UKC

Thinking of taking a long-weekend trip to the Alps next summer to tackle some of the famous road-climbs there.
Anyone got any advice on the best place for a base and maybe any specific so-called 'B&B&B's'? (i.e. lodging with good bike hire)

All advice very gratefully received

In reply to Kimono:

Bourg d'Oisans is probably one of the best in my opinion. Situated right beneath Alpe d'Huez, cycling is a large part of the town, so hiring bikes is not a problem.

For nearby climbs there is the Telegraphe, Galibier, Col de la Morte, Glandon and the Lautaret all within a days ride plus countless slightly lesser known others.

Don't think, just book. Enjoy.

In reply to Kimono:
ok, sounds good. Any recommended accommodation there?

ps presume Grenoble is the nearest airport?

In reply to Kimono:
Enty's place?

www.Veloventoux.com

In reply to Kimono:

Not far outside Bourg is Venosc which worked well for me as a base, at the bottom of les Deux Alpes. There's a campsite there - le champs de moulins which also rents out chalets etc. It has a nice vibe; if you bring your own bike it feels safe to keep it there and not the hassle it can be in catered accommodation. Lots and lots of Brits doing similar riding - either a plus or a minus point depending on your point of view!

St Jean de Maurienne a good sized town similar to Bourg but not as mentally cycling oriented as there worked for me.

I've also based myself at Barcelonnette, which positions itself as a tourist attraction with 6 cols for road riding. Not necessarily the big names you get in Bourg but still great fun.

All of those places have tourist accommodation in mahoosive supply. I can't comment on most of it because I slept in the campervan, but location wise I reckon any of those places will see you having a great holiday!

In reply to Kimono:

I have used these guys several times

http://www.kingofthemountains.co.uk/

Very friendly, great food. Superb cake

Paul

In reply to UrbanRocker:




maybe....but that has to be the worst website i have seen in 20 years!

In reply to Kimono:


It ain't great, but come on you're not trying hard enough if you haven't seen worse than that recently.

In reply to The New NickB:

examples please!

In reply to Kimono:

http://www.lingscars.com

By far the worst.

In reply to sleavesley:
jeez....that's an assault on the eyeballs

In reply to Kimono:

I think its also worth looking at the northern Alps for a road biking trip. Theres a lot more road variation, and alternative options to massive climbs for a "rest" day or bad weather day. not that I'm biased or anything but Morzine makes a great roadie base, Col de Joux Plane, Joux verte, Ramaz, Colombiere, Encrenaz, Trechauffee, Corbier, Bassachaux all a day ride, and more slightly further afield. Send me a PM if you'd like more info!
Its so good around here that I started a roadie holidays company, having started cycling here after a ski knee injury.
Ali

In reply to aligibb:

Sounds nice and def a possibility for the future but have already booked at the VeloJaune in Bourg.

Thanks anyway