Queries: E-Bike Touring in France

[zokko]

Hi all,

As a retirement gift to myself, I'm planning my very first big bike tour (on e-bike) from Cherbourg to Bilbao in September 2025.
As I’ve never done anything like this before, I'm hoping some of you could share your advice and experience to help ease the planning.

My proposed route will be to cut across Normandy and Pays de la Loire to Angers and Saumur, and then either a) head south and west to pick up Eurovelo-1 at La Rochelle, or b) continue on to Tours to pick up Eurovelo-3, and then on to EV-1 at the other side of Bordeaux.
Then continuing on to the Spanish border at Hendaye and (probably) a coastal route to Bilbao.

So, a few questions…
1) Has anyone done any of these routes and if so, any general thoughts, preferences, etc.?
2) Did you camp? If so what was your experience of camping with e-bikes in France?
3) Do I need to bring my own tent, sleeping bag, etc.? Or do campsites rent tents for a night (including sheets, blankets, etc)?
4) Any issues getting batteries charged at camp sites?
5) Do I need a specific electric hook-up cable, or are there secure, dry locations with standard european 2-pin sockets (that I can plug a uk 3-pin converter into)?
6) Is there a good directory of campsites that have charging facilities?
7) Has anyone cycled from Hendaye to Bilbao? It seems very hilly; any thoughts on difficulty and/or recommendations on routes?
8) Any thoughts or recommendations on where to stay on Spanish section?
9) Any other recommendations, gotchas, etc?

Thanks very much in advance for your thoughts.
Much appreciated.

 

[matthewslack]

I have found that effort-wise, it is easy to average 80 miles per day, provided you have enough battery capacity. That's using middle assist level on a bottom end Shimano mid-drive. It is also easy to burn through battery alarmingly fast by using higher levels too much.

To minimise charging issues, ideally you need enough capacity to avoid a lunchtime charge. So 'know your bike' and make sure you understand how many Wh per km you need in different terrain types.

With lightweight camping gear, and fairly flat terrain, 10Wh per mile is enough, but in hills with a heavier load that can go as high as 16. For 80 mile days that translates to at least 800Wh of battery, and up to 1280Wh - or shorter days in the hills.

UK is quickly embracing 'pods' for accommodation, I don't know whether that or rented tents are 'a thing' along your route. I do know from having accommodation providers amongst my neighbours that one night stays are their worst nightmare. I always take my own gear, lightweight 2 man backpacking tent, mat, sleeping bag, tea making equipment. Then it doesn't matter what happens, I'm covered.

My 'battery only' setup comprises two 400Wh batteries, and two 4.6A chargers. If you have a single battery, ideally your charger will be 4A or more. Painfully slow waiting for a 2A charger.

I can't help with knowledge of overseas campsites, but this is what I have seen/used in Scotland. There is likely to be some commonality given the number of overseas campervans I see.

1. You can pay extra for an electric hookup pitch, but that may be quite expensive if only charging your bike. £5 to £10 extra for the night, including power used.
2. You will probably need to carry a standard blue 16A hookup cable to plug in, and that can have a standard UK socket on the other end. Cables available to rent are likely to be blue plug to blue socket, not a normal socket, so no use to you.
3. All other charging options are hit and miss, and will depend on the individual site, because the electric hookup pitch is the standard.
4. Shaver sockets will say 'shavers only' and you will not be popular if you plug in your charger there.
5. Laundry and communal kitchen areas sometimes have standard sockets, but this cannot be assumed. If they do, they will be limited in number, and you won't be popular if you hog them at busy times for long periods.
6. Leaving things plugged in overnight needs prior permission of the site. I have been allowed to do this in off peak times in Scotland.
7. France and Spain may be way ahead of us, so you might find dedicated facilities both en-route and overnight.

In the UK I have never had a problem, but I have heard of issues from both cafes/pubs/campsites and from 'fellow' electric cyclists. My approach is always to know that 'no' means no, to keep ahead of the game by not getting too low on charge, be nice and easy to say 'yes' to, never be demanding.

If you want to charge at a cafe or pub, buy a meal, don't try to spend the minimum.

The cyclists who have issues are those who think everyone else has an obligation to charge their bike. Don't make that mistake!

In the end, though, for a true adventurer, plan well, don't paint yourself into a corner, but now and again when it is necessary, roll the dice and push the boundaries. There is always someone to help when the chips are down.

Or just go solar and be independent!

​

 

[zokko]

I have found that effort-wise, it is easy to average 80 miles per day, provided you have enough battery capacity. That's using middle assist level on a bottom end Shimano mid-drive. It is also easy to burn through battery alarmingly fast by using higher levels too much.

To minimise charging issues, ideally you need enough capacity to avoid a lunchtime charge. So 'know your bike' and make sure you understand how many Wh per km you need in different terrain types.

With lightweight camping gear, and fairly flat terrain, 10Wh per mile is enough, but in hills with a heavier load that can go as high as 16. For 80 mile days that translates to at least 800Wh of battery, and up to 1280Wh - or shorter days in the hills.

UK is quickly embracing 'pods' for accommodation, I don't know whether that or rented tents are 'a thing' along your route. I do know from having accommodation providers amongst my neighbours that one night stays are their worst nightmare. I always take my own gear, lightweight 2 man backpacking tent, mat, sleeping bag, tea making equipment. Then it doesn't matter what happens, I'm covered.

My 'battery only' setup comprises two 400Wh batteries, and two 4.6A chargers. If you have a single battery, ideally your charger will be 4A or more. Painfully slow waiting for a 2A charger.

I can't help with knowledge of overseas campsites, but this is what I have seen/used in Scotland. There is likely to be some commonality given the number of overseas campervans I see.

1. You can pay extra for an electric hookup pitch, but that may be quite expensive if only charging your bike. £5 to £10 extra for the night, including power used.
2. You will probably need to carry a standard blue 16A hookup cable to plug in, and that can have a standard UK socket on the other end. Cables available to rent are likely to be blue plug to blue socket, not a normal socket, so no use to you.
3. All other charging options are hit and miss, and will depend on the individual site, because the electric hookup pitch is the standard.
4. Shaver sockets will say 'shavers only' and you will not be popular if you plug in your charger there.
5. Laundry and communal kitchen areas sometimes have standard sockets, but this cannot be assumed. If they do, they will be limited in number, and you won't be popular if you hog them at busy times for long periods.
6. Leaving things plugged in overnight needs prior permission of the site. I have been allowed to do this in off peak times in Scotland.
7. France and Spain may be way ahead of us, so you might find dedicated facilities both en-route and overnight.

In the UK I have never had a problem, but I have heard of issues from both cafes/pubs/campsites and from 'fellow' electric cyclists. My approach is always to know that 'no' means no, to keep ahead of the game by not getting too low on charge, be nice and easy to say 'yes' to, never be demanding.

If you want to charge at a cafe or pub, buy a meal, don't try to spend the minimum.

The cyclists who have issues are those who think everyone else has an obligation to charge their bike. Don't make that mistake!

In the end, though, for a true adventurer, plan well, don't paint yourself into a corner, but now and again when it is necessary, roll the dice and push the boundaries. There is always someone to help when the chips are down.

Or just go solar and be independent!

View attachment 62149​

Thanks Matthew.
We’re only planning on about 50ml/80km per day, but may push it up if we find we’ve plenty of juice left in the batteries. Mine is a 625Wh battery with an 4A charger and my buddy has a 500Wh. My bike (Riese-Muller Nevo) is heavier and has Enviolo 380 continuous hub gears, which causes some drag. So 50 miles per day might be close to our limits.

Ideally we’d like to avoid carrying camping gear if possible. So, if we thought we could rent fully equipped tents (with electric sockets) easily (at a reasonable rate) at most stop overs, we could always go to a B&B when we’re stuck.
Though I take your point, might be safest to bring a hook-up cable.
Thanks again.

 

[matthewslack]

Probably worth contacting some campsites directly, a sample selection all the way along just to gauge what is likely to be available.

50 miles a day, lightly loaded, will seem like a holiday!

On the bike side of things, I fit new chain and brake pads before setting off on a long ride, so that nothing should need attention except chain oil for 1,000 miles or so.

A few extra spares and tools for peace of mind, very rarely needed: gear inner cable, a set of brake pads, chain tool, a few spare links and a spare quick link, cassette spline tool, spoke key.

Marathon Plus tyres.

Should be a great trip. Good luck!

 

[zokko]

Probably worth contacting some campsites directly, a sample selection all the way along just to gauge what is likely to be available.

50 miles a day, lightly loaded, will seem like a holiday!

On the bike side of things, I fit new chain and brake pads before setting off on a long ride, so that nothing should need attention except chain oil for 1,000 miles or so.

A few extra spares and tools for peace of mind, very rarely needed: gear inner cable, a set of brake pads, chain tool, a few spare links and a spare quick link, cassette spline tool, spoke key.

Marathon Plus tyres.

Should be a great trip. Good luck!

Starting to look at campsites for the first week.
camping.info looks like a reasonable site to view them.
Yes, 50ml/day will hopefully feel like a holiday; that’s the general intention.

Good advice re spare parts, etc. Thanks.

 

[matthewslack]

Final thing to think about is comfort: you may already have this all in good shape.

I found when I started doing longer rides I needed swept back handlebars, not straight ones which were agony for my wrists. And about a year ago I finally bought a decent suspension seatpost, a revelation in comfort, should have done that far sooner.

 

[egroover]

I would consider a 2nd battery, carried in the bottom of the pannier back. I ride euro tours of upto 80 miles per day, and the extra 3kg for a spare battery is not noticed. Removes range anxiety, and a 500wh battery only in the hilly areas of Northern Spain might be border line for 50 miles if loaded up with camping gear too. Or factor in some lunch time stops in a ebike friendly cafe with a 4a charger like Matthew does in Scotland. Learn some french or spanish to ask about charging in the cafes, asking nicely will go a long way
You could also consider cheap rough and ready hotels like F1 hotels in France or Ibis out of town ones, some are about £30 per night, a good option to charge up batteries overnight, hot shower, bus/cab into town for nosebag and beers, and would save hauling camping gear. Works for us.

Good luck with the planning

cycle.travel is a great tool for route planning, keeps you away from the busy road, s export the gpx file to Komoot for turn by turn navigation on your handlebar mounted phone. Komoot APP will show elevation of the route which will give you an idea of how much drain on the battery

 

[zokko]

Final thing to think about is comfort: you may already have this all in good shape.

I found when I started doing longer rides I needed swept back handlebars, not straight ones which were agony for my wrists. And about a year ago I finally bought a decent suspension seatpost, a revelation in comfort, should have done that far sooner.

I don't think I'm too bad on the comfort side. I have a bit of suspension in the seat post, and handlebars are a back a little. However I do tend to get pins & needles in my hands when cycling, though generally I get round this by cycling one-handed for a while whilst I ease the numbness in my hand. Wide seat and well-padded cycling shorts also help!

 

[matthewslack]

I don't think I'm too bad on the comfort side. I have a bit of suspension in the seat post, and handlebars are a back a little. However I do tend to get pins & needles in my hands when cycling, though generally I get round this by cycling one-handed for a while whilst I ease the numbness in my hand. Wide seat and well-padded cycling shorts also help!

I get a bit of finger numbness, which I have much reduced by raising handlebars a little using an angled stem as well as the tallest stack of spacers my steerer tube will allow. Keeps the back happy too.

 

[zokko]

I would consider a 2nd battery, carried in the bottom of the pannier back. I ride euro tours of upto 80 miles per day, and the extra 3kg for a spare battery is not noticed. Removes range anxiety, and a 500wh battery only in the hilly areas of Northern Spain might be border line for 50 miles if loaded up with camping gear too. Or factor in some lunch time stops in a ebike friendly cafe with a 4a charger like Matthew does in Scotland. Learn some french or spanish to ask about charging in the cafes, asking nicely will go a long way
You could also consider cheap rough and ready hotels like F1 hotels in France or Ibis out of town ones, some are about £30 per night, a good option to charge up batteries overnight, hot shower, bus/cab into town for nosebag and beers, and would save hauling camping gear. Works for us.

Good luck with the planning

cycle.travel is a great tool for route planning, keeps you away from the busy road, s export the gpx file to Komoot for turn by turn navigation on your handlebar mounted phone. Komoot APP will show elevation of the route which will give you an idea of how much drain on the battery

Thanks egroover.
I've been thinking of a second battery, smaller and lighter than my own, as a boost when running low on juice. I think I'll go ahead with that. The hills of northern Spain are probably my biggest concern when thinking of battery. I anticipate a higher use of turbo boost there than anywhere in France.

Interesting point on the F1/Ibis hotels - didn't think they'd be so reasonable.
Maybe a mix between them and the campsites would work for us.

Already looking at Komoot and francevelotourisme.com for planning route, though just in the last couple of days, I've looked at cycle.travel and it seems to choose a more direct route, presumably on less cycleways, though hopefully not on too many main roads.

Thanks again!

 

[egroover]

I find Ergon GP1 grips help with hand numbness, not cheap but worth it

 

[Nealh]

Not cheap but a Redshift suspension stem is designed to take out 70% of front end vibrations so may aid /help out with numbness . The travel is only 20mm but is effective I find.

 

[Solarbake]

I had a wiilier magneto shimano steps ebike great bike now sold ,suffered terribly from sore arms pins and needles as no front susepension fork on that bike.Bought the red shift front stem and completely cured the problem
Really recommend it if that’s what your suffering from

 

[zokko]

I find Ergon GP1 grips help with hand numbness, not cheap but worth it

View attachment 62161

I have Hermanns grips (not sure which model), but they seem fine.

 

[zokko]

Not cheap but a Redshift suspension stem is designed to take out 70% of front end vibrations so may aid /help out with numbness . The travel is only 20mm but is effective I find.

Thanks Neil. I have suspension on seat stem (Thudbuster ST) and forks (Suntour XCR32), so I think I should be okay. They may not be top of the range, but will have to do me this trip, anyway.

 

[zokko]

I had a wiilier magneto shimano steps ebike great bike now sold ,suffered terribly from sore arms pins and needles as no front susepension fork on that bike.Bought the red shift front stem and completely cured the problem
Really recommend it if that’s what your suffering from

Thanks Solarbake. As mentioned above, I have fork suspension, though still get the pins & needles. I suspect I'm still having to lean to far down. Probably need to see about extending the handlebar height.
Having said that, it's not a major issue, I can work around it. My cycling is purely leisure, so no crazy fast pedalling involved.

 

[Nealh]

Difference between a stem shock and fork shock is that jarring /vibration is better removed at the bar end where it is directly needed.

 

[matthewslack]

Thanks Solarbake. As mentioned above, I have fork suspension, though still get the pins & needles. I suspect I'm still having to lean to far down. Probably need to see about extending the handlebar height.
Having said that, it's not a major issue, I can work around it. My cycling is purely leisure, so no crazy fast pedalling involved.

It will be a major issue by day three! Sort it before you go!

 

[jimriley]

Re handlebars, a while back I met an aggressive tram track and patch of tarmac that did for my wrist temporarily, a few months while it healed. I bought a Humpert Handlebar, swept back, so now I ride in a sit up and beg position, no pressure on wrists, comfortable.