I’ve got 12 days at the end of August and was thinking of throwing the bikes and tent in the back of the car and heading to somewhere in the canton of Valais in Switzerland (Verbier?), spending a few days there, couple on the bike, then maybe over to Chamonix (never been) for a few days, then somewhere in Northern Italy for a few days.

I’m after recommendations – won’t be a solely bike-holiday – it’s technically the o/h’s birthday and she’ll be after wine and dips in lakes more than the biking. I like quite techy stuff whilst keeping my wheels on the ground and she’s terrified but better than she thinks. Don’t mind pedalling but as there’s lifts and I do enough pedalling at home then it seems silly do do that abroad 🙂

Help! For that part of the world I’m a total virgin! No idea where to go / where to camp / what I shouldn’t miss. Any ideas (and links if you can) would be greatly appreciated.

The riding in and around Verbier is mind-blowing, especially if you like natural trails, and it’s a beautiful region with tons to do generally – hikes, swims etc etc. The people to speak to for help are http://www.bikeverbier.com You could do a lot worse than book a night or two with them for an affordable treat.

Thanks, I’ve thought about bike Verbier. Tis a possibility. Want to focus on the camping if I can tho.

Few days in Verbier, I think you can only camp in the valley and not up in the town. Up and over the Grand St Bernard pass to Aosta valley would be good as part of your trip.
We stopped at the International camp site in Aosta, great town and good riding both sides of the valley.
Would also pick La Thuile, further up the Valley, rather than Chamonix for walking and riding. I enjoyed Chamonix but it always seems to be very busy and commercialised.

Sauze d’oulx in Italy. Nice chair uplift,great flowy trails through the woods, good food and quiet. Book a ski apartment for few days.

Up and over the Grand St Bernard pass to Aosta

Whilst playing the theme tune to The Italian Job and driving your Lambo Miura (no not that sad people carrier).

Good point about the Grand St Bernard pass. That’ll be a thing!

Camping tho, not “booking a ski appartment” 😉

Good point about the Grand St Bernard pass. That’ll be a thing!

Make sure you go over the pass proper, not thru the tunnel. My mates car nearly overheated tho.

Book a campsite. Jib off the daft car for the GSB pass great downhill on the left hand side of it,rode it with a guide few years ago.