Choix d'une destination à vélo en Asie du Sud-Est
by Nicolas06
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
salut,
je tente de mettre sur pied un voyage à vélo en asie du sud est. jusqu'à présent j'avais choisi le laos mais je rencontre pas mal de problème pour savoir comment acheminer mon vélo (je n'arrive pas à connaître les conditions de la compagnie lao airline). je réfléchi donc à changer de destination. quelqu'un pourrait il me conseiller une autre destination sympa pour un voyage à vélo en asie du sud est (cambodge, vietnam, Tahilande, ..)
merci, a+.
Des trois, sans hésitation, LA THAILANDE.
Jacques
Jacques
Je ne connais pas encore le Cambodge ni le Vietnam mais j'espère que ça va changer cet hiver 😉
La Thaïlande est un pays très agréable (les gens, les infrastructures(gh propre), les paysages variés, la nourriture )
Le réseau est en très bon état avec souvent une bande d'arrêt d'urgence assez large (bande cyclable 😎) sur les grands axes et il y a beaucoup de routes secondaires sans trop de circulation.
Par contre, c'est difficile dans les reliefs ; ce n'est pas qu'il y ait des sommets à plus de 8000m c'est le tracé.
L'épingle à cheveux, le virage, la montée "à flanc de coteaux" y sont en quantité limitée.. Toujours "droit dans le pentu ..." Il y a donc souvent des pentes supérieurs à 15% même 20%, 😛 C'est vraiment pour les amateurs de "raidars" Souvent les routes sont cimentées car l'adhérence sur le bitume est insuffisante 😇😇😇
Comme c'est aussi grand que la France, je n'en connais qu'une petite, petite, partie .....

Luc
La Thaïlande est un pays très agréable (les gens, les infrastructures(gh propre), les paysages variés, la nourriture )
Le réseau est en très bon état avec souvent une bande d'arrêt d'urgence assez large (bande cyclable 😎) sur les grands axes et il y a beaucoup de routes secondaires sans trop de circulation.
Par contre, c'est difficile dans les reliefs ; ce n'est pas qu'il y ait des sommets à plus de 8000m c'est le tracé.
L'épingle à cheveux, le virage, la montée "à flanc de coteaux" y sont en quantité limitée.. Toujours "droit dans le pentu ..." Il y a donc souvent des pentes supérieurs à 15% même 20%, 😛 C'est vraiment pour les amateurs de "raidars" Souvent les routes sont cimentées car l'adhérence sur le bitume est insuffisante 😇😇😇
Comme c'est aussi grand que la France, je n'en connais qu'une petite, petite, partie .....

Luc
Salut Nicolas,
Il parait que le Cambodge à vélo, c'est fantastique, Orangevince, ou est tu ??? 😏
La Thaïlande à vélo, c'est super sympas et toutes les régions ne se ressemblent pas. Dans le nord, comme le dit si bien Luc, c'est super pour les grimpeurs. Dans le sud, il y a pas mal de petites routes peu fréquentées en bord de mer...
Bref, de quoi s'amuser.
Regarde mon blog afin de te faire une opinion.
Bonne préparation de voyage.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Peux-tu preciser, lumpini, les regions du sud de Thailande avec de petites routes peu frequentees en bord de mer? C'est la cote est ou ouest? Ou les deux? Merci. (Je connais deja le nord de Thailande. Je l'aimais enormement.)
Salut 🙂
Déjà, il faut de bonnes cartes ( la carte michelin Thaïlande n'est pas assez précise) que tu trouveras dans de bonnes librairies en Thaïlande.
Tu peux éventuellement partir de Hua-Hin et rejoindre Prachuap en empruntant des petites routes et autres piste en passant par le parc national de Kh(r)ao saam Rooi Yoot ( tu peux éviter le check point payant en passant par une petite route 200 mètres avant).
Regarde ce lien:
http://riton.travelblog.fr/91358/Prachuap-Khiri-Khan/
Puis de PKK à Bang-Saphan, il n'y a malheureusement pas de petite route, tu dois emprunter la nationale 🏴☠️ très fréquentée.
De Bang-Saphan à Chumphon, il existe des petites routes très sympas et peu fréquentées qui évite la national, via amphoe Pathiu, un vrai jeu de piste 😛 de 120 Km et 470 m.d.
Puis de Chumphon à Lang-Suan, tu peux éviter la national en empruntant des petites routes qui longent la mer de temps en temps, sois 120 Km et 200 m.d.
Puis de Lang-Suan tu peux rejoindre Surat-Thani en évitant la national, sois 157 Km et 150 m.d, via amphoe Lamae et amphoe Tha-Chana.
Tu verras, c'est super sympas, plages déserte, bungalow très bon marché etc.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
merci beaucoup, lumpini
Mai pen raï, phuan khon maï 😉
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Salut
Moi je dirais le Vietnam, tout simplement parce que c'est une destination qui ne vas pas rester longtemps comme c'est à l'heure actuelle. Comparé à la Thailande, ce n'est pas encore trop infesté de voitures, les différentes taxes et péages incitant les gens à conserver leurs scooters.
La nourriture est cependant moins excellente qu'en Thailande.
Le billet d'avion est plus cher, mais reste encore dans des limites acceptables. Il a pris +25% en une année et demi, alors si ça continue comme ça 🤪.
Je trouve la population encore plus sympa qu'en Thailande, surtout avec les enfants. Dans le sud de Saigon à Hué c'est parfait. De Hué à Hanoi, je te déconseille en vélo (Hanoi non-compris). En dessus de Hanoi, je ne suis pas allé.
Attention en Thailande au panneaux et bornes marquées uniquement en Thai et avec une police différente de celle des cartes, ce qui rend la comparaison difficile et incertaine et tu as vite fait de te perdre si tu sors des grandes nationales. En plus plus personne ne parle anglais.
Bon voyage
Moi je dirais le Vietnam, tout simplement parce que c'est une destination qui ne vas pas rester longtemps comme c'est à l'heure actuelle. Comparé à la Thailande, ce n'est pas encore trop infesté de voitures, les différentes taxes et péages incitant les gens à conserver leurs scooters.
La nourriture est cependant moins excellente qu'en Thailande.
Le billet d'avion est plus cher, mais reste encore dans des limites acceptables. Il a pris +25% en une année et demi, alors si ça continue comme ça 🤪.
Je trouve la population encore plus sympa qu'en Thailande, surtout avec les enfants. Dans le sud de Saigon à Hué c'est parfait. De Hué à Hanoi, je te déconseille en vélo (Hanoi non-compris). En dessus de Hanoi, je ne suis pas allé.
Attention en Thailande au panneaux et bornes marquées uniquement en Thai et avec une police différente de celle des cartes, ce qui rend la comparaison difficile et incertaine et tu as vite fait de te perdre si tu sors des grandes nationales. En plus plus personne ne parle anglais.
Bon voyage
Dans le sud de Saigon à Hué c'est parfait. De Hué à Hanoi, je te déconseille en vélo (Hanoi non-compris). En dessus de Hanoi, je ne suis pas allé.
Bonjour, tu parles d'un point de vue cycliste ??
Je crois comprendre que : Au sud de Hué la circulation n'est pas trop gênante ? Alors qu'entre Hué et Hanoi, il y a des problèmes ?
Peux tu préciser ?
J'envisage de traverser le Cambodge pour aller au Sud Vietnam, qu'as tu comme principal conseil à me donner ???
Luc
PS : je te suis totalement pour la circulation en Thaïlande, il faudrait voyager avec une carte avec les 2 langues (Occidental et thail). J'ai, pour une fois, profité du guide de routard où le nom des villes est écris dans les 2 "langues, polices" pour demander mon chemin ...
Google Map est en Thail, je vais l'imprimer...
Bonjour, tu parles d'un point de vue cycliste ??
Je crois comprendre que : Au sud de Hué la circulation n'est pas trop gênante ? Alors qu'entre Hué et Hanoi, il y a des problèmes ?
Peux tu préciser ?
J'envisage de traverser le Cambodge pour aller au Sud Vietnam, qu'as tu comme principal conseil à me donner ???
Luc
PS : je te suis totalement pour la circulation en Thaïlande, il faudrait voyager avec une carte avec les 2 langues (Occidental et thail). J'ai, pour une fois, profité du guide de routard où le nom des villes est écris dans les 2 "langues, polices" pour demander mon chemin ...
Google Map est en Thail, je vais l'imprimer...
Oui, je parle de l'appréciation globale en voyagant en vélo.
Pour la circulation au Vietnam, je dirais que globalement c'est partout pareille dans le pays. Ca va de très dense dans les villes, à désert à certains endroits. Quand je dis dense, c'est dense en scooter, peu de voitures encore et quelques bus et camions. Il ne reste pas beaucoup de personnes en vélo, malheureusement, à part les écoliers.
Si j'ai trouvé le voyage sensationel entre Saigon et Hué, j'ai beaucoup moins apprécié le trajet Hué-Hanoi. Déja à cause des mentalités, les gens sont beaucoup moins travailleurs et sympas qu'au sud. Ils essaient de t'arnaquer et les prix prennent l'ascenseur. Les hotels deviennent de plus en plus minables et mal fréquentés. La pire ville que j'aie traversé est Vinh ou il n'y a rien à part des hôtels de passe fréquentés par des hommes d'affaires en manque de sensations, et qui contraste complètement avec le reste du pays. Bref j'ai bouclé Hué-Hanoi en 3 jours et suis resté une semaine à Hanoi sans regrets, sauf celui de ne pas être reté à Hué plus longtemps. Hué est une des plus belles villes que j'aie visité.
Pour le sud, pas de soucis, les gens sont très acueillants, tu trouvera sans problèmes un endroit ou dormir. Il y a des routes qui suivent la mer et qui t'évitent les nationales. J'ai connu un voyageur en moto qui dormait sur la plage. C'est magnifique et bien fréquenté. Dans les hôtels, l'interdiction de la prostitution à l'air d'être respecté.
Sinon, je n'ai pas de conseils précis à te donner, ne réserve rien sauf tes dates aller et retour, tu trouveras tout sur place.
Fais attention qu'au Vietnam, ils ont leur propre standards de vélo, par conséquent, c'est pratiquement impossible de trouver une pièce compatible avec les vélos occidentaux. Même les pneus ont une taille bizarre. J'avais cassé un support de gourde, et j'ai fini avec la gourde dans le sac.
Quand pars-tu?
Pour la circulation au Vietnam, je dirais que globalement c'est partout pareille dans le pays. Ca va de très dense dans les villes, à désert à certains endroits. Quand je dis dense, c'est dense en scooter, peu de voitures encore et quelques bus et camions. Il ne reste pas beaucoup de personnes en vélo, malheureusement, à part les écoliers.
Si j'ai trouvé le voyage sensationel entre Saigon et Hué, j'ai beaucoup moins apprécié le trajet Hué-Hanoi. Déja à cause des mentalités, les gens sont beaucoup moins travailleurs et sympas qu'au sud. Ils essaient de t'arnaquer et les prix prennent l'ascenseur. Les hotels deviennent de plus en plus minables et mal fréquentés. La pire ville que j'aie traversé est Vinh ou il n'y a rien à part des hôtels de passe fréquentés par des hommes d'affaires en manque de sensations, et qui contraste complètement avec le reste du pays. Bref j'ai bouclé Hué-Hanoi en 3 jours et suis resté une semaine à Hanoi sans regrets, sauf celui de ne pas être reté à Hué plus longtemps. Hué est une des plus belles villes que j'aie visité.
Pour le sud, pas de soucis, les gens sont très acueillants, tu trouvera sans problèmes un endroit ou dormir. Il y a des routes qui suivent la mer et qui t'évitent les nationales. J'ai connu un voyageur en moto qui dormait sur la plage. C'est magnifique et bien fréquenté. Dans les hôtels, l'interdiction de la prostitution à l'air d'être respecté.
Sinon, je n'ai pas de conseils précis à te donner, ne réserve rien sauf tes dates aller et retour, tu trouveras tout sur place.
Fais attention qu'au Vietnam, ils ont leur propre standards de vélo, par conséquent, c'est pratiquement impossible de trouver une pièce compatible avec les vélos occidentaux. Même les pneus ont une taille bizarre. J'avais cassé un support de gourde, et j'ai fini avec la gourde dans le sac.
Quand pars-tu?
Hello!
Une belle boucle en vélo: arriver à Bangkok. Prendre le train pour Vientiane (enfin, le train s'arrête en Thailande, juste avant la frontière). Aller de Vientiane à Luang Prabang à vélo. Superbe!!! Pour te faire une idée, va voir mon blog si tu veux. Tu peux ensuite aller direction Pak Baeng (route OK, gesthouses). Là, tu prends le bateau jusqu'à la frontière Thailandaise (Huay Xai) et hop, un petit tour par là-bas puis retour à Bangkok en train.
L'avantage, c'est que tu peux trouver des billets pour Bangkok pas trop cher avec des compagnies qui acceptent les vélos.
A+ Vince
Une belle boucle en vélo: arriver à Bangkok. Prendre le train pour Vientiane (enfin, le train s'arrête en Thailande, juste avant la frontière). Aller de Vientiane à Luang Prabang à vélo. Superbe!!! Pour te faire une idée, va voir mon blog si tu veux. Tu peux ensuite aller direction Pak Baeng (route OK, gesthouses). Là, tu prends le bateau jusqu'à la frontière Thailandaise (Huay Xai) et hop, un petit tour par là-bas puis retour à Bangkok en train.
L'avantage, c'est que tu peux trouver des billets pour Bangkok pas trop cher avec des compagnies qui acceptent les vélos.
A+ Vince
Pour celles et ceux qui seraient intéressés par mon voyage entre Bangkok et Lhassa début 2007: http://cyclovince.over-blog.org/
Salut, ;
Merci pour toutes vos infos. Après plusieurs relances mon agence de voyage a réussi à avoir une réponse de Lao Airline. Ils disent pratiquer les mêmes conditions qu'Air France. Je m'embarque donc pour le Laos. Je pense faire le classique "Vientiane / Luang prabang". Pour la suite je verrais en fonction du temps qu'il me restera.
Merci encore pour vos conseils qui me serviront peut être pour un futur voyage.
A+.
Si tu choisis ce magnifique itinéraire, ça pourra t'intéresser de savoir qu'il y a pas mal de guesthouses qui ont "poussé" ces dernières années. Notament de super petits bungalows à côté de sources chaudes gratuites. C'est exactement 20 km après Kasi (en direction de Luang Prabang). Au milieu de superbes montagnes. En plus, ça coupe la montée du lendemain jusqu'à Phu Koun. Que du bonheur!
Pour celles et ceux qui seraient intéressés par mon voyage entre Bangkok et Lhassa début 2007: http://cyclovince.over-blog.org/
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Je suis en train de développer une application Web gratuite et open source permettant de planifier des voyages à pied et à vélo (voire en voiture). Un itinéraire peut être créé en cliquant directement sur la carte pour ajouter des points de passage et il peut être composé de plusieurs étapes. L'application fournit des outils pour modifier les étapes et l'itinéraire global, pour afficher des informations utiles (distances, altitudes et dénivelés). Un profil de relief peut être affiché sous forme de graphique pour une étapes particulière ou pour l'ensemble de l'itinéraire.
Quand l'itinéraire est prêt, il peut être exporté sous forme de fichier GPX, qui peut enseuite être utilisé avec un GPS ou une application mobile de navigation.
L'application est implémentée en JavaScript et exécutée entièrement dans le navigateur Web. Elle utilise la bibliothèque Leaflet et plusieurs services basés sur OpenStreetMap. Initialement développé pour mes besoins personnels (je pratique la randonnées pédestre et le cyclo-tourisme), je serais heureux de la partager avec tous ceux qui peuvent la trouver utile. Elle est libre d'utilisation, ne nécessite pas de création de compte et le code source est disponible.
Code source : https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Démonstration en ligne : https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
L'application est implémentée en JavaScript et exécutée entièrement dans le navigateur Web. Elle utilise la bibliothèque Leaflet et plusieurs services basés sur OpenStreetMap. Initialement développé pour mes besoins personnels (je pratique la randonnées pédestre et le cyclo-tourisme), je serais heureux de la partager avec tous ceux qui peuvent la trouver utile. Elle est libre d'utilisation, ne nécessite pas de création de compte et le code source est disponible.
Code source : https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Démonstration en ligne : https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share with you the incredible feat my friend José, who’s 72 years old, is currently undertaking. He left Auterive near Toulouse on Monday, May 18, 2026, on his non-electric bike, heading for the North Cape in Norway!
You can follow his route on the link below—he’s currently in Sweden:
https://thierry-thomas.travelmap.net/jose-de-toulouse-a-nord-cap-2026
You can zoom in on the map and click on each stopover town to see the photos
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
hey everyone,
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
A shout-out to a cycling colleague from Savoie
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php

The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php


The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
Hi, has anyone recently bought Primus or Butagaz gas, possibly puncture-style, in Dubrovnik or the surrounding area? Same question for Albania... thanks. aichatou
Hi there,
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Hi there,
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
Here’s the breakdown: Hekou -> Man Hao (94 km); Man Hao -> Yuanyang (64 km); Yuanyang -> Jianshui (bus); Jianshui -> Tong Hai (78 km); Tong Hai -> Chenjiang (85 km); Chenjiang -> Kunming (60 km); Kunming -> Kunyang (60 km); Kunyang -> Eshan (67 km); Eshan -> Yangwu (58 km); Yangwu -> Yuanjiang (59 km); Yuanjiang -> Pu'er (bus); Pu'er -> Dadugang (75 km); Dadugang -> Jinghong (80 km); Jinghong -> Menglun (67 km); Menglun -> Mengyuancun (51 km); Mengyuancun -> Mengla (43 km); Mengla -> Boten (67 km).
Otherwise, I’m currently in Thailand and just hoping my return flight with Qatar won’t get canceled.
Oh well... 😉
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
Here’s the breakdown: Hekou -> Man Hao (94 km); Man Hao -> Yuanyang (64 km); Yuanyang -> Jianshui (bus); Jianshui -> Tong Hai (78 km); Tong Hai -> Chenjiang (85 km); Chenjiang -> Kunming (60 km); Kunming -> Kunyang (60 km); Kunyang -> Eshan (67 km); Eshan -> Yangwu (58 km); Yangwu -> Yuanjiang (59 km); Yuanjiang -> Pu'er (bus); Pu'er -> Dadugang (75 km); Dadugang -> Jinghong (80 km); Jinghong -> Menglun (67 km); Menglun -> Mengyuancun (51 km); Mengyuancun -> Mengla (43 km); Mengla -> Boten (67 km).
Otherwise, I’m currently in Thailand and just hoping my return flight with Qatar won’t get canceled.
Oh well... 😉
Hi! I’m planning to visit the Stockholm Archipelago by bike in early April.
Do you know if the boats will be running between the different islands at that time of year? For those who’ve already been, all your tips and recommendations are welcome—accommodation, etc. Also, do you know where I can rent a bike in Stockholm? Thanks so much in advance for your help!