An experiment with AI / Chat GPT

[Wapping]

I have cut these two posts from a thread in the French section about a six week holiday, as they probably stand better alone.

Richard

=======


As an experiment, I asked Chat GPT for:

‘Give me a six week motoring holiday in France, staying for no more than three days in one place and always in nice places to visit’

In seconds it replied:

That sounds like an amazing trip! A six-week motoring holiday in France is a perfect way to explore the beauty, history, and culture of the country. Here's a suggestion for an itinerary that mixes stunning natural landscapes, charming towns, famous landmarks, and great food. The idea is to stay no longer than three nights in any one place, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover new regions and explore France's diversity.

Week 1: Northern France – History and Culture​

1. Day 1-3: Paris
   • Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Champs-Élysées.
   • Spend your first few days soaking in the iconic sites of Paris. Enjoy world-class museums, art galleries, cafés, and stroll along the Seine River.
2. Day 4-6: Giverny (Normandy)
   • Highlights: Claude Monet’s house and gardens, the Musée des Impressionnismes.
   • A peaceful and beautiful town, perfect for art lovers and nature enthusiasts.
3. Day 7-9: Rouen
   • Highlights: Rouen Cathedral, Joan of Arc's Place du Vieux-Marché, medieval streets.
   • A historic city with a rich heritage of Gothic architecture and medieval charm.

Week 2: Normandy & Brittany – Coastlines and Castles​

1. Day 10-12: Honfleur (Normandy)
   • Highlights: Old port, Eugene Boudin Museum, maritime history.
   • This picturesque town has stunning views, cobblestone streets, and lovely coastal scenery.
2. Day 13-15: Mont Saint-Michel
   • Highlights: Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, surrounding bay.
   • One of the most iconic landmarks in France, set on a tidal island, it’s a must-see for its historical and architectural splendor.
3. Day 16-18: Saint-Malo (Brittany)
   • Highlights: Walled city, Fort National, beautiful beaches.
   • A stunning port city with a rich pirate history, offering beautiful coastlines and old fortifications.

Week 3: Loire Valley – Castles and Wine​

1. Day 19-21: Tours
   • Highlights: Château de Villandry, Château de Chenonceau, Old Town of Tours.
   • The heart of the Loire Valley, famous for its châteaux and vineyards. Perfect for wine lovers and history buffs.
2. Day 22-24: Amboise
   • Highlights: Château d'Amboise, Leonardo da Vinci’s residence at Château du Clos Lucé.
   • A charming town with Renaissance history and a connection to the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci.
3. Day 25-27: Chinon
   • Highlights: Château de Chinon, medieval streets, local wines.
   • Known for its impressive château and scenic vineyards, Chinon offers a more relaxed, historic experience.

Week 4: South-West France – Languedoc & Pyrenees​

1. Day 28-30: Toulouse
   • Highlights: Capitole de Toulouse, Basilica of Saint-Sernin, Canal du Midi.
   • A vibrant city known for its pink terracotta buildings and rich history, with a great food scene.
2. Day 31-33: Carcassonne
   • Highlights: La Cité medieval citadel, Château Comtal.
   • A fairy-tale fortress town that’s perfect for lovers of history and architecture.
3. Day 34-36: Foix (Pyrenees)
   • Highlights: Château de Foix, Pyrenees National Park.
   • Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it’s a lovely base for outdoor adventures and castle visits.

Week 5: Provence – Lavender, Vineyards, and Roman Ruins​

1. Day 37-39: Avignon
   • Highlights: Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet, and lavender fields (seasonal).
   • A historic city known for the stunning medieval papal palace and beautiful surrounding vineyards.
2. Day 40-42: Gordes
   • Highlights: Hilltop village, Abbey of Sénanque, lavender fields.
   • A quintessential Provence village, ideal for exploring its picturesque streets and surrounding nature.
3. Day 43-45: Aix-en-Provence
   • Highlights: Cours Mirabeau, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, art museums.
   • A lovely town famous for its thermal baths, lively squares, and rich artistic heritage.

Week 6: Côte d'Azur – Glamour and Mediterranean Beauty​

1. Day 46-48: Nice
   • Highlights: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), and beaches.
   • The heart of the French Riviera, Nice is a mix of Mediterranean beauty, art, and luxury.
2. Day 49-51: Antibes
   • Highlights: Old Town, Picasso Museum, beaches, Port Vauban.
   • A coastal gem, Antibes combines history, art, and Mediterranean charm.
3. Day 52-54: Saint-Tropez
   • Highlights: Old Port, Citadel of Saint-Tropez, glamorous beaches.
   • Famous for its luxurious yachts and chic atmosphere, but also a charming historical town.
4. Day 55-57: Cannes
   • Highlights: La Croisette, Cannes Film Festival, beaches.
   • Known for its film festival and stunning Mediterranean coastline, Cannes is a vibrant and glamorous city.
5. Day 58-60: Marseille
   • Highlights: Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Vieux-Port, Calanques National Park.
   • Finish your trip in France’s second-largest city with beautiful coastal views, history, and culture.

I haven’t looked at it in any detail but, as a very quick off the bat idea, it looks OK’ish for a quick stab, produced in well under 30 seconds, of which 28 were taken up with me typing the question.

I would then refine the questions, by saying: Starting and ending in Calais and excluding Paris.

I’d then refine it further and further.

I have seen the future……

 

[Oldrat]

I’d not even considered AI but it sounds to be really useful, thank you.

 

[Wapping]

As an experiment only I asked ChatGPT for a route between Calais and Apt, a town deep in Provence, France. This it gave me in under two seconds. I then asked it to give me the same route, but to add the detailed road numbers. On the face of it, the results, generated on my iPad in seconds are impressive. My questions / requests to ChatGPT, I have coloured blue.

I would like a route from Calais to apt in Provence, suitable for motorcycles, avoiding motorways and toll roads, taking three days. No one day to be longer than 200 miles

ChatGPT said:​

That sounds like a fantastic trip! Here's a recommended route for your motorcycle journey from Calais to Apt in Provence, avoiding motorways and toll roads, while keeping each day’s ride under 200 miles. This route will allow you to experience scenic and enjoyable roads, with plenty of stops along the way.

Day 1: Calais to Château-Thierry (Approx. 160 miles)​

• Route: Start from Calais and head south along smaller roads, passing through charming villages in northern France.
• Main towns you’ll pass: Boulogne-sur-Mer, Abbeville, and then on to Château-Thierry.
• Key features: This route takes you through the heart of Picardy and into the Champagne region. The roads are peaceful and scenic, perfect for enjoying the motorcycle experience.
• Recommended stop: Château-Thierry, a lovely town with some historic charm and good places to relax after your first day.

Day 2: Château-Thierry to Mâcon (Approx. 180 miles)​

• Route: Head south from Château-Thierry and avoid major highways by following local roads through towns like Reims, Troyes, and Sens. Continue on to Mâcon.
• Main towns you’ll pass: Reims, Troyes, and Sens.
• Key features: This section offers a lot of rural French countryside, with vineyards as you approach Mâcon, a town known for its wine production.
• Recommended stop: Mâcon is a great place to stop, with plenty of local wine and dining options for you to unwind.

Day 3: Mâcon to Apt (Approx. 190 miles)​

• Route: From Mâcon, head south, passing through picturesque towns like Valence, Montélimar, and Orange before reaching your destination, Apt.
• Main towns you’ll pass: Valence, Montélimar, and Orange.
• Key features: This leg of the journey will take you through the stunning Rhône Valley, with its characteristic vineyards and beautiful landscapes. As you approach Provence, the scenery will become more rugged and mountainous, which should make for a thrilling motorcycle ride.
• Recommended stop: Apt, the heart of Provence, with its charming market and the surrounding lavender fields, perfect for exploring once you arrive.

---

This route provides a relaxed and scenic three-day ride while keeping each day's travel under 200 miles, allowing you to enjoy the motorcycle experience without feeling rushed. You'll experience a range of landscapes, from rolling countryside to vineyards, and charming French towns.

You said:​

Please give me the detailed road numbers for this route

ChatGPT said:​

Sure! Here's a more detailed route with road numbers that avoids motorways and toll roads, perfect for your motorcycle journey from Calais to Apt. I'll break down each day with specific road numbers.

Day 1: Calais to Château-Thierry (Approx. 160 miles)​

• Start in Calais and head south on D940 (a smaller road heading towards Boulogne-sur-Mer).
• Boulogne-sur-Mer: Continue on D940 towards Abbeville.
• After Abbeville, continue south, passing Friville-Escarbotin and heading toward Nouvion on D1.
• Continue south to Château-Thierry on the D8.

Day 2: Château-Thierry to Mâcon (Approx. 180 miles)​

• From Château-Thierry, head southeast via D1 to Reims (a beautiful town worth a stop).
• After Reims, head south on D9 toward Troyes.
• From Troyes, take D71 and head south toward Sens.
• Continue on D5 and follow smaller rural roads through towns like Mello and Chablis until reaching Mâcon.

Day 3: Mâcon to Apt (Approx. 190 miles)​

• Depart from Mâcon and follow D906 south toward Bourg-en-Bresse.
• Once past Bourg-en-Bresse, continue south using D1084 and pass through Valence.
• From Valence, take D104 and head toward Montélimar.
• After Montélimar, continue along D8 and head toward Orange.
• From Orange, continue on D900, passing through the small towns on the way to Apt, your destination.

Summary of Key Roads:​

• Calais to Château-Thierry: D940, D1, D8
• Château-Thierry to Mâcon: D1, D9, D71, D5
• Mâcon to Apt: D906, D1084, D104, D8, D900

---

This route is designed to take you along smaller roads, keeping the driving enjoyable and scenic without using highways or toll roads. Enjoy your journey through northern France, Burgundy, and Provence!

You said:​

Please show me the route as a map

ChatGPT said:​

It seems like I can’t do more advanced data analysis right now. Please try again later. Let me know if you'd like me to help with something else in the meantime!

Can you give me the route as a GPX file, please.

ChatGPT said:​

I currently can't generate a GPX file directly at this moment. However, I can guide you through how you can create it manually using the route details. Here’s a simple process to create a GPX file:

1. Use an Online Route Planner:
   • Websites like Komoot, RouteYou, or MyRouteApp allow you to create routes and export them as GPX files.
   • Enter the starting and ending points (Calais and Apt), and the key waypoints (such as Château-Thierry, Reims, Mâcon, etc.).
   • Select "avoid highways" or "avoid tolls" options if available, and the tool will create a custom route for you.
2. Create a GPX File Manually: You can use an online GPX generator like this sample structure:

xml
Copy

:::.Edit.::: code removed due to formatting error. BHT

Simply copy and paste the above XML into a text editor, save it as a .gpx file, and upload it to your GPS or navigation app.

If you’d like, I can help walk you through more options!

You said:​

Thank you, you have been very helpful.

ChatGPT said:​

You're very welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions in the future, whether it's about your route or anything else, feel free to reach out. Have an amazing trip to Provence, and enjoy the ride!

=======

Comment

1. This was all without any kind of subscription to ChatGPT

2. It was only the second time I have used it, the first time being yesterday for post #1

3. I tried to use a typical requests, such as we might see on these pages

4. It is impressively fast and human like in its response

5. A pop-up window told me:



I think I’ll sign up, to experiment further.

6. Leaving aside the speed of the replies, what was to me impressive was the way I could ask subsequent questions, refining the answers further. To have this for free is a great resource.

 

[Wapping]

At some point, I’ll create the route manually in MyRoute, using the road numbers ChatGPT gave me. I’ll share the result here.

 

[Monsieur]

The future!
Give it time and there’ll be automated motorcycles, just input your AI route into the bike’s computer then sit back and ‘relax’ as the BMW GS (automated) whizzes you through the French countryside at the regulated 59mph.

 

[ymfb]

I used ChatGPT last week for the first time to help with complicated (to me) excel formulas and to create a pre contract meeting agenda, both were time saving but far from the finished product. I’m impressed and will be using it regularly from now on.

 

[Monsieur]

As a total idiot where AI (and most computer and technology thingies) is involved, where is the AI on my macbook? Website? Assume it costs money to use it?

 

[Wapping]

The future!
Give it time and there’ll be automated motorcycles, just input your AI route into the bike’s computer then sit back and ‘relax’ as the BMW GS (automated) whizzes you through the French countryside at the regulated 59mph.

That is exactly how some bikermates use their expensive Garmin device or uber iPhone …. Take me from A to B, avoiding motorways and tolls…. Or they ask the same question here, usually leaving on Thursday with six mates….

 

[Wapping]

As a total idiot where AI (and most computer and technology thingies) is involved, where is the AI on my macbook? Website? Assume it costs money to use it?

Google: ChatGPT

It’s free.

PS Your question was almost 30 words long. Google will do it in three

 

[Wapping]

I used ChatGPT last week for the first time to help with complicated (to me) excel formulas and to create a pre contract meeting agenda, both were time saving but far from the finished product. I’m impressed and will be using it regularly from now on.

The route it offered up is a bit chaotic but I can see what it was trying to do. In short, it was not far wrong for much of it. It did though give an ‘interesting’ twist on how to get from Calais to Chateau-Thierry.

I get the impression that it ‘learns’ as it goes along.

For a free tool, it is impressive and will, with time, get better I’m sure, just as phones have in my lifetime.

I’ll play some more.

 

[Sneldog]

I use AI a lot for work. Am happy to help. There are lots of AI agents available.

Start here:

Grok — Truth-seeking AI Chatbot with Voice & Image Generation | xAI

Learn about Grok, xAI's truth-seeking AI chatbot. Voice chat, image and video generation, real-time search, coding help, and advanced reasoning — on web, iOS, Android.

x.ai

https://chatgpt.com/

You can get apps for both of these for your phone. However a desktop tends to be best as you will be typing quite a bit.

The key thing to understand with working with AI is prompt engineering. For example, the more context you can provide, the better the results will be.

For Wapping’s example, prompt engineering could look like this:

Prompt Title: “Plan a Six-Week Motorcycling Route in France with Scenic and Cultural Highlights”

Prompt Body: “I want to create a detailed six-week motorcycling route across France, focusing on scenic roads, cultural highlights, and enjoyable places to stay. The itinerary should include a mix of coastal, mountain, and countryside routes, ensuring a balance of riding and sightseeing. Here are my requirements:

• Duration: 6 weeks (42 days)
• Maximum stay: 3 nights in any one place
• Prioritise scenic roads (e.g. Route des Grandes Alpes, Gorges du Verdon, Loire Valley, etc.)
• Include must-see locations such as Mont Saint-Michel, Provence, the Alsace wine route, Dordogne, and the Pyrenees
• Stay in picturesque towns or cities with good food, history, or unique charm (e.g. Annecy, Carcassonne, Colmar, etc.)
• Balance daily riding distance for enjoyment (150–300 km per day)
• Suggest accommodation in charming hotels, inns, or motorcycle-friendly guesthouses
• Consider seasonal factors for the best riding experience
• Return to the starting location at the end of the trip (if feasible, a loop route preferred)

Provide the itinerary in a structured format, listing each day’s route, key stops, notable experiences, and recommended accommodation.”



Of course, the above is a lot of clever content to create so the best and fastest way to get to this point is to ask AI a different first question as follows:

If I wanted to create an excellent motorcycling route lasting six weeks in France, staying for no more than three days in one place and always in nice places to visit, what would best practice prompt engineering look like for an AI tool?”

I just took the prompts suggested by AI above and ran them through ChatGPT. The results were decent (try for yourself) but I then refined with several subsequent questions.


Certainly! Incorporating Detecht Roadbook’s recommended routes will enhance your six-week motorcycling journey across France. Below is a revised itinerary that integrates these top routes, ensuring a blend of scenic landscapes and cultural highlights.

Six-Week Motorcycling Route Across France

Week 1: Northern & Western France – Normandy and Brittany

Day 1: Calais → Dieppe (200 km)

• Route: Calais → Boulogne-sur-Mer → Le Touquet → Dieppe
• Highlights: Ride along the Alabaster Coast, exploring seaside towns.
• Stay: Dieppe, known for its historic port.

Day 2: Dieppe → Honfleur (100 km)

• Route: Dieppe → Fécamp → Étretat → Honfleur
• Highlights: Visit the white cliffs of Étretat and the picturesque port of Honfleur.
• Stay: Honfleur, with its charming harbour.

Day 3: Honfleur → Mont Saint-Michel (180 km)

• Route: Honfleur → Caen → Bayeux → Mont Saint-Michel
• Highlights: Explore Bayeux’s tapestry and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel.
• Stay: Near Mont Saint-Michel.

Day 4: Mont Saint-Michel → Saint-Malo (60 km)

• Route: Mont Saint-Michel → Cancale → Saint-Malo
• Highlights: Taste oysters in Cancale and explore the walled city of Saint-Malo.
• Stay: Saint-Malo.

Day 5: Saint-Malo → Roscoff (230 km)

• Route: Saint-Malo → Dinan → Morlaix → Roscoff
• Highlights: Ride through medieval towns and coastal roads.
• Stay: Roscoff, a quaint port town.

Day 6: Roscoff → Quiberon (220 km)

• Route: Roscoff → Brest → Quimper → Quiberon
• Highlights: Experience Brittany’s rugged coastline.
• Stay: Quiberon, on the scenic peninsula.

Day 7: Quiberon → Nantes (150 km)

• Route: Quiberon → Vannes → Nantes
• Highlights: Visit Vannes’ medieval city and Nantes’ Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
• Stay: Nantes.


Week 2: Loire Valley & Central France

Day 8: Nantes → Tours (220 km)

• Route: Nantes → Angers → Saumur → Tours
• Highlights: Ride along the Loire River, visiting châteaux and vineyards.
• Stay: Tours, a vibrant city in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Day 9: Tours → Bourges (150 km)

• Route: Tours → Loches → Châteauroux → Bourges
• Highlights: Explore historic towns and the Bourges Cathedral.
• Stay: Bourges.

Day 10: Bourges → Clermont-Ferrand (200 km)

• Route: Bourges → Montluçon → Clermont-Ferrand
• Highlights: Ride through the Auvergne region, known for its volcanoes.
• Stay: Clermont-Ferrand.

Day 11: Clermont-Ferrand → Lyon (170 km)

• Route: Clermont-Ferrand → Le Puy-en-Velay → Lyon
• Highlights: Visit Le Puy-en-Velay’s cathedral and Lyon’s culinary delights.
• Stay: Lyon.

Day 12: Lyon → Grenoble (110 km)

• Route: Lyon → Chambéry → Grenoble
• Highlights: Ride into the Alps, with scenic mountain views.
• Stay: Grenoble.

Day 13: Grenoble → Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (150 km)

• Route: Grenoble → Albertville → Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
• Highlights: Experience alpine roads leading to Mont Blanc.
• Stay: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Day 14: Rest Day in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

• Activities: Explore the town, take a cable car to Aiguille du Midi, or relax.
• Stay: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Week 3: The Alps & Provence

Day 15: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc → Route des Grandes Alpes → Briançon (250 km)

• Route: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc → Megève → Col de la Bonette → Briançon
• Highlights: Ride the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, experiencing high mountain passes.
• Stay: Briançon, a fortified alpine town.

Day 16: Briançon → Verdon Gorge (200 km)

• Route: Briançon → Digne-les-Bains → Moustiers-Sainte-Marie → Verdon Gorge
• Highlights: Explore the stunning Verdon Gorge, often called Europe’s Grand Canyon.
• Stay: Near Verdon Gorge.

 

[Sneldog]

Here’s the full updated six-week motorcycling itinerary, now incorporating Detecht Roadbook’s best routes and additional scenic rides.

Ultimate Six-Week Motorcycling Route Across France

Total Distance: ~7,000 km

Roads Integrated:

Route des Grandes Alpes

Route Napoleon

Verdon Gorge

Col de la Bonette (France’s highest road)

Millau Viaduct & Gorges du Tarn

Alsace Wine Route

Week 3: The Alps & Provence

Day 17: Briançon → Verdon Gorge (230 km, 5h riding)

Route: Briançon → Col de Vars → Barcelonnette → Col de la Bonette → Verdon Gorge
• Highlights: Ride Col de la Bonette, the highest paved road in France (2,715m).
• Stay: A mountain lodge near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Day 18: Verdon Gorge → Route Napoleon → Cannes (180 km, 4h riding)

Route: Verdon Gorge → Castellane → Route Napoleon → Cannes

• Highlights: Ride the Route Napoleon, one of France’s best motorcycling roads.
• Stay: A boutique hotel in Cannes.

Day 19: Cannes → Monaco → Menton (80 km, 2h riding)

Route: Cannes → Nice → Monaco → Menton

• Highlights: The famous French Riviera coastal ride. Stop at Monaco for the F1 Grand Prix route.
• Stay: A seafront hotel in Menton, near the Italian border.

Day 20: Menton → Col de Turini → Sisteron (210 km, 5h riding)

Route: Menton → Col de Turini → Digne-les-Bains → Sisteron

• Highlights: Ride Col de Turini, one of the most iconic rally roads.
• Stay: A scenic guesthouse in Sisteron.

Day 21: Sisteron → Mont Ventoux → Avignon (190 km, 4h riding)

Route: Sisteron → Mont Ventoux → Avignon

• Highlights: Ride up Mont Ventoux, a legendary Tour de France climb.
• Stay: A charming hotel in Avignon’s old town.

Week 4: Southern France & The Pyrenees

Day 22: Avignon → Pont du Gard → Millau (230 km, 5h riding)

Route: Avignon → Pont du Gard → Millau

• Highlights: Visit Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
• Stay: A riverside hotel near Millau Viaduct.

Day 23: Millau → Gorges du Tarn → Albi (180 km, 4h riding)

Route: Millau → Gorges du Tarn → Albi

• Highlights: Ride through Gorges du Tarn, a spectacular canyon road.
• Stay: A historic hotel in Albi, home of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Day 24: Albi → Carcassonne (120 km, 3h riding)

Route: Albi → Castres → Carcassonne

• Highlights: Explore Carcassonne, France’s most famous medieval city.
• Stay: A hotel inside Carcassonne’s fortress walls.

Day 25: Carcassonne → Pyrenees National Park (200 km, 5h riding)

Route: Carcassonne → Foix → Col de Peyresourde → Luz-Saint-Sauveur

• Highlights: Ride Col de Peyresourde, a stunning Pyrenean pass.
• Stay: A mountain lodge in Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

Day 26: Luz-Saint-Sauveur → Col du Tourmalet → Biarritz (250 km, 6h riding)

Route: Luz-Saint-Sauveur → Col du Tourmalet → Pau → Biarritz

• Highlights: Ride Col du Tourmalet, a famous Pyrenean pass.
• Stay: A beachfront hotel in Biarritz.

Week 5: Bordeaux & Central France

Day 27: Biarritz → Bordeaux (180 km, 4h riding)

Route: Biarritz → Arcachon → Bordeaux

• Highlights: Visit Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune.
• Stay: A vineyard hotel near Saint-Émilion.

Day 28: Bordeaux → Cognac → Poitiers (220 km, 5h riding)

Route: Bordeaux → Cognac → Poitiers

• Highlights: Cognac distillery tour.
• Stay: A boutique hotel in Poitiers.

Day 29: Poitiers → La Rochelle → Tours (220 km, 4h 30m riding)

Route: Poitiers → La Rochelle → Tours

• Highlights: Ride along the Atlantic Coast, stopping in La Rochelle.
• Stay: A historic hotel in Tours.

Day 30: Tours → Orléans → Troyes (250 km, 5h riding)

Route: Tours → Orléans → Troyes

• Highlights: The Loire Valley, Château de Chambord.
• Stay: A medieval-style inn in Troyes.

Week 6: Champagne, Alsace & Return North

Day 31: Troyes → Champagne Route → Reims (150 km, 3h riding)

Route: Troyes → Épernay → Reims

• Highlights: Ride through Champagne vineyards, visit famous houses like Moët & Chandon.
• Stay: A vineyard hotel near Reims.

Day 32: Reims → Verdun → Metz (180 km, 4h riding)

Route: Reims → Verdun → Metz

• Highlights: Verdun’s WWI battlefields and underground citadel.
• Stay: A riverside hotel in Metz.

Day 33: Metz → Vosges Mountains → Colmar (250 km, 5h riding)

Route: Metz → Ballon d’Alsace → Colmar

• Highlights: Ride Ballon d’Alsace, one of Alsace’s best motorcycling roads.
• Stay: A charming inn in Colmar’s Old Town.

Day 34: Colmar → Alsace Wine Route → Strasbourg (90 km, 2h riding)

Route: Colmar → Riquewihr → Obernai → Strasbourg

• Highlights: The Alsace Wine Route, with medieval villages and vineyards.
• Stay: A boutique hotel in Strasbourg.

Day 35: Strasbourg → Luxembourg → Sedan (230 km, 5h riding)

Route: Strasbourg → Luxembourg City → Sedan

• Highlights: Quick detour to Luxembourg.
• Stay: A chateau hotel in Sedan.

Day 36: Sedan → Calais (260 km, 4h riding)

Route: Sedan → Arras → Calais

• Highlights: WWI history in Arras.
• Stay: Final night in Calais.

Final Summary:

• Distance: ~7,000 km
• Best Roads: Route des Grandes Alpes, Verdon Gorge, Route Napoleon, Champagne & Alsace Wine Routes


• Accommodation: Scenic lodges, historic châteaux, boutique hotels

Next Steps:

1. I’ll create a Google My Maps version of this route with all the waypoints.

2. You can export it to GPX for your GPS.

3. Would you like recommendations for biker-friendly hotels and restaurants?

 

[er-minio]

Out of curiosity, I was doing the same to plan my return leg from Spain (ride through France or sail from Bilbao) and asked GPT.

The response is fairly generic. Prompt wasn't, but I'll try again.
I use it a fair bit and the impression I have is that it became a bit "neutral" in the answers. Truth to be told, I used to be on the paid tier and now using the free version, so maybe that.

More than "planning", I was asking time differences, costs, etc. to then make a decision.

 

[Sneldog]

To be clear, ChatGPT cannot create maps yet. It responds to such a request like this:

I understand you’re eager to visualize your six-week motorcycling journey across France. While I cannot generate a custom map directly, I can guide you through creating one using Google My Maps. This will allow you to plot your detailed itinerary, including daily routes, key stops, and accommodations. Here’s how you can proceed:

Creating a Custom Map with Google My Maps

1. Access Google My Maps:

• Navigate to Google My Maps and sign in with your Google account.

2. Create a New Map:

• Click on “Create a new map”.

3. Plot Your Route:

• Use the search bar to locate your starting point (e.g., Calais).

• Click on the “Add directions” icon (shaped like an arrow) to start plotting your route.

• Input your daily destinations sequentially. For example:

• Day 1: Calais to Honfleur

• Day 2: Honfleur to Mont Saint-Michel

• Continue this process for each day of your journey.

4. Customize Your Map:

• Add markers for points of interest, scenic stops, and accommodations.

• Use different colors or icons to differentiate between types of stops or days.

5. Save Your Map:

• Click on “Untitled map” to rename it appropriately (e.g., “Six-Week France Motorcycle Tour”).

• Your map is automatically saved to your Google Drive.

Exporting Routes as GPX Files

While Google My Maps doesn’t support direct GPX export, you can use third-party tools to convert your map into GPX format:

1. Export to KML/KMZ:

• In Google My Maps, click on the three vertical dots next to your map’s name.
• Select “Export to KML/KMZ”.
• Choose to export the entire map or specific layers and click “Download”.

2. Convert KML to GPX:

• Use an online converter like GPS Visualizer or KML2GPX.
• Upload your KML/KMZ file and convert it to GPX format.
• Download the resulting GPX file.

3. Load GPX Files onto Your Device:

• Transfer the GPX files to your GPS device or smartphone application that supports GPX navigation.

Additional Resources

• Tutorial Video: For a visual guide on using Google My Maps for motorcycle trip planning, you might find this video helpful:
• How To Use Google Maps For A Motorcycle Trip or Route
• Sample Routes: To get inspiration or compare routes, consider exploring these resources:
• Best Motorcycle Roads in France - Detecht Roadbook
• France: Total Motorcycle Touring Trips Prepared for You - RiDE

By following these steps, you can create a detailed, interactive map of your journey and generate GPX files for seamless navigation. If you need further assistance or have specific questions about the process, feel free to ask!

 

[Sneldog]

Out of curiosity, I was doing the same to plan my return leg from Spain (ride through France or sail from Bilbao) and asked GPT.

The response is fairly generic. Prompt wasn't, but I'll try again.
I use it a fair bit and the impression I have is that it became a bit "neutral" in the answers. Truth to be told, I used to be on the paid tier and now using the free version, so maybe that.

It is all about the prompt. First question for you to try would be the one above. What would be the best prompt engineering to determine a fantastic motorbike route from Bilbao to Calais, incorporating great roads and great places to visit?

 

[wessie]

5 trees were cut down in the Amazon to fit solar panels to generate the electricity for your enquiry

 

[Sneldog]

Another example of a good prompt: For the route above, can you give me examples of restaurants for each evening during week 1. My preference is for French regional cooking, rather than fine dining or fast food. Please ensure that the restaurants have a Google review rating or Trip Advisor score of 4 or higher.

This returned excellent results.

 

[Sneldog]

5 trees were cut down in the Amazon to fit solar panels to generate the electricity for your enquiry

Which is why we need nuclear power. Not get rich quick schemes for government cronies.

 

[Sneldog]

I am experimenting with Grok 3 Beta currently. It is different to ChatGPT and really interesting. I asked it the same question about prompt engineering and got this response:

To craft an excellent six-week motorcycling route through France using an AI tool like me, you’d want to design a prompt that’s clear, specific, and structured, while leaving room for creativity and expertise. Best practice prompt engineering here means balancing detail with flexibility, ensuring the AI understands your goals and constraints without overwhelming it with unnecessary rules. Here’s what that might look like:

---

"Plan a six-week motorcycling route through France, starting and ending in Paris, designed for a passionate rider seeking scenic roads, cultural stops, and charming stays. Ensure the route includes no more than three days in any one location, prioritizing picturesque towns, historic sites, and natural beauty—think places like Provence, the Loire Valley, or the Alps. Focus on enjoyable riding roads (e.g., twisty mountain passes, coastal stretches, or rolling countryside) rather than just the fastest highways. For each stop, suggest a specific, appealing place to stay (e.g., a boutique hotel, château, or village inn) and one must-visit attraction or activity (e.g., a castle, vineyard, or local market). Keep the total riding time per day between 3-6 hours, allowing for exploration, and aim for a mix of famous regions and hidden gems. Provide a week-by-week breakdown with approximate distances and highlights."

---

### Why This Works:
1. **Clarity of Goal**: It states the purpose (a great motorcycling route) and audience (a passionate rider), setting the tone for a tailored response.
2. **Constraints**: Specifies the six-week duration, three-day max per stop, and daily riding time, giving the AI firm boundaries to work within.
3. **Preferences**: Highlights scenic roads, nice places to visit, and specific accommodation types, guiding the AI toward quality and variety.
4. **Structure**: Requests a week-by-week breakdown with distances and highlights, making the output organized and actionable.
5. **Flexibility**: Mentions regions like Provence or the Alps as examples but doesn’t lock the AI into a rigid list, encouraging a blend of well-known and lesser-known spots.

You could tweak this further based on personal taste—say, adding "include at least three coastal stops" or "avoid big cities except Paris"—but the core idea is to be precise without micromanaging. If you fed this prompt to me, I’d churn out a detailed itinerary with roads like the Route des Crêtes in the Vosges, stays in places like Gordes, and stops at gems like the Gorges du Verdon. Want me to take a stab at it?


I will run them same exercise as above through Grok. I can share it but am conscious of flooding this thread so will only do so if asked or I think it is exceptionally valuable.

 

[Wapping]

5 trees were cut down in the Amazon to fit solar panels to generate the electricity for your enquiry

The paper saved by nobody buying a simple map any more, has saved entire forests.