Le Tour de France
– We’ve watched Lance Armstrong achieve victory for seven years (Congratulations, Lance!). This is your chance to see new blood at the front of the peleton make history in arguably the world’s most difficult sporting event. We'll bring the best of the Alps — and this world-renown cycling event — to your pedals: Hand-picked ride routes (and all the climbing you can handle) over famous passes, such as l’Alpe d’Huez and Col du Galibier, ideal for catching the Tour live! The pleasures of the French table: sumptuous cuisine, fine wine, and warm, friendly ambience inviting shared laughter and regaled highlights each evening. Specially selected accommodations that celebrate the spirit of the mountains and offer luxurious comforts. And all of this set in the midst of the dramatic peaks and valleys of the French Alps, whose timeless villages are seemingly hung from surrounding hillsides.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Straight to the Heart
Welcome to our favorite region in France - les Alpes! We love it here
and can't wait to share the riding, the food, our friends and the
pleasures of the French countryside. After an early morning pick-up,
we'll whisk you into the heart of the Hautes-Alpes and warm up with a
challenging ride - after all, you are here to ride! Why not pick off
two big classics: Col de Telegraphe and Col du Galibier (my favorite)!
Simple but beautiful meal prepared by our hosts right in our chalet,
where we'll have access to in-house massage, hot tub, and sauna - not
a
bad way to get it started!
◊ Ride Level: Hard
◊ Ride Distance: 50 miles
◊Climbs: Col de Telegraphe, Col du Galibier
◊ Tour rests today.
Day 2
Classic Day with Bonus Stash
Today the Tour hits l’Alpe d’Huez and we'll be there to catch it.
Make a go of this famous climb before the Tour arrives - start early
and
take in the view on a Kimmie’s Secret Stash opportunity. It won't let
you down.
Back at the ranch, our chalet at the top of the world,
we’ll gather round for another rustic family style meal, the perfect
ending
for our second breathtaking day in the Alps after an intense day of
activity and spectating!
◊ Ride: 50 miles / 81 km
◊ Ride Level: Hard
◊ Ride Distance: 47 miles
◊ Climbs: Les Deux Alpes, L’Alpe d'Huez
◊ Catch the Tour on l’Alpe d’Huez!
Day 3
Monster in the Alps
A colorful breakfast before cruising into Bourg d’Oisans for the Tour
start! Attending a start is a great opportunity to see the Tour riders
up close. Meander the start village, watch the riders check in, and you
may even get a signature or two to take back home with you! After we
cheer the riders to commence another long day in the saddle, you’ll
have a second Kimmie’s Secret Stash Op as we head over the monster
climb Col du Glandon in the direction of one of my favorite chateaux,
owned and run by friends who will welcome our happy, weary riders with
unmatched warmth and hospitality. Your palate will be tickled here too.
◊ Ride Level: Hard
◊ Ride Distance: 71 miles
◊ Climbs: Col du Glandon
◊ Catch the Tour at the Bourg d'Oisans Start!
Day 4
Tour Action on Aravis
Rise and shine at the Chateau and take in the breathtaking view of the
Belladonne Range while sipping the coffee of our gracious host
Stephane. After a lovely breakfast (and perhaps a little yoga for the early
risers?) we'll saddle up for more Tour fun — this time on Col de
Aravis where the peleton will blast by on their way to the stage finish on Col
de Colombiere. Back at the chateau we’ll relax around the table,
recount stories of another glorious day of Alps riding, and enjoy the
culinary treasures of this special place.
◊ Ride Level: Medium
◊ Ride Distance: 73 miles, 96 miles
◊ Climbs: Col de Tamie,
Col des Aravis,
Col de l’Epine
◊ Catch the Tour on Col des Aravis!
Day 5
Rare Treasures
Today is a truly special day — after a short transfer to the country
home of Pierre and Colette Ludi, my French family, you will be treated
by Pierre to a beautiful 4-hour loop in the foothills - there’s nothing
like having a local show you the winding roads of France! Taste the
pleasures of a beautiful, home-cooked lunch, prepared by Colette at
their home in the foothills of the Alps. You will never forget this
rare
day that few groups get a chance to share. My guess is that this day
will be the one you remember for years to come.
◊ Ride Level: Medium, leisurely pace
◊ Ride Distance: 65 miles
◊ Climbs: Moderate, rolling
Day 6
Mont Blanc Views and Beautiful Blue Waters Below
Today we’ll tackle the Bauges Range (one of my favorite rides). After
our first climb up Col du Frene, we’ll drop into a favorite bakery,
famous in the region, to reward ourselves. You may need that extra
Blueberry-pastry-boost for pedaling up Mont Revard. After we basque
in views of Mont Blanc over a beautiful picnic lunch, we’ll descend to
Lake Annecy for our final night together in this spectacular waterside
setting. Dinner and time to wander the romantic canal-lined
alleyways
of this city known as the Venice of France. Take your time to stroll
the lakeside path back to the hotel.
◊ Ride Level: Hard
◊ Ride Distance: 60 miles
◊ Climbs: Col de Frene,
Mont Revard
Day 7
Breakfast and Good-Byes Transfer to Annecy Train Station where we bid farewell.
Two Day Optional Self-Guided Paris Extension
Day 7 - extended
TGV to Paris, where you will be met and shuttled to one of our favorite
Parisian hotels, tended to with the utmost care and service.
Experience the festive Tour Finish on the Champs Elysees. Linger
over your final meal in gay Paris which we'll arrange on your behalf.
Day 8
Final Breakfast and arranged transportation to the airport or next destination.
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Send payments to
Kim McElhinney
Dude Girl
P.O. Box 2695
Truckee, CA 96160
Cancellation
Cancellations within 90 days receive no refund.
If Dude Girl is responsible for the cancellation
you will receive a full refund.
Trip
Insurance
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are covered under the policy you choose. You can
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What’s Included:
- All Breakfasts, 3 lunches and all dinners
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
- All accommodations
- Services of 4 guide(s), who will lead the riding, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and try to look after your every need, whether translating a menu, confirming your flight or tracking down the best shops in the area
- Support vehicles, which sweep the day's biking route distributing refreshments, assistance, mechanical support, etc.
- Maps, GPS navigation and detailed route suggestions
- Baggage transport between lodges
- Bike box storage
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and other services
Price Does Not Include
- International flights
- Bikes (this trip assumes that you bring your own bike)
- Travel insurance (discretionary)
To reserve a place, you are required to make a
deposit of US$500 per person, payable by check,
at the time you receive confirmation from us.
All reservations are subject to our
Terms and Conditions.
Contact us with questions at 530-587-3833.
Book this trip
Terms and Conditions
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