Aloha, I'm headed to Rennes for July 8 to the 11th to catch a few stages of the Tour de France solo. Yep, I know I'm crazy but I've watched since I was 11 and finally will actually be in France while it's running. I am a bit mobility challenged ( out of shape and have a torn meniscus in my knee). I'm not renting a car and hoping to be able to use public transportation to get to St. Malo for one stage, the next day to Mont St. Michel and lastly to watch the depart from Fougeres. I'm looking to see if anyone else has done something of the sort (public transportation between cities for the day but returning back to centrally located hotel each night). I hope that make sense. Thanks for any advise or tips anyone can offer.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
I was just in Rennes this spring. It is a charming city and a great transportation hub. To get to either St. Malo or Mont St. Michel, buses are your best option. They run frequently in both directions to these destinations. I don't know about Fougeres. Buses leave from the train station, so you may want to stay near that part of the city. Unlike many European cities, the district near the train station is quite nice and safe. If you want to stay in an apartment and don't mind stairs, I stayed in this fabulous 17th-century building on Place des Lices. It was extremely comfortable and the owner, Eric, is beyond charming--he explodes the myth about French rudeness. Gite des Lices
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Just keep in mind that road closures will happen many hours before the tour actually rolls in. This could affect transportation routes, so you'll have to stay on top of that. Don't know if there's a website for the public transportation network in that area, but if there is, be sure to check it in the days preceeding your visit. You may need to leave earlier than you ever imagined.
Posted by
OP
Mililani, HI, USA
2 posts
Thank you for the advice :)I've done some more research about the bus, no mention yet about change in schedule due to the tour but that is to be expected. I am beyond excited! I can't wait! Thanks again for the help.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
This is going to be difficult, especially without a car and partial disability. We plan on attending, but stage 18 and Finale. We've done a stage or two in 2006, so we have a little experience. I begin my preparation in Oct.2012 when tour was announced and its still a pain to work out all the logistics. We've tried using this blog and other cycle blogs but its hard to get a specific answer sometimes. I admire your desire to want to see this. We fell in love with the TDF in 2004 and it gets in your mind in a good kinda way. Road closures, inability to speak France are just a few of your obstacles. You may have to use this trip as your " learning curve" trip. Or....you might consider having your hotel recommend a guide and let them drive you. This may get pricey, but at this late stage that may be your only choice. Also....you'll need to awaken early, 4 or 5 am, roads may be closed off as early as 9 am or the evening prior to race day. I'm not going to tell you to find a comfortable TV viewing spot and give up, but you are going to have to hustle if you want a favorable experience.