Читать книгу Cycle Touring in France. Eight tours in Brittany, Picardy, Alsace, Auvergne/Languedoc, Provence, Dordogne/Lot, the Alps and the Pyrenees онлайн

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Trains and bicycles

You could, alternatively, send your bike on ahead by going to a SERNAM depot, which may or may not be located near a French railway station. SERNAM is the trucking company associated with the French railway system that will box your bike and deliver it to your chosen depot for about 40 euros within 48 hours. You can phone 08 25 84 58 45 to locate your nearest depot, for other information, and to pay the delivery charge by credit card. You can also pay for this service when you buy your train ticket at the station, or at a SERNAM depot. However, it is important to bear in mind that the depots are usually only open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with only major depots open on Saturday mornings. They are closed Sundays and public holidays. As some depots are situated some distance from a town's railway station you will have to take alternative transport to reach the station.

I prefer to be on the same train as my bike and keep an eye on it whenever the train stops – that way it will reach your destination when you do, and you are ready to start your tour without any hitches.