We are heading to Northern Italy and Southern France, and would like to take 2-3 days to hike in the mountains. Any opinions on which place would be better in early October?

We have driven through the French Alps, the Dolomites and live near the Swiss Alps. Although both the Swiss and French Alps are amazingly beautiful, the Dolomites are unlike anything I had seen before. They are reddish colored, uniquely shaped and all stone. It looked like god just plunked down a bunch of huge boulders. So...I vote for the Dolomiti!<BR>Enjoy,<BR>Jan

Oops,<BR>just reread your message. Both should be OK in early October, but I would stress EARLY. Many hotels start closing in early October.<BR>Cheers,<BR>J