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Riding Motorcycles in France |
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File under France Tips/How To
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
Comments:
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UPDATED: 01SEP2007
| Part of the Riding Motorcycle in France series |
I've had several emails in the past asking about any hints for riding motorcycles in France. So, instead of writing new emails, I decided to put a few pointers on paper (ehhh, I mean screen):
In one sentence, you can sum up the biker situation in France:
"Bikers are RESPECTED in France" and
"The French love mavericks, and bikers are mavericks !!" (ok, that's 2 sentences) |
The Law
We all know that the French see the law as a "guideline" only. They'll do whatever they want to do...... WRONG !! That has changed since the beginning of the year 2003!! There's a new Sheriff in town, and his name is Nicholas Sarkozy, the (former) Minister of Interior and Security. Actually, he did such a good job that they moved him to Minister of Finance.....and from there he became the president of his party, and now he's the President of France.
The number 1 Presidential Election issue in 2003 was road security, so he got a "carte blanche" to change things. And he went out with all guns blazing !! (to be fair, he has brought down the number of traffic deaths by amazing numbers).
Starting June 2003, if you're caught speeding 30 kms over the speed limit, you'll lose your license for three years. Apparently, this now also applies for all EC members. Speeding fines are never really taken from abroad, but apparently, the license suspension is international. This still needs to be verified. But there are several bilateral agreements in place between France and Germany and Luxembourg (more coming), that will allow the French cops to get your money and points even if you live abroad.
If you're caught doing 50 kms over the limit for a 2nd time, you will go to jail for 3 months. In other words, going over the limit and getting stopped by the cops, means you'll end up in jail. No appeal !! And its automatic !! You do not pass before a judge, and you do not receive 200 US$.... You'll also lose your motorcycle.
Over the Speed Limit
(kph) | Points off | License Suspended | Fine (Euros) | Prison | | <20 | 1 | No | 135 | No | | >20 and >30 | 2 | No | 135 | No | | >30 and <40 | 3 | 3 Years | 135 | No | | >40 and <50 | 4 | 3 Years | 135 | No | | >50 | 6 | 3 Years | 1,500 | No | | > 50 2nd time | 6 | 3 Years | 3,750 | 3 Months |
LINK: Click here to read My Daily Blog on the new Sheriff
Currently, hundreds of fully automatic, digital laser radars are being installed all over France. Traffic Cops and Gendarmes can be seen all over the place, especially autoroutes and areas where traffic can go fast. When you see cops on the side of the road (or on the bridges over auto routes) there will be a radar! It might be a photo radar, or the cops manning the radar will phone a Gendarme Mobile (Bike Cop) ahead of you who will intercept you further on. Often this is at the next toll (péage) area.. So when you are about 5 kilometers before a toll, slow down.
If you see cars and bikes flashing their lights, it means that there’s a radar control up ahead. Slow down !! Warning other vehicles of an upcoming speed trap is LEGAL!!
Sometimes, the police will post cardboard cutouts of a Gendarme and put them alongside the road. That's usually enough to slow traffic down......
Radars
France has started an aggressive campaign by purchasing and installing the latest technology digital radars. In the past there were not that many radars throughout France (maybe 100 in total). Now, with the new regime, that has changed. 1000's of automated radars ware being installed.
But, to be fair, the French government has published a list of radars (web site: French Government List of Radars - in french).
The radars are digital, and therefore do not need film, and therefore are ALWAYS ON!
A very good website that keeps an up-to-date list of all radar locations, including mobile ones can be found by clicking here. However, it's in French. For a translation I made of the more important points, click here (the link to the actual radar website can be found here as well).
NOTE: Click here for a list of digital radars downloadable in different formats (including Garmin/Mapsource) that you can upload in your GPS or routing software. The actual list of GPS coordinates in web format can be found here.
In most cases, the radars are front facing, in other words, are not a threat to motorcyclists. There are currently some several radars that operate front AND back facing, and they target motorcyclists. All new radars are fitted with frotn and rear cameras, so slowly there's less room for us bikers.
More are placed every day, so check the websites I listed above.
Rules
Motorcycles must at all times have their lights on.
Bikers must wear a helmet, and have a valid (international) license, bike registration and insurance. Minimum age is 18.
Filtering/Lane Splitting
When riding on auto routes (=motorways, freeways, toll roads, autbahns,etc) you can (and you are expected to) pass cars in between the left lane and the next to that one. Obviously this applies when there's a traffic jam, but if the cars are driving around the same speed and there's a gaggle of them, often you can split the lane (ie lane filter).
Legally, filtering is tolerated!! That means you can do it at your own risk. If you have an accident, you're at fault !! But you will not be fined for doing it.
Caution, when there is slowed down traffic, and you are on the left lane, if a car moves to the left and puts out his left indicator, he's telling you go ahead and pass. And I MEAN he is TELLING you, it's not really an invitation. If you hang on his tail for a while and do not pass, you're going to see the car's rear window up real close !! Either pass in between or hang back. (Cars in France have gotten smart, they realize that the bikes take up value real estate on the road, and would rather see you in between the lanes).
Recently I saw an English Ducati group on the A13 motorway (Le Havre-Paris) at rush hour. The traffic was very dense and speeds were around 50 kph. They were lane splitting at 60 kph. There were about 30 French bikers stuck behind them. Several times the French bikers passed the British when they had a spot, and while they passed either put out one finger, cut them in, or twice slapped the Ducati rider on the back of his helmet..... It's not nice, but these guys (and gals) ride that route every day, and don't want to be held back. If you can't keep the pace, don't split the lane, but hang back....
Toll Roads/Auto routes
The toll roads in France are numerous, but very well maintained. The French recon that these roads are one of the best in Europe. Auto routes and their associated signs are always marked in BLUE.
Bikers are expected to go through the manned lane (so not the automatic télépeage lane which can be found usually on the left lanes– see photo on your left- or the credit card lane) since there’s a reduced tariff for motorcycles, but you can only get that if you go through the manual lane. These lanes are usually on your right. They will accept most credit cards, even for the small amounts.
Some auto routes (to my knowledge that applies only to the A14) have a lane especially for motorcycles.
The maximum speed is 130 kph, but when it rains, the maximum is 110.
LINK: www.autoroutes.fr (Click on Traffic to see the traffic jams, or webcam to see the actual road conditions.)
Gasoline
In most rural areas you will have problems tanking at night or on Sundays, unless you have a French CB Card (banking card). Some foreign bank/ VISA/ Master cards do work, but in most cases they don't. So be warned. At night or on Sundays, most gas stations are automated, so no human present.
All most all gas stations on autoroutes are manned 24 hours per day, and cities usually have some 24 hour manned pumps. So plan you trip well and best is to tank up on a Saturday avoiding problems on Saunday.
If you do get caught out, often locals will help by accepting your cash while they tank up your motorcycle with their CB card.
Thank You's
When passing a car that has gone out of her/his way to let you through, after you've passed the car, stick out your left foot (or right one if it's the car on your right). Stick it out in a gentle way, keep it straight for a second or two.
That means "Thank you but I can't let go with my hands to wave at you". Obviously waving with your hand is fine as well, but often not too practical.
Danger Areas
Paris Peripherique:
There are a couple of very dangerous areas for foreign bikers. The main one is worlds largest DEATH TRAP; the Paris Peripherique. This is the ring road that goes around Paris. It's often 5-6 lanes deep (and sometimes only 2), with a maximum speed of 70 kph.... theoretical !! The BP (=Boulevard Peripherique) is always full, no matter what time of the day, but during rush hour, it's a madhouse.
As on all multilane roads, you'll find most of the bikers passing on the left-most and next to the last lane (though it’s so busy nowadays that you’ll see bikers everywhere). Cars do try to get out of your way (remember to thank them), but often the road is very narrow and there’s not that much space.
The biggest danger on the BP are not the cars, nor the trucks, or taxis, but the other bikers !! Keep checking your six (ie rear mirror). Scooter Delivery and sport bikes are known to ride in triple digit speeds (there's even an un-official race around the BP. Current record is held by a Hayaaveraging 190 kph in rush hour with a maximum speed done at 280 kph).
If you start your move to split a lane with a car, check to see if there's not one of the kamikaze squads moving in. They'll have no problem whatsoever to nudge you out of the way, specially if you have a foreign license plate!! Believe me, I've seen it happen so often I’ve lost count!!
If you see bikers coming behind you, move to the left (or right depending on the holes in the traffic) and stick out your right foot (or left one if you're going to the right). This means "I've seen you, pass on my right". You'll see that most bikers will thank you.
WARNING:And remember, this is not a motorway !!! It is a Boulevard, meaning it's a road like any in the city. So if you decide to not partake in the madness, and take the right lane (the slow lane), you will have to give PRIORITY to the incoming traffic that is merging in to the BP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday night after 23:00 the BP is GTI heaven - young kids from the burbs going out to/from the nightclubs, drunk, and very fast. It's a place to avoid at that time.
Roundabouts:
The other danger spots are the large roundabouts, especially Porte Maillot and Etoile (but equally apply to large roundabouts in big cities). Often they have no lanes, and are a free-for-all. Etoile has as added challenge that the road is bricked, no tarmac, so quite slippery when wet.
The simple rule is that priority has to be given to the right ! So try to ignore what's happening on your left, and concentrate on your right. However, being on a foreign registered bike, you are a target !! The Parisians know you’ll blink first. So try to keep one eye on your left!
LINK: Etoile Click to see the photo in full size. Notice after the first block of buildings is the ring road).
Not so long ago, Etoile was the only place in France when you had an accident, you received half of the blame, not matter what happened. Now, the normal rules apply, so if you're hit from the left, it's their fault. Speeds are not high, but it's an ugly scene. Best is to avoid it. If you have to go via Etoile, there is a 2 lane ring road around Etoile which turns counter clockwise. It starts about 100 meters before the roundabout starts itself. There is also a tunnel from the Champs Elysee to the Avenue Grande Armée, avoiding Etoile.
Other Cities:
Nantes, Caen and Rennes have equally dangerous ring roads. Nantes and Rennes are both in heavy biker populated areas.
The Cote d’Azur during summer can be very dangerous due to the high number of tourists, that are either driving around slowly in their caravans, or bikers that have rented a motorcycle and only ride once a year.
Parking
It used to be that parking was more or less permitted on sidewalks as long as you leave plenty of space for pedestrians. If there's plenty of space on the sidewalk and you park your bike in a car space, you'll probably not like what's going to happen to the bike. Remember the French nudge cars when the park !! The French Kiss was invented here (and it started with cars I think).
The Champs Elysee is forbidden for bikes to park on !! It was the first such road that the law forbids bikes to park on the sidewalk. There are many bike parking areas (see photo on your left) on the side roads. More and more main roads in Paris (and other cities) now have bike parking areas. If you see those, it'll mean that you need to park there and not on the sidewalk.
Almost all public parking garages are free to motorcycles !!! Usually there are no signs, but when you enter the garage and see the barrier is a three-quarter length, it means you can pass through it with your bike. Or there is a special lane for bikes, marked with a motorbike symbol!
When you do park in a free garage, don't use up the car space. Either there's a special designated area of motorcycles, or there are lost spaces where you can park where a car can not park.
Greeting Other Bikers
Bikers are very “solidaire” in France. On the country roads you are expected to wave and return a wave. In the main big cities, this is not the case, apart from when stopping next to another bike at a traffic light. You give each other a nod.
You do not wave opposing bikers on a motorway, but when you pass another biker on one, stick out you foot. If you're being passed, you can stick out a foot or hand.
Most bikers will stop if they see you're stopped and appear to have technical problems. This also applies to foreign bikers.
If you are in trouble with a car driver, you'll find other bikers coming to the rescue (I've had that four times already... one car driver go roughed up very badly by other bikers who came to my rescue).
Traveling in a Group
When you are traveling in a group of bikers, and French bikers arrive behind you, they will usually wait to see if you are going to pass. After a while, if you do nothing, they'll pass (usually sticking out their right foot to say hallo).
When there's a biker behind you and you're not going to pass yourself, be nice and stick out your left foot or hand to indicate that you've seen the other biker and that the biker can pass you.
If you're traveling at a moderate pace, and cars come up behind you, best is to stay towards your right so that they can pass (remember that most cars will do that to you when you arrive behind them).
Bike Cops
The Gendarme Mobile (Bike Cops) are bikers first, cops second !!
They are in most cases friendly, they wave at you (or nod) and mostly leave you alone even if you’re breaking the law. Unless you're doing something really stupid or dangerous, you might get them saying that you're naughty and to cut it out...just don’t tempt them….
The Gendarme follows a very intensive training course that lasts 3 months and is repeated every 8 years. These bike cops are equally at home on the auto routes or on off-road pistes.
In the summer you will see them riding in sleeveless shirts and horse riding boots (a left-over from their origins – the Calvary). It is NOT their choice, but a tradition that they don't really like.
So don't think they're playing it cool, just feel sorry for them! Remember, they are your friends !!!!
Biking Areas
France has many areas that are fantastic to ride bikes in. Normandy (coast line Calais – Mont St. Michel), Alsace, Champagne area (Troyes), Loire Valley, Pyrenees, Alpes and the Dolomites, Midi and the Cote d'Azure. On my other site, VisitNormandy.org, you will find routes you can take in that area. These include GPS files you can download.
So go out and enjoy yourselves..... hope this helps.
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| Old Comments - Use comment system above |
1) Yvanovich said on:
(02/07/2003 19:35:18 GMT)
email: | website:
Thanks u very much
very good and wel timed . thank u
2) Anke Schoeder said on:
(03/07/2003 11:33:36 GMT)
email: | website:
Very true
so true! just back from trip in france and i whish i had read this before danke
3) Paul Narramore said on:
(11/05/2004 09:33:41 GMT)
email:Paul Narramore | website:
http://communities.msn.co.uk/USCoasttoCoastMotorcycleTrip2002Riding in France
Mike I've just had your site recommended to me and I'm just letting you know just how bloody good your website is. The 'Riding in France' article is as good as I've ever read on the subject. Last year I rode down to Barcelona through France and mainly kept away from the autoroutes. What a cracking country for motorcyclists however our days of carefree minor law breaking seem to be drawing to a close with the clamp down on speeders.
4) Dave Morgan said on:
(02/08/2004 12:39:55 GMT)
email:Dave Morgan | website:
http://mygeographia.info everythings in subdirectories at the moBiking in France - looking for home
Love the site, very, very useful. I am intending to buy somewhere to retire to in France. We'll be looking from now on and hope to buy in next year. Probably north or west down as far as Cognac. I intend to use my bike, Honda VFR, to do the hunting. So a site like yours is extremely useful. You're in my favourites.
5) Jerry Rocteur said on:
(06/02/2005 14:12:23 GMT)
email:Jerry Rocteur | website:
http://www.rocteur.ccVery Informative
This is a GREAT article! I've learned quite a few things.. I've ridden France, Normandy, Bretagne and Menton-Luxembourg.. And the French Ardennes .. I have NEVER ridden Paris, probably never will but I love the country and live in Belgium so I ride France quite a bit .. I think this article is a must read for everyone, not just motorcylist. Thanks very much.
6) Geoff.C said on:
(14/03/2005 21:04:35 GMT)
email:Geoff.C | website:
Brill Blog
What A great site. Thanks for the time and effort to put this together.I'll be reading this for weeks now & then I guess I'll read it again.
7) Steve Salt said on:
(12/04/2005 13:03:40 GMT)
email:Steve Salt | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Your info re France v informative. Re licence suspension this will only apply to riding in France. Magistrates in the UK have long been able to disqualify foreign drivers but this only applies to Great Britain (not even N. Ireland)
8) B J Kealy said on:
(14/04/2005 02:01:42 GMT)
email:B J Kealy | website:
n/aRiding Motorcycles in France
Very informative site. I bought my R1100RT in Germany late last year and rode it home via France and around the BP in Paris. All you say about France for bikers is spot on. The biker cops are quite friendly ( Could it have been that I had the same bike in the same colour as them ?) as long as you are not being stupid. 150 / 160 KPH will usually be ok on the Auto route but the camera bit could put an end to that ! Again, well done for this very useful site. Rgds, BJK
9) walterjacobsohn said on:
(16/04/2005 11:27:57 GMT)
email:walterjacobsohn | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
What is your e-mai address for an old Mac 0.8? Walter Jacobsohn
10) Ken Smith said on:
(21/04/2005 10:30:02 GMT)
email:Ken Smith | website:
NARiding Motorcycles in France
Great info on France riding. I've been trying to run to ground something I was told last week by a French estate agent. He saod he's had a load of problems trying to bring his Honda 600 over from the UK to re-register it in France. Some problem to do with French rules on bikes originally imported into the UK. Anyone run into this and whether it's a show-stopper? regards Ken Smith
11) Mike Werner said on:
(21/04/2005 11:07:09 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
Ken, it is possible, but difficult if you're registering your motorbike. You need to go through many obstacles, specially since in the UK the lights shine in a different direction when you steer. I think you need to get a technical approval from "Les Mines", which takes time & effort.
12) Ken Smith said on:
(22/04/2005 10:08:16 GMT)
email:Ken Smith | website:
NARiding Motorcycles in France
Mike I can't get Honda UK to tell me anything about this - and I can't find "Les Mines" in the web. What is it?Any other thoughts on how I can find out? eg what about Honda France? kind regards Ken Ken
13) Mike Werner said on:
(22/04/2005 10:15:13 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
Sorry Ken, it's just part of their name. Here's their link { Link }
14) Ken Smith said on:
(22/04/2005 13:17:03 GMT)
email:Ken Smith | website:
NARiding Motorcycles in France
Thanks again Mike. My latest advice - from a French colleague - is that it's all down to petty bureaucracy and the cunning plan should be to say and do nothing. ie just keep the UK reg and insurance and pretend to be a tourist kind regards Ken
15) Ken Smith said on:
(26/04/2005 17:32:47 GMT)
email:Ken Smith | website:
NARiding Motorcycles in France
Re my boring query about registering UK bikes in France, hell of a long shot, but is there anyone out there with a French CBF 600S-type bike who's coming to the UK and might contemplate a swap? regards ken
16) Mark said on:
(08/05/2005 15:04:44 GMT)
email:Mark | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Hello! I will be visiting Paris on 14 May and 15 May 05. Are there any famous and big motorcycle shops that sell accessories in Paris? Thanks!
17) Mike Werner said on:
(08/05/2005 15:38:25 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
Hi Mark, Yes, the easiest is to go to the Avenue de la Grande Arm■e. That's if you go from the Champs Elysee, cross the Place Etoile/Charles de Gaulle straight towards La Defense (the business district). There you'll find all motorcycle brands and accessory suppliers. Both sides of the road, just after Etoile !
18) Mark said on:
(08/05/2005 22:59:55 GMT)
email:Mark | website:
http://www.singaporebikes.com/Riding Motorcycles in France
Hello Mike! Thanks for your reply! Are all the best accessories shops clustered around there? Are the shops along Avenue de la Armee and not Avenue Des Champs Elysees? Thanks a lot!
19) Mike Werner said on:
(09/05/2005 08:32:15 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
Correct, there are no motorcycle shops on the Champs Elysee, but if you continue a couple of 100 yards towards La Defense, that's where they all are clustered (Grande Armee). The only other area where there's a cluster is at Place de Bastille.
20) Mark said on:
(11/05/2005 20:19:34 GMT)
email:Mark | website:
http://www.singaporebikes.com/Riding Motorcycles in France
Hi Mike! Which part of Place de Bastille are the motorcycle accessories shops located? Once again thanks for yr reply!
21) Mike Werner said on:
(11/05/2005 20:47:08 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
Good question... by the life of me I can't remember. It's around Bastille, one of the big side streets.
22) Mark said on:
(13/05/2005 06:58:51 GMT)
email:Mark | website:
http://www.singaporebikes.com/Riding Motorcycles in France
Hiz Mike! You really can't remember which part of Bastille? Coz that place is quite big and i hadn't been to Paris before. Anyway thanks for yr replies!
23) Mike Werner said on:
(13/05/2005 07:58:43 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
Biggest bike shop, Bastille Moto, is on avenue Beaumarchais, so they'll be around there...
24) Robin Carson said on:
(18/05/2005 17:10:57 GMT)
email:Robin Carson | website:
www.scottishmotorcycletours.co.ukRiding Motorcycles in France
Hi there Nice web site good info As a regular traveler to France nice one What has been suggested to me is for a picture of digital speed guns everyone thinks the French speed cameras will look just like the ones back in the uk. Wrong! All the best and if your down in the South of France look out for us Cheers Robin
25) Mark said on:
(05/06/2005 23:44:14 GMT)
email: | website:
http://www.singaporebikes.comRiding Motorcycles in France
Hello! Does anyone know which bike accessories shop in Paris is selling aftermarket exhaust for sportsbike(etc Yoshimura & Akrapovic) and Scotts rotary damper? I had been to Bastille Moto and i dun think there's anything over there. the shop is quite small. Thanks a lot!
26) mat said on:
(14/06/2005 21:37:52 GMT)
email:mat | website:
http://www.controleradar.org/en.htmlRiding Motorcycles in France
hi again :) for an up-to-date and english speaking website about speed cameras in France go to { Link } good day mat
27) John D said on:
(16/06/2005 17:35:17 GMT)
email:John D | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Great site would recommend to others, were planning to travel to our property in the Limousin on our new toy (pan euro)french roads are good shame about cameras popping up
28) ed said on:
(04/07/2005 20:00:30 GMT)
email:ed | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
great site. I looked around it, but couldn't find recommendations on a good place to a rent a bike in Paris. I'm in the US, have a US license. What else do I need? Also any great day trips around Paris recommended? Thanks.
29) Mike Werner said on:
(04/07/2005 22:14:41 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.org/Riding Motorcycles in France
Yeah Ed, you're right. I should ad a section for that. Try { Link } Expensive but trustworthy. As a tourist you don't need anything else but your license.
30) mat said on:
(15/11/2005 09:05:45 GMT)
email:mat | website:
http://www.controleradar.orgRiding Motorcycles in France
a couple of things have changed, most notably on the BP. now with quite a number of automatic radars along the way, the average car speed on the bp is 80kph, whatever the hour, day or night, except during rush hour when traffic slows down to a halt, so to speak.
31) Nathan West said on:
(26/12/2005 19:40:32 GMT)
email:Nathan West | website:
Thank you
Thanks for the info. I am visiting France for x-mas and will will be checking out some shops tomorrow, thanks to you guys! Looking for for accessories for my BMW R1100S. Safe riding! nathan
32) mathieu said on:
(30/01/2006 18:17:37 GMT)
email:mathieu | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
What a blast... I am french and what you said is just the truth. I couldn't stop laughing while reading it. Just to emphasis two points: If you got stop by bike cops, be nice, they might let you go. Do not forget to thanks cars and bikes that let you pass them. People do really appreciate it.
33) Denise Powell said on:
(08/06/2006 10:42:00 GMT)
email:Denise Powell | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
We have just acquired a cottage in Normandy and intend spending as much spare time (whatever that is!) there as possible. My 15 year old son James, is interested in saving for a motocycle to have over there. Could you please give us some guidance on the rules i.e. How old, how he gets a licence if it is needed, what engine size he is allowed, crash helmet rules etc. etc. We would be most grateful if you could help us out. Many thanks Denise Powell
34) Mike Werner said on:
(08/06/2006 10:56:12 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://motorbiker.org/Riding Motorcycles in France
Denise Until he's 18, he can only ride 50 cc motorcycle (mopeds). After that he'll need to do his exams { Link } To get a 50cc permit, he'll need to spend some time (I think it's 4 hours) in a driving school to learn the basic rules of the road. And in all cases except on a Solex will he need to have a helmet.
35) Flat Knuckles said on:
(17/01/2007 23:37:21 GMT)
email:Flat Knuckles | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Great article. I'm hoping to tour this summer and your article has helped a lot. Thanks.
36) Jim Roberts said on:
(15/03/2007 11:55:35 GMT)
email:Jim Roberts | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Great article one of the best I've read,and very accurate. I found the French drivers very accepting of motorcycles in general. The bikes are smaller but they drive with a skill level we can only aspire to in the States. Even in the dead of summer most were donning full leather riding gear.The speed isn't that important on the senic country roads. LOCK all your stuff away and park where the bike is seen. Very Nice writing Thank you !
37) Paul Farmer said on:
(28/04/2007 00:58:30 GMT)
email:Paul Farmer | website:
http://www.rospasmart.comRiding Motorcycles in France
Hi Mike, would you please add a small section on dealing with crossroads in the countryside and how the road signs and markings indicate priority. Oh yes, and those wierd crossroads with stop lines that fan out from the middle. Many thanks.
38) Sidney Falco said on:
(14/05/2007 15:21:27 GMT)
email:Sidney Falco | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
I am a new resident of France, now living in Marseille. Please do an article on pedestrian rights. Thanks.
39) John O'Neill said on:
(28/06/2007 14:30:15 GMT)
email:John O'Neill | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Bonjour Mike, great web site. We have a small house near Narbonne and i am searching for bike shops in that region or any where in Aude so that i can buy a good secondhand reliable machine rather that import my bike from Ireland. any info on web sites would be very helpful as i cant seem to get a list of bike dealers on the net. also if i was to import a used bike into France from Germany what difficulties can i expect re type of MOT tests etc. merci bien John
40) Mike Werner said on:
(28/06/2007 14:59:39 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://news.motorbiker.org/Riding Motorcycles in France
Thanks John, Not easy. Here's one site that has a map that you click on to narrow down the area. It has a good list of all motorcycle shops, as long as they have a website. { Link } As fro importing a bike from Germany, you need to deal with "Les Mines" to get the bike homologated. There are companies that do it for you, for a fee...
41) Dick and Heather Damoier said on:
(01/09/2007 11:44:28 GMT)
email:Dick and Heather Damoier | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Hi there is this info still current?
42) Dick and Heather Dampier said on:
(01/09/2007 11:48:55 GMT)
email:Dick and Heather Dampier | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Do we need Triangle and reflective vests?
43) Mike Werner said on:
(01/09/2007 12:10:13 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://news.motorbiker.org/Riding Motorcycles in France
Dick and Heather, yes, it's pretty much up to date. No you don't need a triangle for a bike, and the vests aren't mandatory yet (shortly they will be), but highly recommended. You do need spare light bulbs.
44) Kevin Livingston said on:
(24/09/2007 22:39:27 GMT)
email:Kevin Livingston | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Thanks for the great web site. I am thinking about renting a motorcycle from Holiday Bikes in Paris in October 2007. After a few attempts to contact offices in the Paris area, one answered me in English. Do you recommend their service? Also, I was thinking of riding with my wife on the motorcycle to Normandy from Paris. Would you recommend that ride? We would leave early in the morning and return that early evening (it would be on a Thursday). I am hoping they would also rent GPS units. Thanks!
45) Mike Werner said on:
(25/09/2007 09:37:42 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://news.motorbiker.org/Riding Motorcycles in France
Hi Kevin, Yes, Holiday Bikes are an serious outfit (probably the only outfit in France, at least at that scale)., though their rental offices are small and not many people work there, so service can be slow, and as you discovered, not always in English. Going to Normandy is a great idea, since it's close by, and very pretty. You can either go to Lower Normandy to take in the WWII beaches, or Upper Normandy, for the scenery (cliffs, forests, etc). Have fun.
46) glenn macwhorter said on:
(22/10/2007 11:18:24 GMT)
email:glenn macwhorter | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Bike friendly bike cops; what a concept. Here, in california, they don't even make eye contact and will pull you over as quickly as anybody in a red Porsche. Parking on sidewalks, you're joking. Your bike would be carted away by an eager impound/towing company; unless you're on a scooter, a small scooter.
47) Lee said on:
(14/11/2007 21:29:40 GMT)
email:Lee | website:
Riding Motorcycles in France
Very interesting article and good reading. I have not ridden in France since 94. I recently went to the UK and was completely dismayed at the abuse of speed cameras by local authorities for simple revenue generation. I surely hope France does not go the same way. I have one question, what is the position on radar detectors?
48) Mike Werner said on:
(14/11/2007 21:43:15 GMT)
email:Mike Werner | website:
http://www.motorbiker.org/Riding Motorcycles in France
Thanks Lee. Radar detectors are totally illegal in France. Having one in your car or on you is illegal as well. That can confiscate your vehicle if they want to.
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