Which is better? And why? The Pyrenees? Or the Alps? I’m hoping to hear comments from those who have done both. On ST I’m sure there’s a bunch.
I’ve never done either but if given the option, I’d want to climb Alp d’Huez…
Take a train to Tuscany? 
I have cycled in the Alp Duez region and it was awesome. Both road and MTB. In the summer you can get smokin deals at the Club Med on Alpe Duez.
I’ve been in holidays in the North Alps (Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz) since I was a kid (that’s basically where I learned how to ride), and I still go cycling regularly there. Stunning, lots of possibilities. Alpe d’Huez is great, but for instance Lance rates Joux Plane (between Morzine and Cluses) as harder than Alpe d’Huez. In this part of the Alps you can ride as many first, second and third cat pass as you want. I know less the Pyrennees, but overall it’s dryier, more rocky, with steeper shorter climbs. And you cannot climb whilst watching the Mont Blanc (highest summit in Europe). I prefer the Alps, but surely you can find people feeling exactly the opposite. Bottom line: two great places to cycle. If you stay in Morzine for instance you can swim in a crystal clear lake (Montrion), or swim in the 50m open swimming pool in the morning and go riding all day long after. Repeat every day, you’ll get fit. If you are not travelling with a family, why not touring the Alpes? Ride point to point and visit different places.
I’m contemplating EpicCamp France with Gordo Byrn and Scott Molina this June. This is their first time in the Alps. In their last EC France they did the Pyrennees. I would think the Alps are better overall but I’ve always wanted to fo the Tourmalet and that of course is in the Pyrennees.
Pyranees: less touristy, quieter roads and towns.
I’ve done both: Bayonne - Perpignan and Thonon - Nice. Both took a week.
Very different: Smaller roads, less traveled in the Pyrennees but steaper climbs. Yes, harder climbs than the Alps. No comparaison.
The Alps will offer longer climbs with less %, wider roads and also better choice for accomodation. Very important in your choice: the weather.
If you do the Alps, you will climb quite high and can find snow storm/showers in June. Less likely in the Pyrennees.
In both case, you need to get your plan ready as there are so many climbs and so many options. In both case, you will have the time of your life 
If you want to stay in one place and ride the most historic hills, them it’s easy. stay in Bourg d’Osians and ride the Alps. There is a webiste called "www.grenoblecycling.com that has a ton of routes, etc. You can ever ride the La Marmotte route as well.
If you can move around a bit, i’d stgill do the Alps, but also throw in a day or two to ride Ventoux as well.
Bob
I’ve only ridden in the Pyrenees, but have done a couple of Epic Camps (not the one in France). Whilst the settings will influence the camp you’ll be so busy swimming, biking, running and trying to recover I wouldn’t think it’d matter too much if it was the Pyrenees or the Alps!
I’d love to do Epic Camp France, but unfortunately don’t think the finances will work out for that one. If money was no issue and my choice was Epic Camp in the Alps or just a training trip to the Pyrenees I’d go for Epic Camp. As it is this summer I’ll be training in the Pyrenees at some point.
Thoroughly recommend the riding in the Pyrenees. Great climbs, great training. Usually stay at Pyrenees Multisport who also do support for Epic Camps in Europe.
Hope that’s some help!
Russ
I’m living between the two at the moment and my advice is that you should rent a car, and then move half way through the week (you’ll need a day off the bike anyhow). Autoroutes in France are very fast and painless.
I’m living between the two at the moment and my advice is that you should rent a car, and then move half way through the week (you’ll need a day off the bike anyhow). Autoroutes in France are very fast and painless.
Careful here - gas is expensive and tolls will be over 50 Euro each way. Pyrennes or Alps - which child do I love more? Enjoy and post pics.
IF it was me I would look at either the raid pyrenees or raid alps (alpine) both are supprted 5 to 7 days rides either west to east across the pyreenes or north to south down the alps. there are pleeanty of web sites which should the routes including all climbs from which you could make up your mind which you would prefer.
Really tough choice.
I know almost every mountainpass in the alps and keep going back. I have two favourate places to stay: Embrun and Barcelonnette (Col d’Allos, Cold des Champs, Col de la Cayolle ist the most beautiful 3-col-tour out there). I would favour the southern alps (alps mediterranee) over the northern alps as they get the better weather. There’s always the chance for three days of snow from 1.500m (4.500ft) and up in the alps during summer.
I you have a chance NOT to go between July 15 and Aug 15, you are fine. Heck, I was in Barcelonnette last year during the Tour and found it quiet enough.
Yes, the Pyrenees are quieter and really beautiful. They tend to have the better weather (warmer). www.pyreneesmultisport.com is your obvious choice as a base. Ian and Julie are great.
I’d go to the Romanche valley, oh wait, I am in May, as friends run a chalet there
http://www.kingofthemountains.co.uk/index.asp
Undies
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