Transportation To and From

• To Start: San Sebastian is a major city so there are numerous options to arrive there via Train, Bus or Plane. Plan to spend a day or 2 exploring this AMAZING city!  The food is awesome, scenery is unbeatable and architecture will leave you speechless.
  • Recommendation: Even though the route starts in San Sebastian, I would highly recommend you start close to Biarritz, France.  The reason being is that this section of the route, while very gorgeous is also the trickiest in terms of road conditions.  Windy roads with very little shoulder and some fast moving traffic. There is a local commuter train that runs parallel to the bike route and is very easy to bypass this section.
• To Finish: Roscoff, France is a much smaller town but there is a local train which takes you to a bigger station in Morlaix.  From here, the rest of Europe is at your fingertips with it's amazing rail system.
• From Finish to Start: As mentioned above, Roscoff is connected to a local rail line which eventually allows you to connect to the larger rail system.
• Bail points in between: There are several portions within the route that you can either exit the route or bypass certain sections.
• Border Crossing: There is a border crossing between Spain and France but they typically don't check passports.  That being said, geopolitics change quickly so I would always recommend having documentation handy.

Recommended Gear

• Bike: Any bike should suffice for this trail as it is predominantly on asphalt.
• Clothing: This is a long route, so chances are you will see a few weather patterns.
  • Plan on rain gear (Even if just a cheapo pancho)
  • Plan on warm clothing.  Even in the summer it can get chilly with the ocean breeze.  Especially if you plan on camping, the nights do get chilly.
• Safety: Be visible; either with lights or reflective gear, especially on shared roads.  Also, having lights will be very useful when camping!
• Camping: Highly recommend you carry camping gear on this trip.  Not only does it save money, but there a ton of camping options ranging from high end sites to bare-bones.  In addition, this route in France does allow wild-camping (Just make sure to check the local laws and any signage).
• Tools: Multi-tool, spare tubes, patch kit, pump.
• Charging Outlet: If traveling from somewhere outside Europe, make sure you have a power adapter.

Navigation

• Signage: This route does have signage throughout.  You will pass thru several small towns and have to take many small turns to get back on the route.  For the most part there is signage telling you where to go, but don't be surprised if you need to pull out your iPhone to check the route.
• Highly recommend the External Resources listed here.

Resources Along the Way

• Lodging: The lodging is what makes this route so great for people of all levels.  There are sooo many options ranging from fancy hotels to bnb's, to hostels and basic hotels.  The beauty is that, except for the fancy hotels, most lodging options will run you under $60.
  • For this route in particular, if you are capable, I highly recommend you partake in some camping.  Not only is it affordable and plentiful, it really does make you appreciate the fact that everything you need to survive can literally fit on a measly 30lb bike!
• Food & Water: You will rarely have any significant stretches without access to food and water.
• Cell Signal: No issues with cell signal. Just ensure your carrier can handle international data and calls.

Tips

• Best Seasons: Spring through late fall (March–November) for best weather and road conditions.  In Europe, July + August can get busy so you may need to plan lodging options ahead.
• Emergency Number (France): 112 (+33 country code).
• Emergency Number (Spain): 112 (+34 country code).