Trip to the Alps

[Kenzie]

We are planning a trip to the Alps in August. Looking to leave on the Thursday and return on the Tuesday. Do you think this is too short of a time span to get there, bimble about then get back?

Depends really... It'll be a long haul there depends how many places you want to see? Iv drove a coupe of times in one sitting but that's diff from the bike

[NTECUK]

Someone did a similar thing in this months ride mag
Horizon motorcycle tours do it in 5 days.
Just get the first leg done on the big auto routes and pin the first miles .
Then enjoy it.

[littleoldman2]

Yes it's to short a time, the Alps are massive and 2 weeks isn't enough. However that's not to say you won't enjoy your 3-4 days Alps riding. Just do the northern French parts, you'll have great fun.

[Kenzie]

Anyone got any suggestions of places to stay? Or routes?

[maviczap]

August is peak holiday time for the French, so its going to be busy.

A guy i know travelled down south stopping overnight in Formula 1 or budget hotels of the same type. They are much nicer than uk ones of the same brand.

Yes, its too short a time to really do the Alps and appreciate them, ive done 2 whole weeks cycling in the alps and barely scratched the surface.

I know Luckypants recommends a guide bok, but i cant remember the name, he also goes to the tourist office in the town he's staying in for them to recommend a guest house.

Im working away, but i will find you some of the places ive stayed at in that region.

Last time I headed off in that direction was a good few years ago. I stayed at Colmar on the first night (approx 550 miles from Calais and about 150 miles short of the really interesting roads). Nothing of note there apart from Franky's Bar, owned by a bike-mad and super-friendly bloke. That'll leave you a quick morning canter into the foothills.

Don't forget, if you head into Switzerland by motorway you'll have to buy a vignette. Either avoid the motorways or buy your vignette online/in France to save a few bob. Once you're into the Alps you can't really go wrong no matter which pass you take. I just look for interesting looking roads on google maps, then zoom in to find hotels/bars nearby. Normally I wouldn't bother booking anything but, as said, it'll be busy in August so you're probably best off booking in advance.

Anyway, you'll still have plenty of fun on a short trip. You'll need to put in at least 500 miles on the first and last days, but that'll leave you a few days of great riding.

[NTECUK]

I've got the number of a guy who does escorted or pre planed trips to Europe
If you want to pre book a room and get his advice on how easy or difficult it is to do Pm me.

[NTECUK]

"vigneta"?
Found this https://shop.swissrailways.com/vigne...n&currency=GBP

Yep, that's it. Its a legal requirement on Swiss motorways. Can't remember how much I paid (it was a good few years ago) but I think it was about 30 euros. Its dearer at the borders.