Train options for the Loire

Cycle-touring, Expeditions, Adventures, Major cycle routes NOT LeJoG (see other special board)
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groberts
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Joined: 27 Apr 2009, 4:15pm
Location: Surrey
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Train options for the Loire

Post by groberts »

I am considering a late summer / early autumn Loire tour and, if possible (easy) would like to take the bikes to and from the area by train from my home in Surrey. I can get to Calais, Newhaven and Porstmouth from home easily but given the Loire's location, Portsmouth seems the natural crossing point - my preference being to Ouistreham to catch the train from nearby Caen.

Does anybody have any experience / advice of such a route, obviously the less changes the better? An initial look suggests a non stop train to Tours might be a possibility. Can you take bikes on these trains / what are the arrangements? Any other thoughts most welcome.
Galloper
Posts: 217
Joined: 6 Dec 2012, 2:21pm

Re: Train options for the Loire

Post by Galloper »

As a way of getting about, why not hire a van from Avis in Dieppe and drop it off in Blois. I did this in reverse some years ago and it's a pretty cheap way to move several people and bikes. I would imagine othe ports are equally well served.
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jamesgilbert
Posts: 316
Joined: 5 Feb 2013, 4:25pm
Location: Lyon

Re: Train options for the Loire

Post by jamesgilbert »

On most days there seem to be two Intercités and one TER train, direct from Caen to Tours. They all accept bikes free of charge.

You can check times on http://www.voyages-sncf.com (use the French version as otherwise you don't get the bike symbols showing whether or not bikes are allowed).

Or use http://www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml - Further search options - Only show connections that allow carriage of bicycles
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