While Japan has been enduring days of heat that feel hotter than midsummer, far to the west on the European continent, France too is under an intense heatwave. And just recently, the grand festival no cycling lover can ignore — the Tour de France — had been in full swing there. Watching the riders circle the country under the blazing summer sun, who wouldn’t feel the urge to ride in France themselves? However, the vast farmlands blooming with sunflowers are scorching, and the legendary Mont Ventoux is known as “The Mountain of Death.” For beginners, such rides may seem a bit too demanding. Yet, there’s no need to give up so soon — France is full of cycling routes made for leisurely rides. Am […]

The Tour de France, a 23-day journey that circles France by bike in the peak of summer, is finally heading into its decisive final stages. This is the second part of a two-part series reporting on cycling in France directly from the ground. This time, we dive into a hands-on investigation of renting a performance road bike—seriously planning as if we were going to ride ourselves.Is it easy and reliable to arrange a rental? How much does it actually cost? And what should you keep in mind if you really end up riding in France? The route I planned is the finish of Stage 16: Mont Ventoux. There’s no doubt this mountain will play a major role in determining the overall winner. Let’s take on this […]

The Tour de France, a race that circles around France by bicycle over the course of 23 days in the peak of summer, is in full swing from July 5 to 27. The country and people that gave rise to such a grand sporting event share a deep love for cycling. In recent years, France has rapidly developed cycling infrastructure to promote eco-friendly transportation. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the nation is now fully committed to advancing cycle tourism. A journalist with 30 years of experience covering the Tour de France witnesses this dedication firsthand. In this two-part series, Part 1 offers a preview of the 2025 Tour de France and essential tips for cycling in France. Table […]

When cycling in France, let’s consider what arrangements are needed locally and how to plan your trip. You have two options: bring your own bike or rent one on-site. Table of Contents 1. Tips for Checking Your Bike on International Flights2. Renting a Quality Bicycle in France 1. Tips for Checking Your Bike on International Flights First, consider the case of bringing your bike on the plane to France. I asked Action Sports Corp, a company that handles the “Bike Porter” bike transport cases for airlines, about the latest situation. Q: What size bikes can be checked on international flights? Is it free or are there additional fees? A: Policies vary depending on the airline for international fl […]