Getting to France
Finding your way out of either Orly or CDG airports in Paris with a bicycle can be something of a headache. It is possible to use the RER trains, but they are often crowded. And if your bike is packed in a box, you will have to carry it long distances, particularly if transfers are involved. Be sure to visit the RATP web site for more info. The TGV high-speed trains stops at the CDG airport. See the trains section below for more info on taking bikes on the TGV. Another option is the Air France bus to Paris. The Travel with Bicycles web site has more info.

The Nice airport has relatively easy bike access as the main highway to the airport is not too horrendous and it is just a short distance to town. If you have a good map, it is also possible to follow side roads to the airport. The 98/99 bus lines go to the center of town and the SNCF train station and it is possible to bring a bike box on board. However, the buses don't run before 8am or after 9pm. Note that the airport's web page claims that the St. Augustin regional train station is "situated just 500 metres from Terminal 1" -- they are lying. In fact, the Nice St. Augustin station is nowhere near the terminals. What you can do, however, is walk (about 1km) from the station to the nearest long-term parking lot and catch the free parking shuttle from there. You will have to figure this out on your own as there are no signs. Also note that bikes can only use this Ter line during off-peak hours.

Getting Around
Bringing a bike onto France's regional trains is generally not a problem. The TGV, on the other hand, has only a limited number of trains with bike racks. The TGV website will indicate these trains on the schedules, but won't take bike reservations. The other option for bringing a bike on the TGV is to pack your bike into what SNCF calls une housse or bike-bag. SNCF claims they are sold at any bike shop but I've never seen one. What I've done is to pack the bike into a standard bike box, which will barely fit in the vestibule luggage rack.

Weather
In the central and northern parts of the country, you will get rained on. Just accept it. The Alps can get extremely hot, cold, and wet all in the same day. In the south, the Mistral winds blow very hard, except when it is about to rain.

Also see: Touring Tips