Cycling in France

Eat between 12 and 2. That's when the cafés will be open and the shops shut. Outside those hours it's the opposite. At least in the cantal (where I often visit) it is always true. The drivers are very considerate too. Best of luck.

I cycled in France for the first time last summer, only trouble I had was from a car with GB plates

I think a lot of shops still close for lunch so that's something to bear in mind if you need supplies in the middle of the day

I'm doing London to Paris this year and the event guide/manual says to stock up on food at lunchtime as the evening meals are a 'bit basic'. Obviously this depends on the company organising the ride and the places you stay but it's worth being aware of. Stick a couple of Soreens in your luggage and chomp away on that as you go!

I've only ridden on the atlantic coast but generally roads are good so you spend less time scanning for pot holes and cracks than you do here, drivers on the most part are considerate and give you plenty of room and wait until it's safe to pass (probably because they don't have to dodge cyclists making last minute swerves to avoid 6" deep potholes)!

My experience is limited to Brittany but, there, drivers were *exceptionally* thoughtful & considerate to cyclists, though city centres (like anywhere) could be really manic.