A lot of the resorts (Les Gets etc) start their MTB season at the start of June. My Uni group is planning a climbing/MTB trip as part of our course from the 15th-22nd May. The dates have been set by our lecturers. We'll be in Fontainebleau (SE of Paris) and need some good places to ride, so help us if you can!
We're a mixed bunch in terms of ability (blue-black route but mostly red route level) so somewhere versatile would be great.
Any info is greatly appreciated!
from Font head down to Clarmont Ferrand and then stop at La lioran and Super Besse in the Auvergne (should be open early. Ride there then head south again to the Tarn for some climbing. Head east to the Pyranees Les Angles /ax les therme for both climbing and riding. Targasonne is near les Angles. Then back or to La Molina for riding.
Note, not sure about opening but the resorts are lowish so there is a fair chance they will be open.
May could be a bit early for places like La Molina and Les Angles. I'm sure that the bike parks there tend to open up around mid June? I went in 08 and there was still loads of snow in June
Just noticed that you only have a week so that road trip would a bit ott. Also Super Besse only opens in June so no lift action likely anywhere.
Maybe head south to the Ardeche or the Drome wher you can both ride and climb.
Looks like there's some decent countryside not very far from you:
Check out places along the GR13 route (in pink on [url= http://www.geoportail.fr/RechercheGC.do;jsessionid=962B434190BF4281A3E42A1C0D871A51.F55B28C4EF467992F25F31CAE6452C9BB058?adresse=Adresse&cp=Code+Postal&villeAdresse=Fontainebleau&x=22&y=8&ville=Nom+de+la+commune&rechercheParAdresse=true ]this map[/url]) and look at the pics on [url= http://hunza.over-blog.com/article-larchant-par-le-gr-13-foret-de-fontainebleau-47782416.html ]this page[/url].
[url= http://www.utagawavtt.com/gmap/gm_ign?topo=820 ]Another route[/url].
I'm finding this by googling for "randonnees VTT foret fontainebleu", which is how I usually find routes near wherever we're going.
Fontainbleu sucks for biking, too sandy.