Next June I am going on my first ever european ride with some friends to France (who have done it several times before).
Nothing to fancy, just a long weekend, probably thursday to tuesday. I've always flown before so riding there on the bikes will be a new experience for me! We're catching a ferry from Dover rather than the Chunnel and will be using campsites at night, popping into town for food once the tent's up. What I'd like to know, apart from riding on the right and talking funny, what else should I prepare for and what gems of wisdom can any wise old travellers impart to make my trip as smooth as possible? What is essential equipment and whats not etc. Any advice gratefully recieved.
Over to you.

My advice is if you have cash, breakdown recovery and insurance that's mainly it! Make sure your insurance is fully comp abroad- some are not. You will need to be carrying evidence that your insurance covers you in Europe- this used to be the 'Green Card' certificate but is now printed on the back of most insurance certificates. Check yours! A passport is also handy!!! As for the puncture repair use the Halfords (or similar) one shot repair and not the the defalte and repump stuff. One way to be sure of no puncture is to be fully prepared to deal with it! You also need to carry the EU medical card (E111?) You dont say how far you are going- fast travel on the french motorways is unrivalled but can be expensive. I last stayed in France at a municipal camp site in Givet (June this year) on a day trip we did the Meuse valley,  then across the Ardennes, Belgium, Luxemborg and just crossed the German border, hind und zuruck.  
Driving on the right is easy on a bike as it isn't 'handed'- just one tip watch out for junctions you will instictively be looking the wrong way! So that's my version- good luck.

The first time I went to France and a French biker over took he kicked out his right leg. I think this was a greeting (at least I hope it was) and meant he didn't slow down by taking his hand off of the twist grip to say hello. Most of the French car drivers are polite and will move out of the way and flash their headlamps for any speed traps. There are some great roads over there and they seem better surfaced. Have a great time.
 
Ian.

First of all- a week is good- weekend too much of a rush- buy the wife a rug or something Pissing about in northern france or Belgium is OK but in a week (just for example )you could cross the Millau Bridge and on to the Pyrennes and that would be stunning!
I think it's going to be difficult to answer those questions about recovery and travel insurance. You should be covered for treatment with the EU medical card but for repatriation etc and a more comprehensive travel/health cover you need to read the small print I am afraid. I get mine 'free' through my bank. Recovery: any Carole Nash bike comprehensive policy includes European fuuly comp insurance and recovery. If I didn't have this I would definitely use the RAC. Forget VFM just go for the V!  If you have UK recovery already extending that will be the cheapest.