A small tour de France by bicycle, the adventure in the open air of two families for almost 500 km

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On their bicycle, vacationers do not imagine their summer without moving. Two families from northern France decided this year to spend 12 days pedaling from Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) in Chalon-sur-Saône (Saône-et-Loire), between nature, heritage and great air.

All seem satisfied: “The pleasure is in the landscapes, in the moments we spend together”comments one of them. “For an effort that is not incredible, everyone can do it”provides another traveler.

We followed them by bicycle-cargo during their stage south of Besançon. The group is already about fifteen kilometers in the legs before stopping lunch. The opportunity to take stock of the path that remains to be traveled. And there, the accounts are not good: “Me, I do the steps before going to the computer on a small software and apparently, it is not very reliable”admits Vanessa, school teacher and cycle tourist.

It is therefore left for a certain number of kilometers on marked cycle roads along the banks of the Doubs. By bike, we forget everything: “After two or three days, we no longer know what day we are”recognizes Sébastien, the group's EPS teacher, who is happy with it. And to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes without sweating too much, a single solution; Take the bare minimum: “Everything must hold in two bags”explains Juliette, the high school student.

In the climbs, with the loads on the back, it pulls a little. An icy break is essential: “It's a small ritual, it dates from the first bicycle trip. As they were smaller, to move them forward, you need a small carrot. It makes them forget every kilometers they have done before”.

And kilometers, they have traveled. First there was Belgium and Holland, then the Loire castles, but also the Burgundy vineyards, and Brittany, to Côte-d'Armor. At 5.30 p.m., the stage of the day is coming to an end, but there is still work. The tents are mounted in less than five minutes. Complete equipment, for maximum comfort.

To sleep well, a good meal can help. On the menu: pasta, like almost every night. Easy, fast and inexpensive, because even on vacation, we pay attention to our budget. In all, 1,000 euros for a family of 5 people. “There is transport, food, accommodation and the little ones that we buy between two. And generally, we make a small restaurant at the end of the holidays”summarizes Maxime, business manager.

After the ninth night under the tents, the awakening becomes more and more difficult for our cyclists: “I did not sleep very well, the pillow is not terrible”admits Lilian, student. That's good, because today, on the program, less kilometers and more culture, with the visit of the Royal Saline of Arc-et-Senans (Doubs). This summer again, they will make nearly 500 kilometers together to share this taste of freedom so special to cycling.