Hinault

Thanks for tips folks - will do some more research.

Hi all, We are very interested in exploring Rhone-Alpes this summer by bike - does anyone have any thoughts or words of advice? We're quite used to hills and mountains, but on the whole would much prefer to base ourselves in the foothills so we're not struggling home at the end of the day. If possible we would like to travel from the UK by train, so reasonable access to the rail network would be great. Our plan is to spend a month in the eastern and/or southern area of the region, maybe basing ourselves in three or four different places. Sorry, this sounds a bit vague, but we're new to this part of France (last three summers have been spent exploring the length of the Pyrenees). Any initial advice would be much appreciated. Greetings to all from sunny Scotland. H.

We're currently exploring departements of the Midi Pyrenees with the aim of buying a holiday home sometime in the next couple of years. Taking our time and exploring as much as we can on two wheels. We're keen to have access to the Pyrenees, but not live in the high mountains. We'd also like if possible to connect with French cycling culture - a lively road club for example. Anyone any thoughts about where we might focus for our next visit in September? We'd prefer to be within two hours drive of an airport if possible. Many thanks.