Wouldn’t you like to go to the Semaine Fédérale?
Hint: You don’t need to be a cyclist to enjoy this cycling event, read on!
Tired but wishing for more, I am writing this just after returning from the 85th Semaine Fédérale, in Roanne, near Lyon, Europe’s huge cycling festival with 6000 attendees.
I have only been a “serious” cyclist for about two years, one of my transformations due to being an ALC member for about the same time! Earlier this year several ALC members were suggesting to me that I should attend this amazing event. These days I like to stick to the UK and Ireland but I was so glad that I was persuaded to go to France!
There will be at least one other article from this year’s event but mine only has one objective, suggesting that YOU think about going next year! So here goes….
What is The Semaine Fédérale?
It includes all these elements, not in any order:
A week long festival of cycling, with thousands of attendees, mainly from Europe but I noted somebody had flown from New Zealand especially to attend.
Daily, non-competitive, rides around the area, with four levels (distance and ascent) according to your fitness and appetite for riding. There are food and drink stops along the routes.
Daily coach trips to tourist destinations for those that don’t wish to ride.
A massive camp site including tents, camper vans, motorhomes and caravans.
The camp site has many toilets, showers, sinks and wash basins. There are also disabled toilets with easy access.
Basic catering is available on the camp site with a reasonable choice of food. In addition there is a daily on-site food market. As a pointer I never needed to go into the town to go food shopping!
Daily entertainment at no extra cost. This was “pop band” style, mostly singing French tunes, great fun with many attendees and lots of dancing!
An exhibition of cycle related services and products.
A gala dinner on the last night which did cost 40 euros extra but was amazing value considering the food and excellent entertainment.
Above all though it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends old and new!
How much does it cost?
The event is run by volunteers organised by the FFCT (Fédération Française De Cyclotourisme) which I guess is the French equivalent of Cycling UK. As such it is incredible value for money and a great way to get quality camping in France even if you are not a cyclist!
Costs of the week long event are – Semaine Fédéral Registration fee = €40 Repatriation insurance = €24 (refundable on proof of your own travel insurance)
Camping Pitch Costs (per week) €37.00 for cars and camper vans under 8m in length €74.00 for camper vans over 8m
Cost per person camping €35.00 (aged over 18) or €17.00 (aged under 18)
Evening meals are available: Fri 19 July €15 per person Sat 20 to Fri 26 July €22 per person Gala meal Sat 27 July €40 per person
In my case I paid as follows:
Semaine Fédéral Registration fee = €40 Repatriation insurance = €24 (refundable on proof of your own travel insurance)
Cost per person camping €35.00 (aged over 18) Gala meal Sat 27 July €40 per person
Total Euro 139 or about £120 for a week’s quality camping and a good meal at the end!
If you don’t want to use the campsite there are the usual local hotels, B&B, etc.
When is the next Semaine Fédérale?
Next year it will be in Orléans which is a lot closer than Roanne and there is already a website for the event:
Your browser should be able to translate the French.
In 2025 it will be from 3 to 10 August and registration opens from January 2025.
The dates are already in my diary, what about you?