European Tour - My First Week in France | Episode 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มี.ค. 2024
- This is the first video from my trip into Europe that I set off on last week. I have two months free, and I have deliberately embarked on this trip without any set plans of where I want to go and what I want to do, I have instead just loaded up my campervan with hiking and biking gear so that I can explore the countries I visit in a variety of different ways.
My general plan is to head south, and that is what I did in this video. I am making slow progress, which is just what I wanted. In this video I take it easy in the first couple of days as I settle into van/home for the next couple of months, before finding some really lovely locations for day rides out on my Kona Sutra.
I hope you all enjoyed the video, it is something a bit different for me, but I am really finding a nice routine with the trip now, and I am looking forward to many more amazing hikes and rides over the coming weeks.
Thank you for watching.
Links
Ride from Lyons La Foret
www.komoot.com/tour/145989255...
Ride from Montreuil-bellay
www.komoot.com/tour/146438029...
Ko-fi (If you want to support the channel): ko-fi.com/matryder
![ภาพนี้ก็ฮาเหมือนกันนะเนี้ย #1 SS8 [ พากย์นรก MEME.EXE ] | easy boy](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ytc50m91QK8/mqdefault.jpg)
Why not name the cemetery and whose nation is buried there?
It's Etaples Military Cemetery. There are 11,517 identified casualties. Predominantly commonwealth burials of the first world war but also commonwealth and non commonwealth burials from the second world war. There are also five non world war service burials here.
Why not explain the history of the universe in a half hour video.? @@matryderadventures
I like the format of this video. The full experience. A good mix of bike, tour, sites, van, narration and personal stories and challenges.
Excellent. Great feedback, thanks. I'm glad you like the format. Cheers 👍
Thanks for taking us along Mat! I’m amazed at the lack of people, it’s like Montana with gothic architecture and cobblestone walks. 😅 Safe travels!
You are definitely right! It's pretty empty here. Just how I like it. Cheers 👍
Hey Matt, Love the new video series, what a great format.
So right about the British weather, we just spent about 15 days in and Wales, rained everyday, first time back home in over 7 years!! Happy to be back in Canada now though a chance to dry out. 😂
Looking forward to catching up and watching the series.
Bob...
Hi Bob. I love Wales but the rain......still beautiful though. I'm glad you like this series. Cheers 👍
Go closer to the coast as you are missing some great places, for instance the Cherbourg peninsula is stunning, Honfleur is an amazing little town, you'll also find more to do and have the opportunity to meet people. The middle of France is dull!
I will be following the coast on my way back up. I'll look up your suggestions. Cheers 👍
Really looking forward to following along with this, it looks like you are really settling into it by the end of this video. Enjoy!
Hi. It took a few days but yes, I've settled in well. It's been an excellent trip so far. The last week has been excellent. Cheers 👍
And now for something completely different…. Van life in Europe in spring.
It surprises me how quiet France is. If you’d be there in summer it would be crowded.
It’s great you get to do two beautiful long trips this year! Have fun!
Thanks. It's going really well so far. It's so peaceful here. I'm loving France. I'll.soon be in Spain so will discover what that's like. Thanks for following along 👍
Great vid. Like the format. Looking fwd to the rest of the trip 👍
I'm glad you like it. It's a new type of video for us. Cheers 👍
Hi Mat what a fantastic video loved every second of it!! The Village ride thru's OMG 🤗 and the drone footage!!!! looking forward to the next instalment.
👍
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. It's a different type of video to our usual stuff so it's good to get feedback from regulars. Cheers 👍
My old country. My family still has a house near Le Mans. I use to go there to watch the 24 hours race. You are starting the trans in June. I will be following you. I am starting the east coast greenway at the end of August. Planning to do the great divide next summer. After watching your video there were not turning back🤪
Hi. I would love to get to Le Mans for the 24 hour race. I visited for the Moto GP some years ago.
I start the Trans Am on July 22nd. I will.take a look at the east coast Greenway. You're going to love the GDMBR. It's an exceptional trail. Cheers 👍
Enjoy! Thought you would have visited the Normandy beaches and museums. I like WW2 history, I'll have to do that ride myself one day.
I'm planning on touring more in that area on the way back. It's a very beautiful area.
Nice one Matt another great adventure mate look fwd to part 2 ATB Coops 👍🏻🚴
Hi Coops. It's going well so far. Cheers 👍
Speaking of binge watching, this has been the channel that has me the most engaged. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your adventures, it gives me inspiration to get on the bike daily. Normally the bike has been for commuting and errands, but I found some designated bike trails so thank you again, and thank you for all your kind words towards us Americans, my wish it could be said for all of us. Be safe, enjoy and again love your content. 🚴🏻♀️🙏🏻🌟
Hi. I love comments like this. Thanks. It's such a nice feeling to hear that I've somehow managed to inspire somebody. I've only ever had positive experiences in America. I love the place and can't wait to get back in July. Cheers 👍
Great video Mat - I'm a bit of a history buff too and France looks incredible. Looking forward to further videos. I also struggle when I don't have a solid plan in place - the eternal struggle!!
Derek in Ottawa.
Hi Derek. This is the place to be if you enjoy history. Every town has so much to see.
France has made it very easy to get around without a firm plan. Every town/village has multiple places to stay. I'll be in Spain soon so will discover if that's also the case there. Cheers 👍
There should be no negative comments on this video. Period.
Thanks. I honestly rarely get any negative comments. I get some pretty strange ones sometimes but that's about it. Cheers 👍
I'm a bit envious. What a great experience you must be having....
It's been a fantastic experience so far. I'm two weeks in, and it's flown by. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍
Awesome video! That’s a really nice area; many years since I was there. Used to spend most summers in Europe. Enjoy the adventure!
It's incredible here. I'm loving this trip so far. Cheers 👍
Those towns look so amazing and your camper looks comfortable .
The small towns are very interesting. There's so much history here. The van is great. It has all I need. Cheers 👍
Another great video and will send to Pat to watch on his iPad
Hi Richard. He's my number one fan!!! Cheers 👍👍
Oooh, Matt thoroughly enjoyed this .oh my beautiful views and great architecture thanks for taking us along with you .can't wait for more 👍
Hi Wendy. I'm glad you liked this one. Plenty more to come. I hope you're doing well. Cheers 👍
When you go to Portland, OR maybe you could reach out to Dustin Klein, Everything been done channel for an interview, talk bike culture in UK vs USA, bike packing, TH-cam vlogging and more. Awesome start to your tour.
That's very interesting. I'll do a bit of research and see if that works out. Cheers 👍
What a great trip! Those tunnels are amazing
They were amazing. I should have taken more time to find others. Cheers 👍
Awesome! 👍😎🇨🇦
Thanks. I'll be back in Canada at some point. I loved it. Cheers 👍
Just watched the video Math. You’re going have to inherit Dad’s nickname “Luminous Legs “. Sorry son. Blame Josie. Oh yes and I loved the video. X
Thanks Josie 🤣🤣. Luminous legs....not for long.
Really liking your videos! Keep up the great work 🎉
Thanks.. I'll do my best. Thanks for watching 👍
What beautiful places to explore. Stunning views. Have an amazing few weeks, and keep up the awesome filming. Love the drone shots ❤.
The velo routes by the canals look great
I think I have one coming up. Maybe tomorrow. Cheers 👍
Nice story. Whenever I've done this kind of thing I've ended up feeling a bit lonely. Somehow I like the idea of a continuous tour from A to B better for a sense of purpose.
Interesting. I can definitely see where you're coming from. I think I prefer the A to B trips too. There is a definite sense of purpose and a clear idea of progress. Cheers 👍
Here you/we go again! I spent 2 months in France, Vendee and Brittany a few years ago, we were thinking of moving there. This reminds me of how empty everywhere is, hardly any traffic or people, it’s the same all over, apart from the bigger towns and cities. Great video and looking forward to following your trip. Bon chance!
It is an incredible place. I'm astonished at how few people are here. I love it. I can definitely see why you thought about moving here. Thanks for following along 👍
This is a great vid Matt, congrats on a great presentation.. From Western Australia..
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. I really have to get out to Australia. I've never been. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures Its a good place to visit, try to steer clear of the three big cities on the east coast as they are nothing like what Oz is all about.. Looking forward to your next vid’s as we are looking at doing a bit of a tour this time next year and you are showing us som great areas.. Thank you Matt..
I will definitely steer clear of the big cities. Thanks. Good luck on your tour next year. I'll be interested to hear where you decide to go. Cheers 👍
Beautiful bike ride, dude!
Thanks. It's pretty amazing over here. Cheers 👍
I hope I'm wrong but I think you are going to hate it !!! There's nothing like the freedom of bike touring and I definitely think you have the bug !!! Going from A-B-C and never going back is addictive !!! I will watch along and see if I'm wrong !!! Happy cycling wherever you are .
We'll see. I love the bike touring and can't wait to get out on the TransAm. The van experience is completely different and I'm seeing a lot in a short amount of time. Luckily, this year I can do both. Cheers 👍
We cycled the Loire Valley 6 years ago and really enjoyed it, lovely scenery and not hilly as I recall. As for boredom I tend to snack even though I’m not hungry. Need to keep active I guess 😊. Cheers for posting.
I've discovered the same thing. I eat when I'm bored. The key is to keep moving. France has been incredible. I'll soon be in the Pyrenees and can't wait. Cheers 👍
Really enjoyed that one Mat …
Looking forward to more of France by van and bike. Wonderful how all the towns welcome van parking .. if that was the UK they would be finding ways to charge you for everything. What really sticks out is no litter and Sunday closing … sensible
Sadly, I agree with your analysis of vans and how they are welcomed here. It makes touring here very easy and explains why so many Brits head over here. I hadn't thought about it but now you've pointed it out there is absolutely no litter anywhere. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍
Another great video! Your van setup looks to be perfect for this sort of excursion.
Thanks. It's working out very well so far. Cheers 👍
Great to be following your adventures again! Cheers
Good to hear. Thanks for all the support 👍
Awesome Mat, looking forward to the series and see how you get on just winging it every day. Great start so far!
And thanks to you I'm now looking at dehydrators for camping meals!
Thanks. It's working out great so far. I'm still on France but will soon be in Spain.
Dehydrators are very easy to use and can save you a fortune. Mine was fairly cheap and works great. Cheers and thanks for all the support 👍
Lovely video, gentle and inspiring
That's nice to hear. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching 👍
Mat, thanks for taking us along!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching 👍
Excellent Episode 1! I know exactly what you mean when you say you are used to a plan. I always have plan A, B & C. If A doesn't work out there is B, if B doesn't then C. If C doesn't I am frigged. lol Thanks for sharing and look at you at almost 5K subscribers, great job! :) :)
Thanks Jacqueline. I'm getting used to being a bit more relaxed with the planning, but I still feel a bit uneasy not knowing where I'm headed more than one or two days ahead. It's like immersion therapy. Cheers 👍
Watched the GDMBR recently very enjoyable so now a subscriber great content 😊
Excellent.!! Thanks for subscribing. Cheers 👍
Enjoy Mat, looking great and your spirit will pull thru stress. You'll enjoy and look forward to watching myself.
Out here on the GDMBR
Cheers Steve 👍👍
0:10 Good choice of tires. Been riding on Radlers and Ridlers for the past 9,000 miles on my gravel bike here in Arizona. Great for road, gravel, and some single track. Love the videos, ride on!
I'm very pleased with them. Yesterday's ride was definitely more gravel than road and they were great. Cheers 👍
Certainly living the dream Mat. Love your van and being a Francophile I love France. I try and tour over there on my motorcycle at least once a year. Its so much easier than my bike without an engine and there are so many interesting places to see. If you just take in the WW 1 \ 2 sites it takes a long time to see them all. Whenever I return from France the UK seems so hemmed in and we have demolished far too much of our architecture unlike France. What do think about the Tailfin rack. Is it worth the money. Ted
Hi Ted. I'd love to do a tour over here on a motorcycle. I haven't ridden for a few years now but will get back into it. The Tailfin is excellent. I would recommend it. Expensive but worth it. Cheers 👍
RIDE SAFE ALWAYS OLD PAL👍
I will. You too. Cheers 👍
Just happened across your channel and really enjoyed this video. You are doing what I dream of doing every day 😊 I am disabled and go through phases where I cant walk. But then when I recover I spend time exploring the UK on my ebike.
One day I plan to get a camper and travel europe, maybe even further afield. Looking forward to seeing the trip to the US you mentioned, another place I'd love to see. Are you going to be using the train system they have over there?
It's great to hear that ebikes enable you to get out and explore. So far, France has been an awesome place to explore by van.
The TransAm is a cycle ride from the west coast of America to the east coast. I set off on July 22nd. Thanks for commenting 👍
Hi Mat spoke to you this morning at the Camping Car area near Cahors, will follow your channel from now. Have great fun here in France
Hi. Excellent news. Thanks for subscribing. I'm in a place called Montech tonight. It's a bit quieter than last night... Cheers 👍👍
Right at the start you went down to the sea to see what if there was anything to see. Reminded me of a piece of movie poetry from G.I. Jane.
“When I see the sea once more, will the sea have seen or not seen me?”
Senseless, just like me I guess 😅 That camper van of yours is a gem. Was it weird driving on the right (pun intended) side of the road? Thanks for the tag-along, love your adventures, as usual 🙂
Cheers Mat 🍻
Hi. I haven't watched G.I. Jane. I'll have to get around to it. I have plenty of time in the evenings.
The van is working out perfectly. It's the perfect size, small enough to go anywhere and large enough to be comfortable. I love it.
The road systems in France are so well designed. I had no trouble adapting to driving on the right. The only mistake I've made so far was on the bike, yesterday in fact. I went around a small roundabout the wrong way and caused chaos....Cheers and thanks again for all the support 👍
That was fun! So glad I found your channel. One thing that really struck me was the absence of people on that route. As someone who has lived my entire life in huge metropolitan areas it is really amazing to see that emptiness. Great to see the new bike and tires are working for you. And thanks again for foregoing the music soundtrack. I always find them so annoying and distracting. When you have good content, you don't need it.
It is very quiet here. It's partly due to the time of year, but even in peak season it's supposed to be quiet. I love it. Just the right amount of people. I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. Thanks for the support 👍
The beginning of another Adventure !Looking forward to your Trans AM ride as well. 42 lb. How does that compare to your weight at the beginning of your Tour ride
Hi. I'm really looking forward to the TransAm too. As far as I can remember, I was about 195lb when I set off on the GDMBR. When I finished I was 153lb and now I'm back to 195.
Great start bro. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Are you the only person in France this week? 😆
It seems like it. This place is awesome Bro. You'd love it.
Go to L'Isle sur La Sorge in Provence. Use it as a base to ride the beautiful small mountains and valleys of the Luberon, maybe a ride up Mt. Ventoux? Its a gorgeous area and is perfect right now with no tourists.
I'll look into that area. I'm close to the southern border at the moment but will be coming back through France again. Thanks for the recommendation 👍
Great video Mat. Enjoyed watching the start of your new adventure. Do you speak French Mat or just struggle through with English in the shops etc? all the best 👍
I can't really speak French but I can communicate just well enough. Most people here can tell that I'm British and are excellent English speakers anyway. I'm sure they appreciate my poor efforts though. Cheers 👍
Mrs Matt must be hugely tolerant or divorced? 2 months of swanning around France....you lucky ........and it's so empty, two thirds into vid before seeing another human. The joy's of the civilised world a mere ferry ride away.
It really is very empty. Just beautiful scenery and interesting places. It might be different once the season here starts in April. I'll find out.
I love the planning would feel naked without one. Well done for exposing yourself ;)
So far it's working out very well. France is making it all so easy. Maybe it'll be more of a challenge once I get to Spain but I am enjoying the freedom of being flexible so far. Cheers 👍
I've got the same eggs cups as you. Yeah, that's all I got from the video. It was wasted on me 😄
Fair enough...they are excellent egg cups. Cheers 👍
Spectacular scenery! Can't wait for the next episode. Question: Are you on Strava?
Strava! Strava? Dear God.....probably the worst thing that's happened to cycling bar electronic shifting.....
No. Not Strava. I use Komoot but don't tend to track anything. Links to the ride are in the description. Cheers 👍
Yay, the videos have begun 🇨🇵
France is a country that I've lived in and I have news about your pronunciation and it's not good.
Sorry Mat, I'll watch the rest of the video and find a positive.
🙂🚲👍
Hi Tony. I'll take the criticism. I think I need to work on my French. After two years of paying no attention in French class at school I can just about say hello, goodbye and sorry...
@@matryderadventures 🙂 forward me your locations ahead of arriving and I'll send you the pronunciations 🤣. Or Ross, and he can dub them in. I'm looking forward to you reaching Poland.
42lbs? It doesn't show up on camera, were the scales accurate!? Just class it as rollover calories in preparation for the Trans Am 🍕🍰
Rollover calories..I like it. My next location is probably going to be Carcassonne. I await your pronunciation instructions.
Oh wow, Carcassonne, an absolutely beautiful city, you're in for a medieval treat. If you need a day of rest yet I'd spend it there!
I lived in a commune just 25 miles WNW of there, if you come in via Toulouse you'll pass my old residence. Seeing that again would get me quite emotional!
A walk around the old citadel is a must I'd say.
Oh, and you chose an easy one... Car-cah-sonn-uh, with the 'uh' being soft.
I'm so envious! Enjoy 👍
I will be heading there from Toulouse. What was the name of the commune? I'll make sure I film it.
That town at 19:16 looks incredible!
It was Rhi. One of the best places so far. There are so many towns like this over here.
Living the dream!!
Yay! Another great one! I'm excited to see where this tour will take you.
I have a question. When you're traveling by car/van, do you ever drive through beautiful landscapes and think "gosh, I wish I could've touched that"? Like you're in it, but at the same time you're not, disconnected from the environment, cruising through it in a haze? I've felt like that sometimes in cars, like I'm not properly *in* it. So I'm wondering, if you've ever felt something like this, is it different on a bike? Do you feel more connected to the environments you're traveling through on a bike than in a car/van?
I had to really think about this question. Usually, when I'm driving, just getting from place to place, I do feel I want to get out and experience the environment. This time it's different. I tend to take short journeys from place to place, knowing I'll be out on either a hike or a ride once I arrive. It's definitely not as immersive as a bike tour, or a long through hike, but it's the next best thing. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍.
@@matryderadventures Thank you! 😊
Probably gone past now but Honfleur is an amazing little Town around a picturesque harbour.
On my return to the UK I plan to go up the coast so I'll be sure to stop there. Thank you for commenting 👍
@@matryderadventures 👍A good very large Aire in the centre by the docks.
How do you get the green light for these adventures from your other half? ..asking for a friend. 🙂
🤣🤣 I've always been the same. Caroline knew what I was like when we got together and she wants me to be happy.
Matt I live in Portland Oregon when you come over if you need ride to The coat are I can be help to you in any whey I well help tou
Hi. Thanks for the offer. It's really appreciated. I have the transfer from the airport to Astoria already arranged but if anything else crops up I'll get in touch. Cheers 👍
That a new bike or some upgrades done to the one from the Divide video?
Different bike. This is a touring/gravel bike. It's the one I'll use on the TransAm later this year.
Matt i live in Portland Oregon if need a ride to the Coast are pick airport i will help in any way i can
Thanks for the offer. It's really appreciated. I have a ride arranged but will be in touch if something crops up. Thanks again. Cheers 👍
You mentioned you're planning to do a bikepacking trip after this European tour. What trip are you planning to cycle?
Hi. I'm heading to the US to ride the TransAm on July 22nd.
@@matryderadventures that sounds very exciting!
Was that a playstation 1? Old school!
Almost. It's the recent mini version. It's perfect for the van. Old school games though. Cheers 👍
Since the UK left the European Union, is it more of a hassle to drive a Uk vehicle in France?
Not really. You need an EU driving kit (hi vis, warning triangle etc.) which is about £25 and a UK sticker for the back. It's pretty straightforward. The roads here are extremely good too as well as being reasonably quiet. I've set the satnav to avoid all toll roads and even then it's all very easy. Cheers 👍
Planning to come to South Germany?
Definitely. I was talking with Ross about South Germany a couple of days ago. It won't be this trip but the next van trip. It looks amazing. Cheers 👍
The Danube route passes about 250m from my house. It’s gorgeous. Anywhere you go around here is very nice. Full of asphalt tracks and a lil but of gravel here and there. All the routes very well marked, lots of them circular, so you can drop the van and have a nice bike day.
Sounds perfect. I will definitely be over soon, possibly next year. I've never been to Germany which is hard to believe.
Do you use a GoPro for your videos?
Yes. A Hero 11. I also use a foam wind cover thing called a windslayer. The drone is a DJI Mini 3 Pro.
@@matryderadventures I like the footage as it shows even the background sharp and with vibrant colours 👍
It does a great job for such a simple camera. I keep debating getting something with better image quality but it doesn't seem necessary.
Enjoy your European trip. Van life it’s not for me! On a bike you always have something to do…Look at the East Coast Greenway to St. Augustine and then jump on the Southern Tier. Another option
I'll have a look at those routes. Thanks. The TransAm is next on my list though. Looking forward to that. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures that’s a monster ride! I’ve done most of the Transamerica and dropped down from Tulsa, OK to Austin, TX to finish up on the Southern Tier! You have an amazing ride ahead! Lots of really nice people along the way
You only eat the egg yolks and not the rest of the egg?
No. I scrape the egg white or with a spoon. No waste. Cheers 👍
Now the wife’s saying “that’s something I’d like to do” so guess you’re reaching a broad audience lol
🤣 I could almost double my audience!!! Cheers 👍👍
Give Dan Jones podcast, this is history, A dynasty to die for, a go it's all about the plantagenets, Eleanor and richard etc keep you going on your epic rides and walks...great work..👍👍
What a fantastic idea. Why didn't I think of that. I'll definitely do that. I can listen to the history while I'm immersed in it. Cheers 👍👍👍👍
I sent my French friend neighbor an email, told him I met you here GDMBR our property area. He might be in France his other home. Maybe he will host you there. I'll keep you posted.
He has France phone number with states number so will wait to hear back from him. Hope you can meet him in France... Its not a real big country, you might be right near his property there.
Thanks Steve..that may work out. France is not that big. Let me know if you hear from him. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures haven't heard back but his property next to me is doing fire mitigation burns now. Beetle kill pine fires controlled on 350 acres plus his property. Dead wood to clear and reduce fire hazard plus new growth trees will come healthy
I didn't know they burned to kill the beetles. It's the only way I guess.
@@matryderadventures Sorry, the beetles that killed the trees 20 years ago are gone but the dead trees need to be controlled burned winter or summer dry months it's just fuel for wildfires. You passed a burn scare from wildfire 5 miles from me by that big mill building, few years ago was scary summer 10's of thousands of acre's burning right there. You wouldn't have been able to ride, road was closed a good month, I was on pre evacuate orders, only people that could get back here resident and first responder firefighters. Ride let alone breath was difficult all the smoke, night time headlamp looked like snowing so much ash.
"Built between the 5th and 16th Centuries." You realize you are in France, right?