Any good maps?

[Redeye]

 
What are the best maps for France and Spain?
I've only seen Michelin and AA, but there must be others, anyone have any experience?

[varadave]

Michelin every time for France, buy the great big ring bound map book it's got EVERYTHING on it!

[Silver Fox]

Agree with Dave ...Michelin every time Ian. You can work out distances, and places of interest, and good roads to take marked green

Also get the Mitchelin Green Guide if you want to know where to stop off in terms of places to visit etc, great little system * worth a look ** worth a detour *** worth a journey.

Also get a French speaking wife on the back

Philip

[Barry T]

A big map book is good for planning - but not as good as AutoRoute Express. 

For actual use on a bike, buy a copy of the latest map from the first petrol station you come to.  Tear off the stiff card cover and then fold the map to fit your map case.

Use a 'highlighter' to mark your proposed route and then use a soft black pencil to write notes and any detours on the map.

If the map is too thick to fit comfortably in the map case - tear it in half!

Maps do 'date' so treat them as disposable items.  Having said that, I must have a stack of some 100 'disposable' maps sitting on my shelf!   Each of them tells a story and brings back memories.

[Redeye]

Got the Michelin and it has got everything - maybe too much?

This is my first foray across the channel on a bike and would appreciate any advice from "hardy" travellers.
I've got a good list of all the docs etc. to take, plus I've got a list of my own, from Wet-Ones to a borrowed Garmin Streetpilot.
I'm more concerned about my route.
Day 1 is the boring slog from up north to Portsmouth for the overnight ferry to Le Havre.
Day 2 - Le Havre to Pau.
Day 3 - Pau to Tarragona - the best day - over the Pyrennes and then south through the foothills.
Day 4 - Tarragona to Relleu.
I've chosen "Non Toll" roads through France - cheapskate plus I don't want boring to death on M-ways.
If anyone has Autoroute I've attached the route to this post.
Would welcome comments.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Barry T]

Also get the Mitchelin Green Guide if you want to know where to stop off in terms of places to visit etc, great little system * worth a look ** worth a detour *** worth a journey.

Also get a French speaking wife on the back  Philip

I agree the Michelin Green Guides are good.  I use the star rating as places to avoid - all that prestigious culture - Ugh! 

I much prefer a local cafe, next to a vehicle scrap yard.  The Spanish scrap yards are fascinating and they tend to be much drier than their muddy UK counterparts.

As for taking your own  French speaking wife on the back, much better to find a local one when you get there!

[happychappy]

If I've read this correctly, is someone offering their wife, who's good at "French"?

Parcel her up and send her north

[Silver Fox]

Ahh awayy wit ye , ya durty oul min



Ian on your way back - forth do you fancy a tea stop

[Redeye]

Always fancy a tea stop

Travelling down May 26th - land back in UK 12th June

[Silver Fox]

Ian could meet on A3 late afternoon 5.30 onwards Wed the 26th...

Sat 12 June I will have a hangover....so in bed

Philip

[Redeye]

OK, I'll confirm later.

[Barry T]

This is my first foray across the channel on a bike and would appreciate any advice from "hardy" travellers.

Scan all the documents you are taking with you: Passport, credit cards, driving licence, bike documents, etc. then print them all out on one sheet of paper - several times and spread them in your luggage.

Enter your passport. credit card and licence number in your mobile phone.

Print your emergency numbers - insurance, lost credit card, passport etc, out onto some 'sticky back' labels then stick them in various places - under your pocket flap, inside your crash hat, etc. etc.

Scanned copies of bike insurance and documents can look very much like the real thing.  Keep these in your easily available place and keep the real thing deep down in your luggage.

Having said all that, I have visited 17 countries on my bike - including Poland, Romania, Croatia and Turkey - countries that still have proper border posts and even military road blocks, and all I have ever been asked for is my passport.

But then I have an honest face

[MacValk]

Happy Chap

Its "Michelin" not "Michelle"

[happychappy]

Barry T; lots of useful info there for the likes of me as well; I too am going abroad for the first time on the bike, in May.

Ta!

[Barry T]

Barry T; lots of useful info there for the likes of me as well; I too am going abroad for the first time on the bike, in May.
Ta!

I envy you the experience - the first time is always something very special