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Hi Darren
With your schedule on day one I would get on the fast main road initially. Don't go anywhere near Paris; take the northern road down to Caen. Depending on how quickly you crack that first bit you can then get on the smaller roads, which are obviously much more enjoyable, for the run down to Rennes.
I would take a small picnic for lunch on day one. The sarnies in French fuel stations are of the 'long life' variety and need to be avoided. You will save time on ordering and eating also. Keep a bottle of water on the bike and stop to take on fluids regularly as you will dehydrate faster than you think (you probably know all this anyway).
Stick to the speed limits on m/ways and Route Nationales. Your biggest danger is not so much radar guns (though they are out there) but from motorcycle cops. They tend to hang around rest areas, out of sight, then wizz out and pull you over. They seem to just estimate your speed and fine you on the spot - usually 90 Euros (in my experience). There is not much you can do about it. Also watch out for speed limit changes; i.e. where a 130kmh area goes into a 110kmh area. they will hang around there and fine the unwary.
For your two days of rideouts you will find the best roads are to the west of you. Head towards the coast around Lorient or Vannes. Anywhere will do. Stick to the D roads (yellow roads on the Michelin map). They are nearly all cracking roads for the bike. Take swimmers and a towel and you should manage a swim on the coast if the weather holds.
You won't see any cops on D roads, or much in the way of traffic either so ride as quickly as you like. In towns and villages go really slowly out of consideration for the locals.
Vannes is a really nice old town. So is Rennes for that matter. Rennes has an old medieval center. If you visit it there is a great restaurant very near the centre of Rennes-its called Le Cub (odd name-means the Cube as in stock cube) and is really good and very cheap. Its in a quaint ancient building. They cook au feu de bois (on a wood fire) in the original old fireplace. Its only small, and gets booked up fast so book in advance.
The French are very 'bike aware'. Drivers tend to give you plenty of room and lots of consideration. They like bikes especially Ducatis for some reason! When they move out of your way remember to give them a nod. Practically all bikes do a left hand wave at you also. Have a great trip. You may get hooked on the place!
cheers Rick
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