Ride the Vélo Francette.
I’ll handle the logistics.
Three ways to take on France’s Normandy-to-Atlantic route, from a simple van transfer to a fully supported crossing. You ride. I sort the rest.
The route, and the catch
The Vélo Francette runs 630km from Ouistreham on the Normandy coast down to La Rochelle on the Atlantic. It’s a wonderful ride and a proper point-to-point adventure, which is exactly what makes the logistics a headache. You finish 630km from where you started, and a fully loaded bike changes the character of every day on it.
That’s where I come in. I’ve been supporting riders on French roads since 2008. You ride at your own pace on routes I provide and navigate yourself. I’m in the van, handling the parts that get in the way of a good day on the bike.
Pick the level of support that suits you.
Option 1: Van Transfer, Start or Finish
The lightest touch, for riders who want to go it alone but need the awkward bit solved. Getting to the start, or getting home from the finish.
I’ll transfer you and your bike to Ouistreham so you can begin at the coast, or collect you from La Rochelle at the end and bring you back. A linear route means you always finish a long way from where you began. This takes that problem off your plate, so all you have to think about is the ride.
Includes: one-way van transfer of you and your bike between agreed points. You ride fully independently.
Option 2: Luggage Transfers
Ride light. Every day, my van moves your bags ahead to your next overnight stop, so you ride with only what you need, not four loaded panniers.
It changes everything. The hills are kinder, the miles come quicker, and your kit is waiting for you each evening with full access to your bags. You navigate the route at your own pace. I move the luggage.
Includes: daily luggage transfer between overnight stops, full access to your bags each evening. Accommodation can be arranged on request.
Option 3: The Fully Supported Vélo Francette
The whole thing handled. This is the complete crossing, Ouistreham to La Rochelle (or La Rochelle to Ouistreham) , with me in the van the whole way.
I meet you at key points along the route, move your luggage between bases, and sort the details so all you do is ride and take in France. You get the GPX routes to navigate at your own pace, breakfast and a picnic lunch every day, and your bags waiting each evening. Ride your ride. I handle the rest.
Includes: full van support, luggage moved between bases, breakfast and picnic lunch daily, GPX routes for independent navigation, support at key points along the way.
Optional add-ons: evening meals, bike hire.
How it works
- Get in touch with your dates and the option that suits you.
- I come back with the plan, the route, and exactly what’s included.
- You book. I sort the logistics.
- You ride the Velo Francette. I handle the rest.
Why ride it with me
- Supporting riders on French roads since 2008.
- You ride your own ride. Independent navigation, your own pace, no pelotons, no waiting about.
- I’m the support, not a guide on your wheel all day. The van is there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.
- I’ve ridden the Vélo Francette myself, loaded, the full 630km. I know where it’s lovely and where it bites.
Ready when you are
Tell me your dates and which option you fancy, and I’ll take it from there. No pressure, no hard sell, just a straight answer on how we’d make it work.