Cycling from Nice to Basingstoke - Route Advice.. any advice

[AmRouleur]

In 3 weeks I'm cycling with a friend from Nice on the Cote D'Azur to Basingstoke. Due to work commitments we have 12 days to complete the journey of around 800 miles (via Le Havre-Portsmouth). We are planning to stay in hotels en-route and carry the minimum amount of kit. Also keen to avoid climbing and use cycle paths where possible.

I expect this must have been done many times before and I was wondering if there is a web-site or other guide with a good route to follow or help us plan? Also has anyone attempted anything similar and what (at this late stage) are your practical tips/advice you can share. Thanks very much!!

[joema]

You could try national cycle network 23. Or a32 to Alton then a339 but that won't be much fun but plenty of B roads to take in that area!

[simonrockman]

Look at Logis hotels. I've just done the same journey, albeit by car and a 250 mile diversion to take in the Millau Bridge.

[Some Gump]

Where are you starting? Compared to basingrad, everywhere else is nice...

[littleandy0410]

AmRouleur said:

....I'm cycling from Nice to Basingstoke.....
.....I expect this must have been done many times before.....

I bet it hasn't! The other way round, maybe! I'm jealous anyway, even if your destination is Basingstoke Amazingstoke!

[NorthDave]

There is quite a well worn path from Calais to Marseille. I think the book which covered it is called fat man on a bicycle.

I've looked at doing it top to bottom before. Could you post up to let us know how you get on??

[yellowjack]

AmRouleur said:

In 3 weeks I'm cycling with a friend from Nice on the Cote D'Azur to Basingstoke. <snip> and what (at this late stage) are your practical tips/advice you can share. Thanks very much!!

Obvious tip that springs to mind is "change your destination". I mean, Basingjoke? Really? Even us Farnborough folk can afford a snigger at the expense of the 'grad. There must be a nice village somewhere nearby which you can finish at? You need a more inspirational destination, IMHO, as it's not exactly 'picture postcard', is it?

ETA: Unless you can finish at 'Milestones'? Certainly cycling from Nice to Basingstoke would be a milestone in most cyclists' list of personal achievements.

Edited by yellowjack on Monday 2nd September 21:31

[Fluffsri]

Alresford would be a nice finish line

[itsnotarace]

I would suggest OP is in the wrong place. Recommend having a look on https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?board=4.0

[AmRouleur]

I agree itsnotarace. Many thanks for the suggestion.

[itsnotarace]

No probs, there are loads of routes on there you could plagiarise

This should get you part of the way

http://cyclingeurope.org/2009/09/05/calais-to-brin...