french / italian maps

[sheard]

I am looking for the best largest scale maps for an intended tour from Orange to Pisa next year. Any info would be grateful.

[robgul]

The Map Shop at Upton on Sevren is the ultimate source for maps - Google and it will appear.

IGN for France - don't know about Italy (I think I'd use the train LOL!)

Highly recommended

Rob

[bikepacker]

A group of us did this ride in reverse Sept/Oct as part of a Venice to Orange tour. There is a short write up on www.by-bike.co.uk/italyfrance.htm

Michelin maps from the Map Shop were used for both France and Italy . These were found to be adequate.

Word of warning, if you are thinking about going through Genoa I hope your are not of a nervous disposition.

[MarkW]

I'd recommend the new Michelin 'Local' maps, most of which are at the 'easy on the eye' scale of 1:150 000. They overlap a lot so choose the ones you want with a degree of care - you get more for your money than they let on.

Italy - we've always recommended Touring Club Italiano maps available from Stanfords and also probably from the Map Shop.

Further info on maps on FR1 and IT1 (CTC info sheets) if you're a member.

M

[Helen]

I tour alone in France and Italy, so need reliable maps. I agree with Mark - for France you want Michelin Local, and for Italy, Touring Club Italiano. Both are cheaper over there, of course. Whatever you'd pay in £ at Stanfords, you'd probably pay the same amount in euros abroad. I usually stock up for my next trip while away. Bon voyage!

[JohnAC]

Prefer IGN myself for France as you get virtually all roads and tracks shown plus (essential as far as I am concerned) contour lines. Plus power lines which can help with confirming location when (inevitably) lost...

Michelin used to show arrows on the road to indicate shallow or steep inclines, not so easy to relate to as contours - especially whan trying to plan the route. If the new ones have them then they may be a viable alternative to IGN - if not then I'll stick with IGN thanks