France by Bicycle | PART 27: AU REVOIR FRANCE!

Lyon is a huge city, and we ride for seven miles through hectic city traffic before finding some peace outside metropolitan Lyon. We find our way back to the ViaRhôna, through deep forests and excellent views of the river. The hills of the Bugey begin to rise as we follow a northeast trajectory, and the landscapes are magnificent as we reach Hières-sur-Amby and our excellent hotel for the night. But we are tired. As the title suggests, this is where we decide to say goodbye to France, and we elect to take a train to Geneva in the town of Ambérieu-en-Bugey, just a half day ride north, and in the morning that’s where we head. By the end of the day we are in Switzerland, our cycling trip through France now in our rear-view mirror. Au revoir, France!
Music:
Accordion and Glockenspiel Comedy - JK Productions
Pond Five
081716572-accordion-and-glockenspiel-com
a href="www.pond5.com/royalty-free-mu..."Stock Music/a provided by JK_Production, from a href=“www.pond5.com/"Pond5/a
Aurealis - Stray Bandit
Epidemic Sound
Alice Is On Her Way - Airae
Epidemic Sound
Clear Fresh Air - Headlund
Epidemic Sound
Today Is a Good Day to Live - John T. Graham
Epidemic Sound
Another Day - George Pauley
Pond Five
a href="www.pond5.com/royalty-free-mu..."Stock Music/a provided by georgepauley, from a href=“www.pond5.com/"Pond5/a
Parisian Cafe - Aaron Kenny
KZbin-AudioLibrary

[@loloriekkoff]

What a treat it was to go along on your journey through these outstanding films! We’ll miss you both as we wait and watch for the next upcoming adventures! You were our Friday evening tv fun for so many weeks!! Laurel and Michael Riekkoff

[@juliannahenley4921]

Thank you so much for watching our adventures. Its out happy place!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you guys. Appreciate you both. Earlier this year, before our plans got away from us, we had thought of doing something similar to what you two did, a a tour around New England. Some kind of loop with the Route Verte in Quebec, tteh DownEast Trail in Maine, he Island Rail Trail and the Lamoille. Sadly, we will have to wait a long time for that trip. You caught it just before tragedy struck. What a shame.

[@michelesauret7779]

It is the beginning of the end and I am so sad, you have brightened up my retirement life and I revisited France with you. Merci merci and merci ❤️

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much Michèle. So glad and honored that we could bring even a sliver of that fabulous country to you. It was the trip of a lifetime, and we will forever have France in our hearts.

[@dooley-ch]

When you are done, you're done. You two have had a fantastic adventure and a great set of videos to remember it by. Thanks for being so kind in sharing it with you us. Next time, perhaps Italy - Great wine, great food, a rich history and culture and fantastic bicycle trails.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Italy is a great idea. We've done a little bit, would love to do more. Hoping to do a North Sea to Adriatic at some time in the not-so-distant future, but all still in planning stages. Thanks so much for sticking with us!

[@sigieric]

Cool thank you for showing me the world as its slow travel is the best🚴‍♀🚴‍♀

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Slow travel is indeed the way to go! Thank you for watching!

[@sigieric]

@@TheBicycleTourists welcome ride safe enjoy each moment..

[@lesdoritiavae8869]

Merci pour cette belle aventure qui nous à fait redécouvrir notre beau pays au travers de vos magnifiques images... on vous adore❤😊 Doriane et Thierry

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Doriane et Thierry, merci beaucoup pour la gentille note. C'est un honneur pour nous de vous voir regarder nos vidéos, et bien sûr, nous vous aimons aussi !

[@garyseckel295]

Will not miss the final episode! Such enjoyable bicycle touring!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks so much Gary for not abandoning us! It makes it all worth it.

[@thattravellingguy]

Wow! What a series you have made. Excellent, loved every one of them. Each morning when your video shows up in my feed, I know I have to sit with two cups of tea instead of one. And then I enjoy and savour the tea and video together. What a way to start the day: two cups of tea and your video to go with it. But all things end and as I write this, it’s all over, done and dusted last year. I hope that your videos don’t end. After this series is over, I will rewind your channel watch the other videos. Did watch some, but the scenery in France is just astonishing. This series to me is the best. Wish you both good luck, good health and good times ahead. Atb, That Travelling Guy….

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks so much! It means a lot coming from someone whose handle is "That Traveling Guy"! We will continue to put out videos, although this year won't see Julianna and I on any epic rides as she will be here at home helping with her new granddaughter. I'll do a short solo trip here in Colorado, and a tour with my grown kids, so that'll be a lot of fun. And maybe a short one with Julianna, we'll play that by ear. Again, thanks!

[@thattravellingguy]

@@TheBicycleTourists So sweet. Looking after babies is hands down one of the most gratifying things to experience in life. I am downloading all your series on my iPad so that I binge watch them during my long 2 hours flight to Vancouver on 4th August. Especially the older ones that I haven't seen. Julianna in this video mentioned about a four month tour you two had done. Do you have those videos here as well, if so I'd love to watch them. Atb, That Travelling Guy....

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

A solo trip in Colorado, can’t wait ! Looking forward to you extensively documenting that trip “à la Roland” + interaction with the local people, other riders, casual trail side encounters... etc, since you’ll have nobody to talk to. Can’t invoke the language barrier excuse 😉

[@TheBicycleTourists]

@thattravellingguy: Hey, TTG, in 2021 we embarked on a cross country tour of the US which you will find on our channel. Lots of hardships and failures on that one but I like the series a lot. Here's the link: kzbin.info/aero/PLv2Nc676WkayOW7G0NVL079vcNILDIcxD Also a six-part on a trip we did in Europe in 2019: kzbin.info/aero/PLv2Nc676WkazsW2ND__617xAv-h8ia4oz Enjoy Vancouver! Beautiful city!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

@cyclistefroisse9267: Let's manage expectations here! One, I'm not the extrovert, Julianna is. Invariably it's easier to interview people when you have her beauty, charm and grace. Two, there aren't as many interesting people in Colorado as there are in France! (Okay, that's harsh. But let's face it, they're a lot more like me.) I will definitely look for those opportunities however!

[@TerrapinCyclist]

You and Julianna have provided us with many happy hours traveling with you. While we are sad to see this trip come to an end, at the same time wish you much joy spending time with your family. Greatly looking forward to your next posts. All the best. John

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much John, I'm so glad this little series has brought you entertainment. We hope to bring many more adventures as opportunities allow. Happy riding!

[@PumpkinVillage]

And like that done. What a beautiful trip and very well documented all the way thru. What do you miss the most from France? When we left Iceland it was the fish and Icelandic society. Very little crime and families were very important to them. Take care and thank you both for giving us Friday evening entertainment, Al

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Good morning Al. There's still an Epilogue, but, yeah, it's done. I miss the calm of living without boundaries, I miss the touring! I miss the food and wine (i hardly ever drink wine here in the US) and the ability to eat as much as we want. I miss meeting new people everyday, I miss the gentle countryside, and the aesthetic sensibilities of the French people. So glad you could follow along. It's been a great journey!

[@pathalty7054]

So sorry to see your cycling video series in France come to an end. We are a retired couple from the USA that spends 6-7 months in Europe with our mini van and two bikes. Unlike your itinerary of long distance touring, we base ourselves each week or so at a house sitting gig and then head off each day touring the local countryside. But each day we check KZbin for a new episode from you and we spend our evening meal watching your videos and get inspiration where to go next. My husband comments that he enjoys your music selections and excellent descriptive narration. We look forward to your next adventure.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

First of all, thank you! So glad that we can provide some inspiration. Second, what a cool life you guys have! I have questions! Do you ship your mini van? Where are some of your favoriite rides? So do you do some kind of home exchange? Love this idea!

[@pathalty7054]

@@TheBicycleTourists We are lucky to have family in Spain, so we bought a used mini van and two new bikes in 2022. We put the van in storage over the winter and return to stay in our motorhome is Florida. We came back this year and have biked in Basque region of Spain, Alsace, Dordogne and The Gers in France, The Netherlands, Belgium and now we are in the UK for 3 months biking in England, Wales and Scotland. We find house sitting assignments via difference websites such as Mind My House and HousesittersUK. We get accommodation for FREE in exchange for taking care of pets.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

This sounds simply awesome! We've talked about doing something similar. thanks for the info, we'll keep it in our back pocket!

[@sergemilaire3474]

Thanks again for creating a wonderful series, you've put together the perfect combination of video footage, narration, music... resulting in the very best storybook of French biking adventures. We enjoyed every minute and hope the future will have more happy trails to come.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Merci bien, Serge, thank you for your kind words. Yes, we hope for many more adventures as well!

[@colinwellman9480]

Brilliant!!!! The best video series I've seen. You put many miles under your wheels in the time and nice as it is it's sometimes nicer to stop and return to familiar things and comforts of home. Well done for the journey and the videos, as others have written I'll miss them. I hope Julianna enjoys being with her grandchild but she doesn't seem old enough. A million thanks for taking us along with you. Until the next time, if we're lucky🤞

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ahhh thank you Colin! That really means a lot. Yes, there will be a next time for sure. We're hooked, as they say, and can't imagine life without these kind of adventures. So glad you were along for the ride!

[@maxdugan5319]

A classic Roland and Julianna ending video for a trip. Great narration, views and two amazing people! Til next ride all the best👍

[@garyseckel295]

Final episode yet coming!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Max. We appreciate you guys, and same to you!

[@Wiltshirelocal]

What a wonderful adventure. You two always inspire me. These films are a complete delight. Just enjoyed each episode so much. Enjoy a well deserved rest and come tour UK next Summer! Love you guys.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, thank you! So appreciate your comments. We would love to do UK. It's on the bucket list for sure. And we love you right back!

[@amylipkin2116]

What a beautiful tour of France you gave me!! I am looking forward to the next tour...you guys are AMAZING!!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much Amy! It was, of course, our pleasure!

[@melissasinclair9303]

I hope you will share this route and details of it. This sounds like the most amazing extended vacation. I’ve enjoyed every video. And I’m so envious of Julianna’s Low step over touring bike.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I will definitely think about a short video showing our route. It turned out to be a great route!

[@tomm8660]

Wonderful

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you once again Tom, it's been great having you along!

[@dondonner1095]

Gonna miss both of you, hopefully only for awhile.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you for staying with us, Don. We'll try to get a new trip up as soon as possible, but sadly nothing epic this year for Julianna and me as we have a new granddaughter and so we're taking a short break. It looks like I'll have a solo trip, and a nice little tour with my grown children this fall.

[@adrianojunior4997]

great !

[@TheBicycleTourists]

:-)

[@diverdownaz]

So Sad!! I hate when your trips end. I am always looking forward to your updates.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I know. I do love being home, and settled, but it's always sad to finish a ride. Thanks so much for watching.

[@RufusAstra]

Thank you for taking us along with you. Truly beautiful country to travel through - especially on a bike. Look forward to your next adventure.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks so much for joining us! Yes, cycling through France is pretty much paradise. So glad to have you along!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

What great ending your trip to france! Sadly, one more video, can't wait where you guys ride next. Thanks

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Dennis, it means so much that you've been along for the ride. Like you, I'm also bummed that this one is coming to an end!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

@@TheBicycleTourists hopefully after a long rest, you guys will be on the road again

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes! Can't wait!

[@stevebailey7633]

Wonderful series, enjoyed every minute, hope to bike there someday. Thank you

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! It was certainly our pleasure!

[@maxdavies9327]

Well I have just finished watching Part 27. I must confess to sheding a little tear as you left France ( as Im sure you both did ).This has been the most enjoyable series I have ever watched on Utube...!!!. The Highs....The lows and everything in between. This sort of trip could easily have broken a relationship, living in each others pockets for 8 weeks. But I can tell by your body language that the exact opposite happened, and good on you both. Your trip will stay with my wife and I for a long time. Cheers to you Roland and Julianna all the best ..STAY STRONG. Max Australia.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You really made our day with this comment! I think sharing common difficulties and challenges, as well as sharing the wonderful experiences that happen day after day, hour after hour, are what brings us together. I also believe that there is something about the adventure, not knowing where you'll be any given night, where nothing is guaranteed and you have to live on your wits to whatever small extent, is incredibly invigorating. I hope you enjoy your time on the Moselle. I bet it will be amazing!

[@eff6582]

Bonjour ! We feel the nostalgia on this last episode, leaving a beautiful trip and finding his country!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

We're so appreciative that you joined us to the end. We felt the nostalgia as well!

[@marksip01234]

Really enjoyed your films. I rode through Lyon last month on my way to Provence. I cycled Dieppe to Paris, train to Macon and then down Via Rhona - before cutting across to Vaison La Romain. Then had a weeks cycling with my club - including Mont Ventoux which is awsome. I pretty much lived on Baguette avec Fromage the whole time

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That sounds like an amazing trip. Isn't France just an amazing place to ride? Great carb loading as well!

[@alethearobinson8132]

Another well edited and well narrated video. The countryside is stunning. You have memories for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your travels. I am curious (as others might be) how much all the accommodations came to. It would help for others planning such a trip.🤗

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much Alethea for joining us. We get that question a lot, and I've honestly never counted up expenses as it would probably be too depressing! But a good metric would be that rooms per night definitely averaged below $100/nt. including breakfast.

[@traceytaylor-harris194]

❤

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Right back at you Tracey!

[@canica99]

Really nice serious and France is a fabulous country to bicycle tour. I waited until this last video to congratulate you both on such a great journey. I do my tours alone, I like the solicitude and freedom to say this is where I want to stay and for how long and what I want to see and I am a believer in using all of the equipment that is on my panniers and I also do not have the bank roll that others have and I have a tendency to camp a lot and cook my own meals, I also look for places where I can do some work exchange and recharge the account and these practices do not fit well or at all with most partners , specially the females...my ex thinks I am crazy to go and ride a bicycle across a country or a continent and seek organic adventure. I think you both did a fabulous job in complementing each other and the videos show some very happy , sensible towards each others moments that made me very happy for you both to see. I can understand Juliana's desire to get back...regardless of how great the adventure is...nothing beats your own bed, watching t.v and going to the ice box and toilet when you want to.I think you are both very fortunate that you can do such a fabulous trip for that long and get along so well. I am certain, after a while of reconnecting with what is familiar and those who you love , the adventuring soul will long for another adventure. For me, I am always planning the next one and although I am a bid younger that you, I am at a stage in life where I understand time is fleeting and time and abilities fade much like the colors, sounds and moments such adventures as your tours yield. Cheers and Congratulations and thank you so much for posting such a amazing journey.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much for your letter! We really began more serious bike touring once we hit retirement. Instead of golf trips, or river cruises, we do this. you're absolutely right, organic is the way to go, seeing, feeling, smelling, tasting, the world is so much more beautiful to the senses when you slow down and take it in at a human pace. We are planning our next tours (the planning never stops) and hope to have more videos out soon. Until then, I'll check out your channel. You've ridden a few rides that make me jealous. Cheers!

[@lindahowes5949]

Another beautiful and well done video. A bit bittersweet to be coming to a close. We’ve loved every bit of it. Totally understand the longing for home, familiarity, and your own bed. I wonder if traveling across the US over 4 months seemed “easier” as it is your native language and country?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's a good question, Linda. I think the US trip had a hard stop, so we knew we weren't done until we were done. Having a destination forces you to keep your energy level up. Also a lot more variety in the US which keeps the trip fresh. But the language and culture barrier really wasn't tiring, perhaps because we always had each other to connect with. It's a bit surprising when I look back, only two years ago as we were heading across the northwest of the US, and what a big commitment and how much confidence it takes to embark on these trips. From our peaceful backyard, it seems intimidating. But once you get going, it's all just a beautiful flow.

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

Culture barrier ? Wot culture barrier? Europeans, French and Americans are family, cousins, somehow separated by a different language and “the pond”.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

@cyclistefroisse9267: Fair enough!

[@Rob19631000]

Almost bingewatched this journey thru France. Loved the scenery and as a fan of France i recognized a lot of places. Laughed a lot because of your impeccable French..😂. Sometimes i couldn't understand in what city or village u were cycling. Condrieu...😅 You haven't cycled the most beautiful parts but i can understand why you were that positive. Waiting for the next vlogs.👌 Roland Attenborough

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Roland. Yes, often the most beautiful landscapes are those with the biggest climbs! But it's hard to go wrong in France. Thanks for following along.

[@davidharris4062]

Binged all 27 episodes, absolutely brilliant 👍👍👍, have you thought of cycling the Camino de Santiago?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear they're binge-worthy! I considered riding a portion of it it with my daughters later this year but changed our plans. Someday perhaps!

[@davidharris4062]

@@TheBicycleTourists 👍👍👍

[@HackHunter1835]

As Jay-Z once said, "on to the next one!" No hint of where the next bike tour will be?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Julianna will be helping to care for her new granddaughter, so the two of us aren't touring this summer. I'm doing a short solo around Colorado and my grown kids are joining me for a tour in September. WE are developing some cool plans for next year though!

[@lesleykenwood2715]

So on 🪞 which trail was your favorite: Loire Valley River, Velodysse, Canal de Garonne, Canal du Midi, or Canal de Rhone?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Hard to pick! I think for me the Via Rhona was my favorite, but possibly because as time goes on you get more into the relaxed mindset. Each had its unique attributes, and all were truly amazing.

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

@4:40, depending upon where you were that could be the Ain River you were following, not the Rhône anymore.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Perhaps!

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

Salut R&J, So, in the end you went multimodal (🚲+🚊) 😉 The bike shop staff should have advised you to go multimodal from Lyon-Part Dieu (central station) to, for instance, Beynost, a train station in the suburbs (14km-16 minutes, 4,90€), saving you that ride in that big urbanized area East of Lyon.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

In all honesty, we enjoy the ride through the city. Bike touring gets you in touch with the reality of a place. Sometimes its not all beauty, but its a glimpse into others' lives.

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

“Sometimes it’s not all beauty”. That’s mildly put and very diplomatic.... then if you were in a mission exploring french big cities (Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon) “commuters-belt”, that’s another conversation.... and an “exploration” you didn’t document 😉. Once again, just like when I fight (amicably, I hope) in the US corner, one could argue that this brilliant Vlog of yours, that enlightened my Saturdays or late Fridays nights for weeks, depict a somehow rose-tinted view of France ? Nothing wrong with that intrinsically, but I fear, should your journey across France inspire many other US riders, which I wish, some might not live the exact same experience and could return to the US somehow désappointés (ain’t french easy, désappointé- disappointed 😉) ?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I'm so glad that we brought something positive to your Fridays and Saturdays. And yes, French language gets easier the more you are exposed to it. (But that accent, whoa Nellie!) There are some rose-tinted perspectives, for sure, with most travel. For example, I admire those who cycle the length of Africa, but it might be a bit too much "reality" for my blood, at least at my age. So we naturally choose rides that compliment our somewhat spoiled (and American) expectations of comfort, etc. And choose routes through cities that seem pleasant. We do try to show the difficulties, and the parts that are not quite so attractive, but only in small portions. The main course goes to the beauty of the landscapes, the villages and towns and architecture, the interesting and warm people we meet. Same way I try to live my life. Accept the difficulties, but try to control my environment so that I can relish and maximize the good things in life. A long-winded rationalization to say that if people come to France and find themselves désappointés it would be more due to their own perspective, and their way of viewing the world. We are all responsible for our own happiness, oui?

[@cyclistefroisse9267]

Indeed, nous sommes tous responsables (another easy french word for you). But can’t take responsibility for inclement weather which can spoil a bike tour. We can wait out bad weather for ever so long. Hence why my repeated suggestions to would-be US bike tourists to consider multimodal🚲 in🚊options. Likewise, we aren’t responsible for big cities neglected and unsafe suburbs which are best avoided. Then, apparently, gangs in dodgy business and illegal activities aren’t exactly early birds, perhaps you can cycle these places safely early in the morning? I never had the inclination to find out. Cheap european S-Bahn / RER trains, accessible for people in wheelchairs, and also bicycles, you just roll your bike inside the carriage effortlessly, do nicely. Would you recommend to European bike tourists to cycle across the neglected suburbs of [enter US city name] ?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

When we crossed the US we rode through many "dodgy" parts of cities. Actually found people there to be extraordinarily friendly. And, yes, loved the dystopian cityscapes, in a weird way. Here in America, there is a belief among the rural and suburban populations that certain urban areas are a frightening wasteland. But I remember Brooklyn in the early 1980s. That was scary. These days, for example, San Francisco has many wretched areas for sure. But overall, things have improved so much. Riding through some of these places lets you see the despair and neglect, but it helps relieve the fear of the unknown.