A Love Letter to the French Cycling Frenzy

Did you know that it is entirely possible to love France immensely, while still laughing out loud at certain quirks and getting occasionally frustrated by others?

It is true. It is allowed, and we love to share our stories with you. We bring you our unique perspective on the love, the frustration, the madness, and the indefatigable wonderfulness of France in all her glorious, annoying beauty.

Which brings me to a subject that could quite probably get us removed from the country. It is certainly a bold topic to discuss on the cusp of our ten year residence permit renewal.

Are we brave, or are we stupid? You can be the judge of that as we turn our focus toward a national obsession: the weekend cyclists of the rural roads.

The Origins of the Great Race

Back in 1903, the very first Tour de France was organised primarily to sell newspapers. The French sports publication needed public attention and readership. A gruelling bike race across the nation turned out to be ideal front page news.

Fast forward over a century, and that same competitive spirit is thriving on almost every rural French road every single weekend. Around here, every Saturday and Sunday feels like an official stage of the race. Every quiet vineyard lane transforms into an intense cycling arena.

We are not talking about a couple of casual cyclists enjoying the countryside views. This is a full scale, highly organised movement.

It is a mass road event for the dedicated locals who clip into their pedals and ride out as if they are actively competing for yellow jerseys.

Life Behind the Peloton

They arrive in large packs. They travel with serious purpose. They wear matching outfits that fit so tightly you might wonder if they were applied with spray paint.

They move exceptionally fast, blurring past like summer cicadas. If you blink, you will miss them completely. However, you will almost certainly hear them coming first.

You hear the steady hum of high speed tyres, the rhythmic click of gears shifting together, and the occasional voice shouting encouragement as they overtake everything in their path, including your remaining patience.

Here is a practical piece of advice for navigating rural roads: try to avoid driving on quiet country lanes between eight in the morning and dusk unless you have to.

If you happen to get stuck behind a group on a steep incline, make sure you have plenty of snacks, water, and plenty of patience.

There is one major exception to the rule. Between midday and two in the afternoon, the roads are completely clear. That is sacred lunch time, which is a cultural tradition to be fully respected.

Hats Off to the Riders

Truthfully, the dedication is impressive. The discipline required is extraordinary, as is the sheer speed of these riders.

However, if you have ever been stuck behind twenty riders in matching kit, all determined to hold the center line of a narrow road while you are simply trying to reach the local bakery before it closes, you will understand the slight conflict of feelings.

So, hats off to the dedicated cycling community. May your tyres remain fully inflated, your equipment stay silent, and your lunches always consist of three delicious courses.

Just, perhaps, move over to the side of the road once in a while!

Jen x