 150EU a day LESS than a tour. We still have to do the events but once that was decided we started making reservations and locking up bikes.
Voila le Blog - Thanks to Steve and his persistence and research in getting this set up. Hopefully, he will do as well when we are in La Belle France. Steve and I (and Joe the defector) did a warm up today, with a nice 30 mile ride through scenic RSF. But, we have to keep in mind that the name of the game is France is sightseeing, not putting miles on the bike. Sidewalk cafes are essential to this mind set. Pierre
J'ai regardé sur le blog. Il ressemble beaucoup. J'utilise Google translate pour mon poste. Je suis d'accord avec Pierre que profiter de la campagne et les cafés qui devrait être notre objectif principal.
I have booked rooms at the Hotel Henri IV in Paris as follows: two rooms, twin beds, shower and toilet for 1,2,3 October for Pierre, Bill, Ed, Steve @ 96.8 E per night. One double room with shower and toilet for Paul and Christine for 1 - 7 October @ 90.8 E per night. I have stayed at this hotel before. Great location, clean, small rooms, minimal amenities, no elevator so we will be walking up 3 to 5 flights of stairs. Petit dejuener is included ( coffe, bread & jam). Check out the web site. Hotel Henri IV 25 Place Dauphine 75001 Paris 01 43 54 44 53 www.henri4hotel.fr Now working on hotel for Blois. Have one right near the train station, will book it shortly, for 5 persons.
Only booking for 5 in Blois right now since Helmut is still on the fence. I have not been able to find a bike rental shop in Blois yet, but we know there has to be one and I will continue searching.
We welcome M. Guillame (Bill) back to the sunny climes and warm weather of Solana Beach. Bill left his skis in Denver, ready to hit the rode here in SoCal. Good to have you back M. Bill!
Honfleur and the Côte de Grâce ( as reported by Tourisime France)
Honfleur The port of Honfleur is probably the town in Normandy that has provided most inspiration for painters and that can most justifiably lay claim to the title "cradle of Impressionism." The town is brimming with picturesque sites just waiting to be painted, such as the Seine estuary, the quaysides and harbor, Sainte-Catherine church, the old streets, Notre-Dame chapel, the lighthouse and the shipyard.
April 1st is a day of pranks and practical jokes across the world, and every year in France, many an unsuspecting victim spend the day with a “poisson d’avril” (a paper fish) taped to their backs.
The story goes that up until 1564, the new year began on April 1st, to coincide with the celebration of the Annunciation of Mary. In that year, however, King Charles IX of France changed the new year to January 1st, to coincide with the lengthening of days. Since transportation was still fairly unreliable and news travelled slowly in those days, it took awhile for people to catch on in the provinces outside of Paris, and they continued to exchange gifts on April 1st. To have a little fun, those who were in-the-know would sometimes exchange “presents” of a different sort entirely.
The origins of the “April Fish” aren’t exactly clear - some versions say it was due to the fact that fishing was forbidden at that time, since it was the mating season, and some link it to the celebration of Easter, when fish was commonly eaten instead of meat, and the giving of fake fish was considered a good prank.
Whatever the case may be, watch out for a poisson d’avril if you’re in France on April 1st!
Piette's Paris 'to do' list: 1. Use the Velib system to get around the city. 2. Have dinner at Restaurant Polidor, on the Rue de Petit Prince. 3. Go to Alex Singer bike store, 53 Rue Victor Hugo 4. Go on a guided bicycle tour, starts at Notre Dame. 5. ???
Ed is doing his research while in France, and came up with this website for telephone service while in France. http://www.lapostemobile.fr/ As I read it, you get a sim card for 5E, the buy a prepaid card for minutes. Looks good. Question I have is will they Fedex no charge to US?
Letter from Ed in France: Mes amis, I continue to search for a workable credit card here. To this point I'm easily getting money from the machines on the street (le distributeur) and using my card in restaurants. Unfortunately, when I asked at bank about getting a 'chip' card I had no luck. They can't do it and it seems they can't issue one with a euro limit, i.e., like a debit card. I plan to look into Ameritrade which is a Canadian company when I return and I've heard that Bank of America offers something. Travelex has a chip card but their buy/sell ratio makes it very expensive if you don't use it all and is expensive to buy unless you buy $25000, which I did in Carlsbad. The next day I returned it (at a small loss) because registering it was so bloody complex. They told me it was the bank not them that made it so, but still. If it's too much trouble to work it in Carlsbad, I figure it will be a pain over here. Some of you might be more facile with the codes, passcodes, and assurances. For me, it is not worth it. Regarding phones, it will cost about $75 to buy a phone and get a contract for in France calls for a couple of weeks. You get to keep the phone. Bouyge (boyg--g as in gun) and Orangerie have similar programs and are the least expensive, except for ---who knew! La Poste. Yes, the post office where it can be a stand in line wait to buy a stamp will send you a phone in a hurry. Their rates are probably the best. I haven't been able to decipher their program but I did send the french link to Pierre and he'll work on it as well. I think I might buy one. I might even do it here if I can be assured that the activation is for longer than 30 days. Regarding the post office I feel I must modify my view. In Chambery there was actually a lady who would walk around and solve people's problems; a postal clerk of a certain age with much patience and kindness. She helped me with the phone info. However, when I wanted to buy 30 post card (6gram) stamps she could only find a dozen in the post office. Also, there was a guy who basically was over the edge of his own patience and reminded me of how exasperating it can be. I think, like here, the postal service realizes if they don't improve, they'll be privatized or reduced in force (as if that would help!). We're still in Chambery and will probably stay here until we go back to Lyon for a couple of days prior to England. Liz is really enjoying her camera and I have reconnected with some acquaintences. Today we'll take the one hour train to Annecy so Liz can see it. It's the major must see town around here for tourists and about a half hour south of Geneva. I'm rebonding with my love of France. The language seems easier to understand now and even though my own French is quite limited I do get to joke with the cab drivers, chat about politics and family with acquaintences, and get a ticket in the right direction of travel. The food is wonderful but mostly because Liz checks Trip Advisor wherever we go. Email here is intermittent on my macbook so forgive my retelling info....or is it simply age. I see cyclists of course and have had a lovely chat with a young guy who found his bike in a trash can and has been riding it for years; it's like my Peugot. He says there are 3 kinds: vtt--velo tout terrain (mountain bike), vtc--velo tout chemin (all road bike) usually upright handlebars, hybrid wheels, commuter bike; velo a course--our road bike. I think we're best off with velos a course. That's it for now. A bientot, Ed
The below are the house rules for our B & B in Bayeux. Please read. Note that you have to make your won bed Steve. Also, note the payment options at the end - does this mean no Credit Cards?? Ed - a little help here?
Le Petit Matin Practical information
Welcome,
This bed and breakfast is our home. To respect the needs of everyone (owners, guests) we ask you to respect each person’s privacy.
In order to preserve the tranquillity of our house, we request that you do not bring additional guests into the rooms.
Arrivals: These are normally expected between 12 noon and 2pm or 6pm and 8mp. If you expect to arrive late, or early (for example to drop off luggage in order to explore the area with a less vulnerable car) please discuss this in advance. Likewise, if you wish to stay out late, you are requested to inform your hosts so that they can arrange access.
Departures: These must be made by 10H30am. The owners are not hotel professionals, and need time to make the place as welcoming as possible for guests arriving later that day.
Breakfasts: These are served indoors (or outside if weather permits) between 7 and 9am
Dinner: This cannot be improvised. As dinner is made from fresh produce, please request it the evening before, or at the latest at breakfast, so that the owners can purchase fresh food. Dinner is served between 7 and 8pm. Picnics are also available, and must be requested the evening before. Dinners are for a minimum of 4 people.
Rooms: Washing and eating are not allowed. Should you need to do laundry, a washing machine and drier are available on request. We also request you to respect the property, including linen and decor, and ask you to refrain from dragging suitcases across the parquet floor. This is so that we can keep this house as clean as possible for you and future visitors.
While guests are expected to make their own beds and tidy their clothes, the owners will come in daily to empty bins and replace bath towels when necessary.
You are requested not to smoke in the house and in the bedrooms. This is out of courtesy to other guests, but also to avoid future occupants of the rooms being inconvenienced by the smell of tobacco.
Valuables (jewellery, cameras, laptops, money and credit cards etc) must not be left in rooms or in your parked car. Should any of these disappear the owners decline any responsibility.
Given the small size of our bed and breakfast, Registration Number 481 270 650, cancellations create a serious loss. If, less than two weeks before your arrival, you should need to cancel your stay, we will keep the 30% deposit. During your stay, if you must modify your reservation’s date, you must pay the entire sum quoted in your confirmation letter, and this amount cannot be set against a future stay.
Payment must be made on day of departure when returning keys. Cheques and cash are all accepted.
This evening, we (Bill, Paul, Pierre and non-sages JOe M free-loaded on booze and eats at the SDBC social meeting held at Hi Tech Bikes in Kearny Mesa. Lots of good eats and drinks, like Margaritas, Beer, tacos, cheese plates, veggie plates. The Hi Tech folks did it up roayally. Oh.... and there were bikes and more bikes and gear and stuff to look at. Pierre won a door prize of $100 gift certificate for one of the sponsoring restaurants. Good time!!
A premiere vue le site merite felicitations. J'ai bien surpris de trouver ma letter de France est ici, mais les sentiments exist encore. Apres mon retour de France et Angleterre je suis vraiment ravi d'etre la a septembre. It est plus facile a ecrire sur mon ordinateur que la iphone, mais le iphone a des markes accent. En tous cas, merci a Steve pour organiser le site. Une question sur la preparation pour le voyage: est ce qu'il mieux que construit un tolerance pour l'alcool ou pour l'exercise? Ed
For you iphone Sages a Velo: Here is a link worth following,
http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/using-an-american-iphone-in-europe%E2%80%A6-without-going-broke.html. Some good info on how not to get burned with a heavy iPhone bill upon return to US.
Time to focus on the design of our kit for Les Sages A Velo!! As a starting point, let me list a few basics and inputs received from some of you.
1. Basic color scheme: red, white & blue on an off-white background color. 2. 'Les Sages A Velo' (accent acute on the e in velo) prominent on the back. 3. 'Old Geezer Bikers' prominent on the front. 4. On the back pockets: a baggette sticking out of the middle pocket, a bottle of red wine sticking out of another pocket, a hunk of cheese sticking out of the third pocket. 5. American flag on one shoulder/sleeve, French flag on the other shoulder/sleeve. Other option is crossed flags on both sleeves. 6. A reference to Normandy & Loire Valley somewhere. And maybe California?
I have arranged for a professional graphic designer to do the design 'pro bonno'. We can give him some guidelines, but we do not want to stifle his gene-given creativity. Check out http://dragonflydg.com/.
As we began this planning portion we compared the cost of doing the trip ourselves verses several companies that run tours. There is not doubt that the convenience and efficiency of selected tours (VBT et.al.) offer nice options for some specific events. We wanted several options not linked to a schedule and compared our cost to theirs. We found, not yet completed, that our anticipated costs will average 150EU a day LESS than a tour. We still have to do the events but once that was decided we started making reservations and locking up bikes.
ReplyDeleteVoila le Blog - Thanks to Steve and his persistence and research in getting this set up. Hopefully, he will do as well when we are in La Belle France.
ReplyDeleteSteve and I (and Joe the defector) did a warm up today, with a nice 30 mile ride through scenic RSF. But, we have to keep in mind that the name of the game is France is sightseeing, not putting miles on the bike. Sidewalk cafes are essential to this mind set.
Pierre
J'ai regardé sur le blog. Il ressemble beaucoup. J'utilise Google translate pour mon poste. Je suis d'accord avec Pierre que profiter de la campagne et les cafés qui devrait être notre objectif principal.
ReplyDeleteBill
Tres bien M. Bill. J'espere de te voir a Solana Beach la semaine prochaine.
ReplyDeleteI have booked rooms at the Hotel Henri IV in Paris as follows:
ReplyDeletetwo rooms, twin beds, shower and toilet for 1,2,3 October for Pierre, Bill, Ed, Steve @ 96.8 E per night.
One double room with shower and toilet for Paul and Christine for 1 - 7 October @ 90.8 E per night.
I have stayed at this hotel before. Great location, clean, small rooms, minimal amenities, no elevator so we will be walking up 3 to 5 flights of stairs. Petit dejuener is included ( coffe, bread & jam). Check out the web site.
Hotel Henri IV
25 Place Dauphine
75001 Paris
01 43 54 44 53
www.henri4hotel.fr
Now working on hotel for Blois. Have one right near the train station, will book it shortly, for 5 persons.
Only booking for 5 in Blois right now since Helmut is still on the fence.
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to find a bike rental shop in Blois yet, but we know there has to be one and I will continue searching.
We welcome M. Guillame (Bill) back to the sunny climes and warm weather of Solana Beach. Bill left his skis in Denver, ready to hit the rode here in SoCal. Good to have you back M. Bill!
ReplyDeleteHonfleur and the Côte de Grâce ( as reported by Tourisime France)
ReplyDeleteHonfleur The port of Honfleur is probably the town in Normandy that has provided most inspiration for painters and that can most justifiably lay claim to the title "cradle of Impressionism." The town is brimming with picturesque sites just waiting to be painted, such as the Seine estuary, the quaysides and harbor, Sainte-Catherine church, the old streets, Notre-Dame chapel, the lighthouse and the shipyard.
Trouville, Deauville and the Côte fleurie
A bit of French cultural history:
ReplyDeleteApril 1st is a day of pranks and practical jokes across the world, and every year in France, many an unsuspecting victim spend the day with a “poisson d’avril” (a paper fish) taped to their backs.
The story goes that up until 1564, the new year began on April 1st, to coincide with the celebration of the Annunciation of Mary. In that year, however, King Charles IX of France changed the new year to January 1st, to coincide with the lengthening of days. Since transportation was still fairly unreliable and news travelled slowly in those days, it took awhile for people to catch on in the provinces outside of Paris, and they continued to exchange gifts on April 1st. To have a little fun, those who were in-the-know would sometimes exchange “presents” of a different sort entirely.
The origins of the “April Fish” aren’t exactly clear - some versions say it was due to the fact that fishing was forbidden at that time, since it was the mating season, and some link it to the celebration of Easter, when fish was commonly eaten instead of meat, and the giving of fake fish was considered a good prank.
Whatever the case may be, watch out for a poisson d’avril if you’re in France on April 1st!
[PermalinkFooter]
Piette's Paris 'to do' list:
ReplyDelete1. Use the Velib system to get around the city.
2. Have dinner at Restaurant Polidor, on the Rue de Petit Prince.
3. Go to Alex Singer bike store, 53 Rue Victor Hugo
4. Go on a guided bicycle tour, starts at Notre Dame.
5. ???
Make the above Pierre's list. Don't know who Piette is.
ReplyDeletepg
Ed is doing his research while in France, and came up with this website for telephone service while in France.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lapostemobile.fr/ As I read it, you get a sim card for 5E, the buy a prepaid card for minutes. Looks good. Question I have is will they Fedex no charge to US?
Letter from Ed in France:
ReplyDeleteMes amis,
I continue to search for a workable credit card here. To this point I'm easily getting money from the machines on the street (le distributeur) and using my card in restaurants. Unfortunately, when I asked at bank about getting a 'chip' card I had no luck. They can't do it and it seems they can't issue one with a euro limit, i.e., like a debit card. I plan to look into Ameritrade which is a Canadian company when I return and I've heard that Bank of America offers something.
Travelex has a chip card but their buy/sell ratio makes it very expensive if you don't use it all and is expensive to buy unless you buy $25000, which I did in Carlsbad. The next day I returned it (at a small loss) because registering it was so bloody complex. They told me it was the bank not them that made it so, but still. If it's too much trouble to work it in Carlsbad, I figure it will be a pain over here. Some of you might be more facile with the codes, passcodes, and assurances. For me, it is not worth it.
Regarding phones, it will cost about $75 to buy a phone and get a contract for in France calls for a couple of weeks. You get to keep the phone. Bouyge (boyg--g as in gun) and Orangerie have similar programs and are the least expensive, except for ---who knew! La Poste. Yes, the post office where it can be a stand in line wait to buy a stamp will send you a phone in a hurry. Their rates are probably the best. I haven't been able to decipher their program but I did send the french link to Pierre and he'll work on it as well. I think I might buy one. I might even do it here if I can be assured that the activation is for longer than 30 days. Regarding the post office I feel I must modify my view. In Chambery there was actually a lady who would walk around and solve people's problems; a postal clerk of a certain age with much patience and kindness. She helped me with the phone info. However, when I wanted to buy 30 post card (6gram) stamps she could only find a dozen in the post office. Also, there was a guy who basically was over the edge of his own patience and reminded me of how exasperating it can be. I think, like here, the postal service realizes if they don't improve, they'll be privatized or reduced in force (as if that would help!).
We're still in Chambery and will probably stay here until we go back to Lyon for a couple of days prior to England. Liz is really enjoying her camera and I have reconnected with some acquaintences. Today we'll take the one hour train to Annecy so Liz can see it. It's the major must see town around here for tourists and about a half hour south of Geneva.
I'm rebonding with my love of France. The language seems easier to understand now and even though my own French is quite limited I do get to joke with the cab drivers, chat about politics and family with acquaintences, and get a ticket in the right direction of travel.
The food is wonderful but mostly because Liz checks Trip Advisor wherever we go.
Email here is intermittent on my macbook so forgive my retelling info....or is it simply age.
I see cyclists of course and have had a lovely chat with a young guy who found his bike in a trash can and has been riding it for years; it's like my Peugot. He says there are 3 kinds: vtt--velo tout terrain (mountain bike), vtc--velo tout chemin (all road bike) usually upright handlebars, hybrid wheels, commuter bike; velo a course--our road bike. I think we're best off with velos a course.
That's it for now.
A bientot,
Ed
The below are the house rules for our B & B in Bayeux. Please read. Note that you have to make your won bed Steve. Also, note the payment options at the end - does this mean no Credit Cards?? Ed - a little help here?
ReplyDeleteLe Petit Matin
Practical information
Welcome,
This bed and breakfast is our home. To respect the needs of everyone (owners, guests) we ask you to respect each person’s privacy.
In order to preserve the tranquillity of our house, we request that you do not bring additional guests into the rooms.
Arrivals: These are normally expected between 12 noon and 2pm or 6pm and 8mp. If you expect to arrive late, or early (for example to drop off luggage in order to explore the area with a less vulnerable car) please discuss this in advance. Likewise, if you wish to stay out late, you are requested to inform your hosts so that they can arrange access.
Departures: These must be made by 10H30am. The owners are not hotel professionals, and need time to make the place as welcoming as possible for guests arriving later that day.
Breakfasts: These are served indoors (or outside if weather permits) between 7 and 9am
Dinner: This cannot be improvised. As dinner is made from fresh produce, please request it the evening before, or at the latest at breakfast, so that the owners can purchase fresh food. Dinner is served between 7 and 8pm. Picnics are also available, and must be requested the evening before. Dinners are for a minimum of 4 people.
Rooms: Washing and eating are not allowed. Should you need to do laundry, a washing machine and drier are available on request. We also request you to respect the property, including linen and decor, and ask you to refrain from dragging suitcases across the parquet floor. This is so that we can keep this house as clean as possible for you and future visitors.
While guests are expected to make their own beds and tidy their clothes, the owners will come in daily to empty bins and replace bath towels when necessary.
You are requested not to smoke in the house and in the bedrooms. This is out of courtesy to other guests, but also to avoid future occupants of the rooms being inconvenienced by the smell of tobacco.
Valuables (jewellery, cameras, laptops, money and credit cards etc) must not be left in rooms or in your parked car. Should any of these disappear the owners decline any responsibility.
Given the small size of our bed and breakfast, Registration Number 481 270 650, cancellations create a serious loss. If, less than two weeks before your arrival, you should need to cancel your stay, we will keep the 30% deposit. During your stay, if you must modify your reservation’s date, you must pay the entire sum quoted in your confirmation letter, and this amount cannot be set against a future stay.
Payment must be made on day of departure when returning keys. Cheques and cash are all accepted.
Enjoy your stay with us
This evening, we (Bill, Paul, Pierre and non-sages JOe M free-loaded on booze and eats at the SDBC social meeting held at Hi Tech Bikes in Kearny Mesa. Lots of good eats and drinks, like Margaritas, Beer, tacos, cheese plates, veggie plates. The Hi Tech folks did it up roayally. Oh.... and there were bikes and more bikes and gear and stuff to look at. Pierre won a door prize of $100 gift certificate for one of the sponsoring restaurants. Good time!!
ReplyDeleteA premiere vue le site merite felicitations. J'ai bien surpris de trouver ma letter de France est ici, mais les sentiments exist encore. Apres mon retour de France et Angleterre je suis vraiment ravi d'etre la a septembre. It est plus facile a ecrire sur mon ordinateur que la iphone, mais le iphone a des markes accent. En tous cas, merci a Steve pour organiser le site. Une question sur la preparation pour le voyage: est ce qu'il mieux que construit un tolerance pour l'alcool ou pour l'exercise?
ReplyDeleteEd
M. Ed - C'est tres simple; l'alcool est plus important pour le joie de vie!!
DeleteSteve - you finally have got the blog right!! Congratulations Marine!!
ReplyDeletePierre,
ReplyDeleteI finally found your entries. Now I have to figure out how to have everyone comments show up on one blog?
For you iphone Sages a Velo:
ReplyDeleteHere is a link worth following,
http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/using-an-american-iphone-in-europe%E2%80%A6-without-going-broke.html.
Some good info on how not to get burned with a heavy iPhone bill upon return to US.
Steve - I was premature in congratulating you on getting the blog straightened out. I take it back.
ReplyDeleteThanks? Since I am Texas enroute to to New Orleans it is good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteTime to focus on the design of our kit for Les Sages A Velo!!
ReplyDeleteAs a starting point, let me list a few basics and inputs received from some of you.
1. Basic color scheme: red, white & blue on an off-white background color.
2. 'Les Sages A Velo' (accent acute on the e in velo) prominent on the back.
3. 'Old Geezer Bikers' prominent on the front.
4. On the back pockets: a baggette sticking out of the middle pocket, a bottle of red wine sticking out of another pocket, a hunk of cheese sticking out of the third pocket.
5. American flag on one shoulder/sleeve, French flag on the other shoulder/sleeve. Other option is crossed flags on both sleeves.
6. A reference to Normandy & Loire Valley somewhere. And maybe California?
I have arranged for a professional graphic designer to do the design 'pro bonno'. We can give him some guidelines, but we do not want to stifle his gene-given creativity. Check out http://dragonflydg.com/.
Ed comment: I'd go for crossed flags to avoid confusion about who we are from folks passing on the right or left.
ReplyDeleteNote on Jersey design: include an eagle for USA and rooster for France.
ReplyDelete