Cycling Through the Alps

LONDON, August 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Pre-Olympic cycling excitement
We may well be gearing up to the Olympics in the UK, but for cycling enthusiasts there is plenty of excitement to be had before London 2012 kicks off, thanks to the annual Tour de France.

Tour de France in the French Alps
During this gruelling event, which is split into 20 "stages" and takes place between June 30 and July 22, the cyclists climb up and through the stunning French Alps, showcasing to television viewers watching the race just how beautiful this area of the world is during the summer months.

Revisit the sound of music
Remember how we all fell in love with The Sound of Music? Well, the Von Trapp family lived in Austria, but the French Alps are equally pretty and much better equipped for family activity holidays, such as those offered by sun and summer holiday experts Neilson.

More than a snowy paradise
We're accustomed to thinking of the Alps as a winter wonderland, perennially covered in snow and the perfect playground for anyone seeking out cheap ski holidays or ski chalet holidays.

In fact, when the snow melts on France's famous mountain range, a whole new world of possibilities for activity holidays in Europe is revealed.

Follow in Lance Armstrong's footsteps
You might not be up to cycling the Tour de France - although there are annual amateur "l'étape du tour" events allowing Lance Armstrong wannabes to cycle along the official race routes - but you and your family can still join in with the spirit of the occasion.

Summer in the Alps

In summer the Alps become lush, green and buzzing with activity - the ultimate family-friendly base for a great summer holiday.

Forget climbing the steepest tracks in the Alps and covering hundreds of kilometres. Instead head to one of the winter ski resorts, kit the family out with bikes and tackle one of the many graded routes on offer.

The family that cycles together…
Cycling as a family is a fantastic way for everyone to enjoy the fresh air and spend time together and a cycling holiday offers a very different backdrop to the trips we can take here in the UK.

Even if you have written off your chances of growing up to be a medal-winning cyclist, you may well find that a family cycling break kindles a lifelong passion in your children and sets them on the route to cycling glory!

SOURCE Neilson Holidays