trip to the french alps - north v south - help me choose

The Kennington Kaiser
The Kennington Kaiser Posts: 406
edited August 2010 in Tour & expedition
After crashing and breaking various bones a month or two back I was, frustratingly, unable to ride while on hols in the pyrenees. I'm now in the lucky position to be recovering well and the good Mrs Kaiser has obviously been overcome with sympathy and given me a long weekend off to bag a few cols in the Alps in September.

So, to prevent me from endless prevarication over the next few weeks I could do with some advice and thoughts about two options that I'm considering for a base in the alps in mid-September.

Barcelonette in the Southern Frence versus Cluses in Northern Alps. Barcelonnette has the cols du Var, Allos, Cayolle and Bonnette, monster climbs all. Cluses has the CCol de Colombiere, Joux Plane, Aravis and Avoriaz nearby. Not sure about the areas more generally in terms of accommodation, weather at that time of year, so I'm very happy to hear suggestions and recommendations.

Comments

  • PieterM
    PieterM Posts: 167
    edited August 2010
    Having been in both areas numerous times I'd recommend Barcelonnette given the time of year. You are more likely to hit better weather that far south in September. Besides, I'd rate the climbs around it more scenic than the ones around Cluses. The roads are also less busy in the southern Alps than in the north. You will have a blast!
    European Cycling Trips: http://bikeplustours.com
  • craigenty
    craigenty Posts: 960
    Barcelonette is a wonderful town to base you self and the roads are quieter.
    Craig


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  • The Kennington Kaiser
    The Kennington Kaiser Posts: 406
    Thanks for the recommendations, gents. Any tips for bike-friendly hotels in the area, nothing too costly, please.
  • PieterM
    PieterM Posts: 167
    We have stayed with groups at this place in Barcelonnette. It is conveniently located close to the center but in a more quiet setting. The place has a giant garage for bikes (and cars/motorbikes):
    http://www.hotelgrandeeperviere.com
    European Cycling Trips: http://bikeplustours.com
  • The Kennington Kaiser
    The Kennington Kaiser Posts: 406
    Cheers, Pieter. I may give them a try. Looks like it's going to be Barcelonette.
  • twowheelsbetter
    twowheelsbetter Posts: 2
    either location would be great - I've stayed in Hotel Azteca in Barcelonette a couple of times and it has been good - bike-friendly with a large garage. Planty of godd eating places close by - and a bike shop.

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