Myself and partner (who does'nt ride much) are off to France in the Summer and we're looking at staying somewhere near the Pyrenees or Alps or massif central (so we can watch the TDF go past).
I'm looking for a city base that is reasonable for cycling, e.g.
> Fairly easy to ride around
> Either lots of cycle lanes or lots of cyclists
> Preferably has a city cycle map available/is cycle friendly
> Be nice if it had a veggie/vegan reataurant or two (a big ask I know)
Anyone know of such a French city?
We rode round Paris in July 2010 which was absolutely fine and safe - not "dangerous" like some websites make out...(some great veggie places too)
Grenoble, think the TT is there this year is it not ?
Bit industrial in places but nice old city and has the bonus of Vercors and the Alps proper on its doorstep.
I see that there is a cycle map for Grenoble and that its quite flat...did you ride around the town when you were there?
20-30mins away from Grenoble is Alpe D'huez where they run the Marmott road race and the Mega Avalanche, both are pretty hardcore for hills - but there are oodles of mountain bike trails in the valley around Bourg d'Oisan.
I see that there is a cycle map for Grenoble and that its quite flat...did you ride around the town when you were there?
Are we talking road or Mountain bike here, i assumed road ?
I have ridden round the town, its flat, but is guarded by some pretty big hills on either side, its got more options than Alpe D'Huez for flat riding, i would not recommend that unless you are into your alpine road climbs or mountain biking.
Its a university town so lots of folk ride, to the West is the vercors and Villard De Lans etc., to the right is the Alps with lots of rolling countryside around it up towards Uriage les Bains, Vizille etc.
Grenoble is hosting the tour TT this year so will be a great place to watch and see the riders close up.
Cheers for the info - will probably take an MTB-tourer bike, but the riding will be on-road (or gentle off road).
Any accomodation tips?