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Our Tour de France

WAYNE TEFS

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:53 PM EDT 12/07/08

An 8-per-cent incline doesn't sound like much. But on a cycling vacation with his wife, Wayne Tefs finds out why even the world's top riders are likely to huff and puff their way up the Pyrenees this month — and why the agony is worth it ...Read the full article

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  1. Susan Wallis from near Carcassonne, France writes: Wayne has expressed perfectly the joys of cycle touring in France. We moved to the Languedoc region of southern France 9 years ago after 16 years of bike touring throughout the country and have never regretted it. The cycling in this area (and throughout most of France) is superb and, in almost every instance, the French drivers are courteous and give cyclists lots of room - and respect. This was often not the case when we lived and cycled in southern Ontario.
  2. François Papineau from Montreal, Canada writes: Hi Susan, we want to visit south France next year (in car, no time for bicycle) and Carcassonne could be one of our stop. How is life there? The city seems to be wonderful! Any insight of what we shouldn't miss?

    Thanks a lot
  3. Ed Wiens from Surrey, Canada writes: Our family had the opportunity to rent a house in rural Provence (30 km NE of Avignon) for over 2 months. I found the cycling there to be fabulous. One does not have to be a seasoned rider to enjoy it. One does not have to go very far from home either. Just buy or rent a bike, and enjoy the scenery!

    As mentioned by Susan, the French drivers, including tour bus drivers on narrow country roads, are extremely courteous. There is always another village at the top of the next hill or just around the bend.

    As to Carcassone, well worth it, even if the walled city is touristy. My kids loved it.

    I always advise those who wish to drive in France to closely compare North America and Europe (transit systems, size and type of cars driven, fuel mileage attained, driving abilities and road manners of the locals, etc.) It is well worth the exercise.
  4. Jimmy Savile from Canada writes: Susan and Ed say it well: Riding in France is a dream. The villages are beautiful, the cols are majestic and the sound of bells dinging on the cows and sheep is music for the day. > I've been on two coast to coast pyrenees cycling trips and I'll always remember the courteous, road-sharing and mindful motorists in France. When you come back to southern Ontario you're instantly reminded of how much drivers simply don't get it here. I find it to be pathetic quite honestly.
  5. Mr. Roadrocket from Ottawa, Canada writes: A great description of the joys of cycling in the mountains. I have not only enjoyed doing this in France, but would also highly recommend Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria for gorgeous scenery, challenging ascents and drivers who pay attention to the road. I will leave for Europe this week and be at the Tour de France in the Alps (www.tindonkey.com). It is the best way to travel!
  6. M Irwin from New West, Canada writes: Ah, to dream!
  7. Susan Wallis from France writes: Sorry not to have replied sooner, François - we run two holiday rental properties and sometimes (like this week), it's very busy. We love living here and there's not much that we'd change if we could. I don't know if I'm allowed to give our website address but, if it goes through, have a look at it for things to see and do in this area. There's a LOT! If that doesn't work, you should be able to find our site by doing a search for Wallis and Oupia (our village). http://www.lourecantou.com

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