SNCF - Paris to Biarritz - AutoRail.

[original_concept]

Has anyone taken a luggaged up GS on the Paris to Biarritz train?

Was there any problems with the size of the bike, panniers etc?

Thanks.

 

[Piaf]

Scroll down the PDF.doc there is a diagram which will help you.

If not go to the SNCF website and put in the dates etc., and the info is there too.



http://autotrain.voyages-sncf.com/a...body_Télécharger le guide Auto Train (PDF, 1,

http://autotrain.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/autotrain-webapp/homeControl.action

 

[original_concept]

Aye, thanks I saw that before, just wondered if anyone had any experience of it.

Looks like I'll find out soon enough if I pull my finger out!

 

[Piaf]

Sorry only used it once (1981) with a car and 3 screaming kids. (Happy days !!)

 

[original_concept]

Sorry only used it once (1981) with a car and 3 screaming kids. (Happy days !!)

lol - I can imagine

cheers.

 

[paintman]

I have used the Autotrain several times on the Paris/Nice route, but I am sure its the same format, the loaders know what there doing and tie the bikes down securely with plastic strapping which has not caused any damage.

The only thing to be careful with is your screen especially if its quite high, it may strike the underside of the upper deck, I adjust mine down to its lowest setting and thats fine.

 

[original_concept]

Cheers Paintman. I was wondering about the screen height, I was thinking of taking a driver to remove it during the journey, just in case.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Confused.

Its only 480 miles....so why not ride?

 

[paintman]

Confused.

Its only 480 miles....so why not ride?

At the end of a touring holiday in the Alps or perhaps the Italian lakes we pop the bike on the Autotrain, and ourselves on the TGV, a few hours later we are having a lovely meal somewhere in Paris, maybe al fresco at Montartre followed by a good nights rest in a hotel.
The next morning we collect the bike and return home, if you can convince my wife that two days on the back pounding the autoroutes with a night in a formula one style bunkhouse is a better option then the stage is all yours...................

 

[Bury_Dave]

Cheers Paintman. I was wondering about the screen height, I was thinking of taking a driver to remove it during the journey, just in case.

Surely you're taking 'some' kind of a toolkit ? A multitool maybe ? Man you travel light ! Hardcore

Dave

 

[original_concept]

Surely you're taking 'some' kind of a toolkit ? A multitool maybe ? Man you travel light ! Hardcore

Dave

I have a 'driver'

No toolkit required

 

[Andy B]

I did Paris to Nice two years ago. Everything to do with the bike was great. Couple of things I would consider doing differently next time though:

The bikes don't go on the same train as you do. With that in mind I'd look at loading as soon as you are allowed to and get a TGV to wherever and then a cheap hotel at the other end.

If you use the train they recommend watch out for thieves. This was a big problem some years ago but we were told it had been stopped. It is almost certainly train staff. Someone tried to rob us but hadn't realised I was still in the carriage. By the time I had worked out what was going on he'd legged it and I wasn't dressed to pursue!

 

[adventuredon]

Train the bike to Biarritz? Did you do it?

Cheers Paintman. I was wondering about the screen height, I was thinking of taking a driver to remove it during the journey, just in case.

HI, I know this now an old thread but I ride quite often to Biarritz. I agree, the ride is great but SWMBO is hard to convince to to do it in 2 days on autoroute and 3 days on the lovely D roads eats into a holiday at the seaside. What did you do, what were the cost implications? Was it cheaper, time taken, ease of use? Did you consider an overnight ferry to Santander or that area? Please post details so I can considerthis as an option. Thanks