When

Everyone wants to know what the weather is going to be like when you come. You don't want it too hot, too cold or to rain non-stop for a week. It does rain here but we rarely have rain for a whole day and we generally lose only 3 or 4 days during the whole season due to rain. Even when the Alps are having heavy rain it's often sunny in the Rhone valley. Generally, we don't get the heavy storms, strong winds and high summer temperatures experienced further south in Provence. During the summer we can get spectacular thundstorms later in the afternoon or evenings but we make sure we've finished our rides by then.

We start our holidays during March although it's possible to ride all through the winter months. For a better idea of what it can be like throughout the year have a look at some of our photos on the GastroBlog

As a rough guide:

March : there's good cycling in the Isere valley and the lower hills up to 700m. Depending on the snow cover you can cycle some of the climbs in the Vercors. There are several 'Randonnees' organased by local cycling clubs at this time of year.

April : the weather is very spring-like in the valleys and it's usually possible to venture into the higher roads of Vercors.

May is when spring is in full swing. The colours are lush green and the flowers are fantastic, especially in the Vercors. In the valleys the fruit trees are covered in blossom. This is a popular time for long weekends and early season trips to Alpe d'Huez. The Challenge-Dauphine Cyclosportive is at the end of May.

June sees the Dauphine-Libere cycle race in the area and the Ardechoise Cyclosportive.

July is a busy cycling month with the Marmotte cyclosportive and the Tour de France. The weather is generally very good with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees centigrade in the valleys and a bit cooler higher up.

August : As we're not in a big tourist area and the locals are on holiday the roads can be very quiet. Temperatures are usually between 25c and 30c. It's a good time to visit if you like eating ice-cream!

September provides good temperatures for cycling and is a popular time to make the most of the fitness you have gained during the summer.

October is a favourite time for the locals because of the autumn colours in the forests. Temperatures generally range from 15 to 25 degrees. This is a good time for sampling the local walnuts.

November can vary a lot but can offer some great weekend cycling.