Would i be able to take my push bike on a train from Calais to Bourdeux?

Question

Some friends and i are deceiding to cycle around the south of france, we are taking the ferry over to calais or somewhere like that then we are planning to get on a train with our bikes to bourdeux where we can begin our ride. My question is whether this is possible and if any of you have any more information on this.

Answer 1

Hm...yes it would be possible but then you just can take slow trains!

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.e...

Here without bike:

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.e...

Answer 2

Travel with bicycles is pretty good throughout the French rail system. I know that at least some of the Lille-Bordeaux TGV services have bicycle cars because I've seen them.

Many trains on the regional routes (daytime TER and Corail services) have bicycle cars so you can carry your bicycle on without even having to take off its pedals. On many this service is free, though in some regions you have to pay -- advance reservations are also a good idea, as obviously places are limited.

Additionally, you can take a bicycle onto any French train -- including high-speed TGVs -- if it's stowed in a zip-up bag (max size 120cm x 90cm).

This means you'll need to get used to taking off wheels, seat and pedals and turning the handlebars side-on, but most bikes have quick-release systems so that shouldn't be too much of a headache.  

You can buy zip-up bags from most cycle shops (and online too) -- they start from around £50 but some are for particular models so do check.

Lots more info on travelling through France by bike here, if you speak French (that's where I've got all the stuff above)... http://www.voyages-sncf.com/guide/voyage...

More info here (in English) from the superhero of all train-travellers, the "Man in Seat 61"  -- scroll down the page for bicycle stuff... http://www.seat61.com/Europe.htm#Bicycle...

And an English-language version of the French Railways (SNCF) reservations site -- look for the little bicycle icon, which tells you a train has a bicycle car. http://www.tgv-europe.com/dynamic/_SvTer...

Hope that's helped get you en route.

Enjoy your adventure. :-)