Hello young cycling enthusiasts, I’m starting a thread about the bike route known as venaissia.

Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.

Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/

The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.

He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)

overall impression: good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras... Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track... Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.

Hi everyone, I posted this topic back in March 2023:

I’m asking a question in preparation for a trip (March 2023): is the road identified by Michelin as P1520 paved between Zagora and Tasla? Thanks for your answers—or insights!

I’m heading back in June (2026!) and would love any new info on this Route 1520. Just to clarify, I’ll be in a rental car, so no off-roading. Thanks so much for your replies, and hello to the longtime forum members I still see active here!

Hi there, I’d like to head to Upper Dolpo in September/October 2026. Does anyone know the current state of the roads in the area? Specifically for getting from Saldang to Dho Tarap. Also, what do you think about the weather between September 20th and October 20th? Any tips would be much appreciated. I’ve already checked out the info on Martinpierre’s site—it’s super detailed about the region, but the details are a bit outdated. Thanks in advance for your advice. Thierry

Good evening, We’re a couple in our fifties thinking about heading to Asia from France in a 4x4 with a camper cell (duration not set yet). Is this doable or totally unrealistic given the current situation? The route isn’t finalized yet, but it’d look something like this: Crossing Europe / Turkey - Georgia - Azerbaijan (Baku / Alat) - Caspian Sea ferry Baku - Aktau (Kazakhstan) - crossing Kazakhstan - Kazakhstan-China border (Khorgos / Dostyk) - Central Asia / China, then continuing to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

First, I’m just looking for info before fully committing to the project. I’ve found some trip reports from a few years back, but nothing recent… Thanks for your help! Nathalie

Hi there, We’ll have about 7 hours (11:30 AM to 6 PM) to do the Panorama Route with an overnight stay near Graskop. My question is: - Is that a bit tight, and would it be better to head back up toward Hoedspruit to do the route in the opposite direction before our flight, maybe revisiting some spots we might’ve rushed through? - Or is it smarter to take a route we haven’t done yet, like heading down to Nelspruit via Hazyview? But here’s the thing—are there things to see or new landscapes on that road, considering we’ll have already done Kruger, Blyde (Ballule), and Manyeleti? Thanks for your help—I can’t decide since I don’t know what’s worth seeing there... Have a great day, and thanks for any quick replies—we need to book our flight tickets soon! Dan

Hi everyone,

I just found this map online that gives me several options for reaching Blyde via the Phalaborwa gate!! The shortest one seems to go through the south rather than the north—what do you think of these 3 alternatives, and has anyone here taken them? Feedback please, thanks for your input! Dan

Hi there, First question: We're leaving Kruger Park from Olifants camp to head to BRC. I know the drive is long (about 4 hours, especially since I think the part through the park will be slow due to animals). We're exiting the park via Phalaborwa Gate, but I can't find a map, so it's hard to tell if we'll arrive at the top of the Canyon or via Graskop to then drive up the Panorama Route.

Second question: I booked 1 night at Forever Resort, but if we arrive from the top and then drive down the Panorama Route, I'm not sure that's the best choice.

Third question: Since we're leaving Kruger early in the morning, I think we can plan to explore the area in the afternoon. We'll sleep there, and then we need to be at our lodge in the Balule private reserve by late morning (Imagine Africa) to catch the afternoon safari. I'm worried it might be too short if we want to do a boat trip on the dam! What do you think? Should I add another night? It's still possible since I haven't planned the rest yet, and we have 7 nights left in Cape Town, including Hermanus! Do you think I should cut short the Cape Town stay? If so, I could break the BRC trip into two parts—one night after leaving Kruger before the private safari, and then come back this way (since it's not too far, I think) after the two nights on safari before heading to Cape Town. But how can I organize the visits logically?

I can already hear Michel telling me I'm overcomplicating things!! 😉

Anyway, it's all a bit confusing—don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you need it. I'd understand! Thanks, Dan

Hi, I’m traveling from Budapest to Belgrade. I had a map up to Budapest. If you have a marked route (Route 6) starting from Budapest, that’d really help me out since the signage is pretty poor. Thanks

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a road trip on Route 66 in 2027 with our two kids, who’ll be 7 and 4 years old.

My husband would prefer to do it in an SUV, while I’d rather go in a camper van.

What are the pros and cons of each option?

Thanks for your input!

February 2025: A new fully paved road (just a few kilometers missing near Tisguine n'Aït M'Rao) from Alemdoun to the Dadès. Gorgeous pass.

Hi there, As we’re putting the finishing touches on our travel journal, we could really use your help, please. We’re heading to Thailand in three weeks and will be in Chiang Rai right during the burning season... Will the stunning road between Chiang Rai and Pai still be beautiful? Are the landscapes green like we’d expect at this time of year, or are they dry with gray and brown mountains due to the drought? We were planning to rent a car, but that’s a lot of time we could spend elsewhere if it’s not worth it! Thanks for your help.

I'm arriving in Agadir from Brussels tomorrow and plan to travel by road to Mauritania. What are the best spots and accommodation options along the way? Thanks to all members for any tips and answers

Hi there, Is the road connecting Imi n’Ifri (near Demnate) to Agouti (Aït Bougmez) paved and therefore in good enough condition for a rental car? Thanks!

Same question for the road descending the Tessaout Valley from Amezri. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Norway for June 2026 and have some questions about the Arctic Route (E6) from Narvik to Alta: - Starting from Narvik, how far along this route is it worth going? - Are the landscapes really more stunning as you get closer to Alta? - How many days is reasonable for a round trip? - Side question: Can anyone recommend a car rental company in Narvik?

We’ve never been this far north before—this will be our first trip near the Arctic Circle.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can share advice or general tips about this region!

Jaunesoleil

Happy travels to all

Hi everyone, Could anyone tell me if the P7319 road between Midelt and Imilchil in Morocco is still a dirt track or if it’s been fully paved now? Thanks for your help

Route 66 in 30 days

From Chicago to Los Angeles with a few stops at sites near the route: a total of 6,800 km. Total trip cost: 8,600 € all-inclusive—flights, car rental, gas, meals (raw veggies and fruit for lunch, fast food in the evening), hotels, and little knick-knacks picked up here and there. British Airways flights from Basel-Mulhouse Midsize car from Dollar via AutoEurope. No issues on return. Accommodations booked through Booking

First off, we met really friendly people all along the way. Most attractions are free, and you can easily walk into bars, hotels, and gas stations without buying anything—though you might get kicked out.

The original Route 66 no longer exists in its entirety. Only sections remain, and signage varies by state. Plus, the route has changed over time. But with a good map or GPS, you can figure it out. I used the CoPilot app, which lets you download all the world’s maps for a small fee—so no data issues abroad. I’d noted the GPS coordinates of places to visit during my trip prep, which came in handy.

Along the route, you’ll find old gas stations, vintage motels (some renovated, some not) with their retro signs. The most famous is Bagdad Café. There are also tons of beautiful murals and the Muffler Men.

Chicago is an amazing city. We stayed for 2 days. The best move is to pick a hotel near a Blues Line metro station—it takes you straight from the airport to your hotel, then to downtown. At the end of the trip, the metro takes you back to the airport to pick up your rental car. The 72-hour pass is super convenient. Must-sees in Chicago: John Hancock Center (skip the Tilt option—it’s a rip-off), the Chicago Riverwalk all the way to Merchandise Mart, Picasso and Calder statues, The Bean and its reflections, and don’t miss the signs marking the start/end of Route 66.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of things that surprised or delighted us (aside from major sites like Petrified Forest): - Joliet and its prison tied to the *Blues Brothers* story - Gardner and its jail cells - Abraham Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield - Country Classic Cars in Staunton (39.03066, -89.75145): a used car lot with everything from Ford Model Ts to classic American cars. You can walk freely through the three hangars - Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (38.76062, -90.47978) - St. Louis with its Gateway Arch and City Garden (full of sculptures and free to enter) - Philipsburg and its candy factory - Springfield: Bass Pro Shop outdoor store (37.179, -93.296) - Carthage: The Precious Moments Chapel (37.113, -94.345) - Foyil: Ed Galloway’s Totem Park - Tulsa: Harley Davidson dealership (36.111, -95.885) - Oklahoma City: Stockyards City—one of the trip’s highlights. Cattle auctions are wild; plan ahead for open days/hours (35.456, -97.552) - Centennial Land Run Monument (35.461, -97.504) - Amarillo: VW Slug Bug Ranch (35.191, -101.985) - Cadillac Ranch (35.191, -101.985) - Palo Duro Canyon State Park - Bandelier - El Morro, NM - Canyon de Chelly (detour) - Little Painted Desert (35.157608, -110.47105) - Winslow: *Standin’ on the Corner* (Eagles) - Oatman and its burros - Las Vegas: two days, one spent at Valley of the Fire and Red Rock Canyon. Pick a hotel near Fremont Avenue for nightlife - Rainbow Basin Area (35.012369, -117.03858) - The Bottle Tree Ranch (34.69113, -117.34206) - The Justice Private Automotive Collection in Duarte (34.13830, -117.94591) - Los Angeles: 4 days. Start at Griffith Observatory for a city overview and the Hollywood sign. Don’t forget to see the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica. Venice is worth a visit for a more authentic vibe. Check out the Walt Disney Concert Hall and surrounding buildings for the architecture. Distances are huge. We mixed driving with the metro. Avoid the Interstates—they’re packed with traffic and frequent jams. Stick to parallel roads

Hi, I’m looking for recent info about the track between Nkoud and Boumaine du Dadès via Tizi N'Tazazerte. Is it still a dirt track or is it now a paved road? Is it doable in April with a 4x4? Thanks for your tips, Best, Dominique

Hi there,

I’m leaving in February and want to explore the West Coast via Route 200 from Puerto Vallarta to Puerto Escondido.

- For transport, I don’t want to rent a car. I’d like to travel the coast using *colectivos* from village to village over a few weeks. Are they available everywhere along the coast? Is this doable, or is it unrealistic? If not, is it possible to do it by bus? Do they stop everywhere?

- Do you have any places, accommodations, beaches, attractions, or great tips of any kind to recommend along this route?

- Regarding safety, do you have any concerns about certain areas? Guerrero and Michoacán don’t exactly have a great reputation, and neither does Acapulco… Should I be worried?

- Any other relevant info is welcome! 😄

Thanks for your advice!

P.S.: Really happy the forum’s back up. Thanks

Hello.. J'envisage un road trip en moto dans les îles ioniennes et lorsque je planifie la route de Preveza à Lefkada, Google Map me renseigne que c'est fermé :EO Amfilochias. Avez-vous des informations à ce sujet ? Mille mercis

Bonjour à tous 🙂 Je commence avec beaucoup de difficulté l’organisation de notre RT de septembre ( nous devrions partir le 9 ) Je n’arrive pas à m’y coller tant les chances d’y aller me semblent faibles. Le comble serait que le vol soit maintenu et que rien ne soit prêt !!! D’autant que si nous ne partons pas ce sera partie remise . Après notre nuit de Cripple Creek nous devons dormir à Salida Ce jour là nous avons prévu de visiter la ville fantôme de Saint Elmo et de monter jusqu’à Twin Lakes ( aller jusqu’à Leadville rallongerait beaucoup ) Est ce que le détour vers Twin Lakes vaut le coup (80 km aller retour) et est ce vous connaissez des petites marches pas trop longues dans le coin et vers Saint Elmo ? Une autre question plus spécialement à Blue Mesa qui me l’avait conseillé pourquoi passer par Guffey plutôt que par Wilkerson Pass . Il y a sans doute de jolies choses à voir ou à faire. Merci pour vos réponses et bonne soirée Marcalamar 🙂

Bonjour à vous tous. Cette discussion est destinée aux personnes qui ont voyagé ou seraient sur le point de se balader en moto au états unis et en particulier sur la route 66 En cette période de confinement, je me mets à rêver et j'en profite pour prendre des renseignements sur un éventuel périple sur la mother road. J'ai lu des choses et d'autres , je suis allé sur plusieurs sites mais j'ai encore beaucoup de lacunes sur ce voyage, surtout sur sa préparation. En effet je voudrais faire cette excursion en couple sans passer par une agence de voyage où le parcours est organisé car je ne suis pas adepte de ce genre de vacances et je trouve cela trop onéreux et je voudrais m’arrêter où je veux et au moment où je le déciderais. J'ai regardé sur youtube pas mal de reportage sur les parcours de easyrider dont celui de Allan Olesen qui est magnifique à visionner. Je suis allé sur les sites de location moto et je crois que c'est un peu commercial car 150 à 200 E par jour de location moto 'ouah'' Sur 3 semaines !!!!! Donc voilà pourquoi j'entame cette discussion. Mes renseignements seront basées sur : Comment faire transporter ma moto et tout mon équipement sur le territoire américain. ( toile de tente, bagage valises moto et top case etc...) Je m'en remets au personnes coutumières de ce genre de voyage et uniquement à eux et qui ont l'habitude de faire transiter leur véhicule. Je voudrais beaucoup de renseignements sur les transitaires, les éventuels tarifs entre paris et Chicago. + retour Los Angeles- Paris. Par avion si possible. ( Les démarches etc.. etc.. ) Je suis vraiment novice et je ne voudrais pas m'égarer dans des conseils qui n'ont pas d’Intérêt pour mon compte. Merci à tous et je vous souhaite de bonnes balades et de nombreux voyages. Pardon si cette discussion a déjà été évoqué sur ce site

Je souhaiterais pendant ma boucle moto poursuivre ma route depuis Dades vers Agoudal par la R704 et d'Agoudal vers Tinghir par la R703. Est-ce que ces routes ont été asphaltées récemment ? Si ce n'est pas encore le cas, est-ce praticable avec des motos de route et une voiture de location début mai ? Merci.

Je pars faire la route leh manali en velo au mois de septembre, Je cherche des points de ravitaillement et des endroits ou dormir, a raison de 50km par jour ca donne une idée mais je trouve pas. Merci pour des infos.

Bonjour à tous,

Nous cherchons des infos récentes sur la route Rio Dulce - Puerto Barrios - Corinto - Omoa - San Pedro (passage de frontière du Guatemala au Honduras par la côte Caraïbe)... Quelqu'un serait passé par là avec son véhicule récemment ?

Etat de la route (sachant que la saison sèche est à présent à peu près installée) et niveau de difficulté du poste frontière de Corinto en particulier !

Merci !

PS : et si de San Pedro vous avez continué vers Tegucigalpa pouvez-vous confirmer que la route directe est désormais achevée sans avoir à passer plus au sud par le Salvador ?

Quelle est la route le plus courte pour aller de l’aéroport Samana à El Limon en autobus. +++merci

Bonjour à tous, en Janvier prochain, après quelques jours passés à Palm Springs, je vais me rendre à San Diego. Quel itinéraire me conseillez vous ? Je ne cherche pas le plus rapide mais le plus "scenic"... Des idées ? Merci !

Bonjour,

Certains d'entre vous ont-ils déjà fait la route New York - Miami à vélo ? Si vous connaissez, recommandez vous cette route d'un point de vue "touristique" mais aussi sécuritaire pour un voyage en famille ? Quelle est la distance entre ces 2 villes ?

merci à vous. Olivier

Bonjour, de Merzouga pour aller à Boulmane Dades, il vaut mieux prendre la route 10 ou la 113 ? Au niveau paysage Merci

Bonjour Je souhaite faire Las Vegas / San Francisco en voiture dans la nuit du 11/01/20 au 12/01/20 en passant par Bakersfield et passer la nuit. Sachant que nous seront en janvier je voulais savoir si les précipitations hivernal pourraient être un problème pour la traverser en voiture. Merci par avance pour vos retours.

Bonjour à tous, quel est la faisabilité de la route entre San Antonio de los Cobres et Salinas Grandes avec un voiture classique ? J'ai lu que c'était tendu ? 🙁 Je parle de la piste qui passe à l'Est de Salinas Grandes. Merci