Cycling UK Forum

I'm thinking mainly of the wind; so which was would be easiest?

I'm reckoning the Mistral wouldn't play a part.

I did North South.

I have no idea about prevailing winds. I didn't encounter any long term headwinds on my ride.

The Mistral does have favoured months and some research will identify them.

I have cycled up and down about seven times and have never noticed any particular trend in the wind

Personally I prefer north to south - get any bad weather out of the way at the start and then have a few days on the beach before coming home.

I'm not sure that I'd share your confidence about avoiding the Mistral. Although it blows more often in the colder months, it does occur at any time of year. I'd suggest North to South on the basis that the likelihood of a gale blowing in your face is slight and you may have the bonus of a genuine tail wind.

Another important thing to consider is timing. Most of northern France, especially Paris, seems to uproot simultaneously and head South for the long summer holiday and then return in similar mad fashion. Although most of the traffic is on the main roads, it's pretty lively everywhere while the migration is happening.

The only other thing I can think of is that the further south you go, the longer the shops stay shut at lunchtime.

Another vote for N-S .... chances are the wind (and the Mistral) will push you along ... and the weather improves as you go south ... there's a bit about a ride at www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk in the Journals/France section

Rob

Thanks all.

There's also the point that the end might be better located on a Med beach rather than Calais docks

Just found some chaps are off to Bilbao which might make a nice trip and finish with a bed to come home on.

I've done three part-way trips to the Med from inland and the pyschological effect of cycling to and arriving at the Med should not be under-estimated. But don't forget that you will be cycling into the sun at its highest point - I prefer this but not everyone does.