Where to go for a long weekend........................?

LardLover

Hi

I'm after a bit of advice please. It's my 40th next summer and as such I want to plan a long weekend away cycling. I am undecided as to where to go. Either the Alps or the Pyrenees?

I've been mountain biking in the Alps twice but this time I'll be on my road bike. I'm tempted to go back to Morzine, do a bit of road and a bit of mountain bike. But really tempted just to do some serious road stuff, to take in some famous climbs.

My Birthday is in June so thinking the Pyrenees may be a little hot at that time of year (for my northern skin :oops: ).

Any advice greatly received.

Where have you been and would you recommend it?

Can't decide to do it D.I.Y. as it were, or book with a tour company. As said any advice greatly received.

Thanks for looking.

nick hanson

I've done both the Alps & Pyrenees
Both ace.
Alps more touristy than the Pyrenees
Might be cheaper to get to the alps (budget flight via Geneva?)
Pau might be quickest option for the pyrenees.
Alps,Bourg d'oisans is a good base,with the alp d'huez,deux alps,glandon/croix de fer,Lauterent,galibier etc all more or less on the doorstep.
For pyrenees,argeles gazost is a good base,with Hautacam,aubisque,luz ardiden,Tourmalet all riding distance of the town.
For my 40th (4 years ago) we did a family hol to Argeles for a week,then the coast (for the kids) for the 2nd week.
Re heat,the pyrenees (& the alps) cant be counted on to be red hot in june,as are mountain ranges,with all the 'weather' this can entail.
My all time fav would actually be the Dolomites,but you won't go wrong with alps or pyrenees.

LardLover

Cheers for that Nick, I was thinking about Italy too but thought I'd leave that for another year

I think the Alps may be the best bet as you've already mentioned, plenty of budget airline flights to that area (or if push comes to shove, a shorter drive).

morrisje

There is always Mont Ventoux. For a short break there is a real sense of achievemtn.

LardLover

Mmm, Mont Ventoux, How could I forget that??

Jeez, this isn't going to be easy!