Mountainbiking In Brittany

off-one

Off to Brittany soon, I was wondering what the access laws are. Where we are staying there are lots of paths straight from the door step, can you ride any trail like Scotland, or will I face a gallic tongue bashing if I venture on to them. Cheers

sara flowmtb

You should be fine to ride any trail that doesn't have a no-bike sign on it. Best thing to do is make a stop at a local bike shop to check with them on good trails. Generally in France most walkers etc are friendly and welcoming to bikers, but in some popular tourist spots in august there is some trail segregation, so worth finding out first. The FFC also have do some signed routes and you may be able to get the maps and info on these free at the Tourist Office.

bomberesque

also; a visit to your local tourist office may well result in a MTB map for about 5 Euros (although they will call it VTT for "Velo Toutes Terrains") as there are organisations that lay out offroad trails all over the place. We have similar ones here in Belgium and they're a great place to start when hashing a new area.

/edit; bah, not also, sara already said it. OJK +1 for what sara said

Another thing, and I'm not sure how prevelant these are in france but there's atleast a dozen every weekend in belgium most of the year, is organised rides. These are laid out courses, usually free start (not mass start) and usually untimed, expect to pay 3-5 euros to take part but this will usually include a ravet stop with tea and buns half way round. Often they are an annual event hosted by a bike club to introduce their local trails and with so many bike clubs, you end up with a lot of events. I think 02Bikers lists french events, google them and click the Agenda, there mey be better sources though.

My experience is that mainland europeans (at least those outside of big cities) love cyclists in a way that will really depress you when you get back to being yelled at by ramblers, peds and car drivers on your return home to blighty at the end of the summer. Be polite, say Bonjour and don't run over anyone's dog and you should be fine.

off-one

Thanks for the replies guys. After doing a bit more research, the area is very bike friendly. The local village hosts a cycle race every year, and the apres race can get a bit messy, and a neighbouring village has regular VTT outings.

The only negative is, the local elderly hunters can be a little trigger happy, it recommends wearing bright clothing. Sounds like a night ride could be fun!

Lapierre t 400

the hunters won't harm you as you are not going in hunting season
Frogs don't mind you using the paths and trails as long as you don't leave a mess
Which bit of brittany are you going to?
what is the place called?

paul.skibum

Yeah - where abouts are you heading?

My parents live in Brittany (little village called Melrand) and there looks to be some good riding round them but I havent yet had a chance to get out there with my bike.

off-one

We're staying in a little hamlet just outside La Feuille, which is in the Mont D'arree National Park and about 15 miles from Huelgoat. Please excuse the spelling.

Lapierre t 400

Is the place called La Feuillée?

off-one

Yes thats the one.