In the Summer of 2024 we were lucky to spend a couple of months in our chalet enjoying walks and excursions in the Alps. We had also planned a number of cycle trips – everything from gentle trips around lake Annecy to more adventurous mountain climbs. Unfortunately, Cate’s bike had other plans, and every time we set off, her bike would get a puncture! Despite no fewer than seven replaced inner tubes, one new tyre, one replaced tyre rim tape, and two trips to separate bike shops for expert repairs, the repeated punctures could not be fixed. Changing the wheel was not an option – our bikes were over twenty years old and parts were no longer available for our obsolete machines.

So… we decided it was time to buy new bikes, and picked two shiny new Trek FX3 hybrid bikes. We bought them in London, and of course, needed to get them to France. Hence the idea of another cycle trip across France. This time we have decided on a North to South route, starting in Belgium (we are getting the Eurostar to Brussels for the start of the trip), and following the Meuse river down into France as far as Langres in the northeast, following which we leave the Meuse and head across to Annecy and then on, perhaps crossing an alpine pass or two, to Ste Foy.

The timetable is tight – we have to be finished in time for a friend’s 70th birthday party, and we are not fit, having spent so long sitting on our boat in the Caribbean. What could possibly go wrong?

Follow our adventure on this blog. We will aim to post a daily update; just click on the pictures below