July 11; Tour stage: Macon to Bellegard; 194km. Our ride after breakfast starts out as yesterday, but then goes up for a long ways! From Bourg d'Oisans you are off to conquer the Col de Galibier (8km at 6.9%), which passes over the Lautaret (34km at 3.8%) on the way. We'll enjoy a picnic on this high spot, weather permitting, and redescend through tunnels all the way. Another ascent of the 21 switchbacks is possible, or you can go up via the Sarenne to Alpe d'Huez which is actually quieter but more difficult! 120km very challenging. Return to watch the stage finish in Bellegard on TV, if time allows; then dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)

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Hotel Le Pic Blanc

3

Alpes D'Huez

The hotel Le Pic Blanc is located in Alpe d'Huez, a ski-resort called the sunshine island for its ex...

July 12; Tour stage Albertville-La Toussuire; 140km. The Tour passes the Col de la Croix de Fer and you can get a first taste of the Tour de France ambiance as we move in to the crowds to catch the race over the Croix de Fer where we will have a picnic and resting place to watch the passage. On return you can enjoy yet another route back to Alpe d'Huez over even smaller mountain roads and avoid the hardest parts of the Alpe below. In all, an excellent long and challenging day on the bike. 95km. Dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)

Hotel Info

Hotel Le Pic Blanc

3

Alpes D'Huez

The hotel Le Pic Blanc is located in Alpe d'Huez, a ski-resort called the sunshine island for its ex...

July 13; Tour stage St Jean de Maurienne to Annonay; 220km. Today is a transfer day from the Alpes to the foot of Mont Ventoux. We'll pass 4 hours traveling over mountain roads and beautiful countryside; so with an early start we can have a nice ride to 'shake it out' upon arrival at Ventoux. We'll do a moderate 60km spin ride around Ventoux and into the Dentelles de Montmirail. We have a charming Provence hotel with pool and dinner tonight. (B,L,D)

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Hotel les Pins

3

Bedoin

Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot...

July 14; Tour stage: St Paul les Trois Chateaux to Cap d'Agde, 215km. Bastille Day in France and a party today for the French, and for you - a triumphant climb of the Mont Ventoux from Bedoin! A mythical climb, it is relentless at 22km and 7% average grade. Descend through the fabulous Gorges de la Nesque and back to Bedoin for a long 90km ride and about 5 hours in the saddle. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a typical Provence dinner tonight. Party in Bedoin tonight with the locals and dance the night away! (B,L,D)

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Hotel les Pins

3

Bedoin

Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot...

July 15; Tour stage Limoux to Foix, 192km. We'll catch the Tour on TV today after a long and rolling ride through the Vaucluse countryside. These famous hillsides are dotted with perched villages and historical sites; the places written about in countless novels. Ride to Gordes, Venasque, climb the Col de Murs, and return to Bedoin for 85 km in total. An ascent of Ventoux from Malaucene is also possible in lieu of the Gordes ride. Dinner again included tonight. (B,L,D)

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Hotel les Pins

3

Bedoin

Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot...

July 16; Tour stage Samatan to Pau. Travel Day to the Pyrenees. Another 4 hour drive that we'll break up with a stop at the medieval cite of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a great place to have a lunch and enjoy a regional specialty such as Cassoulet! Our journey ends in St Girons with a little free time to walk and stretch the legs. Dinner included. (B,L,D)

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Hotel Eychenne St Girons

3

Saint Girons

An establishment rich in tradition, charm and gastronomy, where you'll discover the refinements and ...

July 17; Tour Rest Day. The pros take a break, but we hit the mountains! First, with a transfer to Bagneres de Bigorre we can start with a warm up and long climb to the col de Tourmalet! 17.2km at 7.2% on average is a tough start! After, return down to the Col de l'Aspin on the easy side (12.8km at 5%) and continue to descend to Arreau. From here you can do the Peyresourde (9.9km at 6%) followed by the Col de Mente on the more difficult side with 9.3km at 9.1%! A narrow, winding, and technical descent follows and we bring you back to St Girons by van. 145km maximum with with hard climbs - very challenging. (B,L,D)

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Hotel Eychenne St Girons

3

Saint Girons

An establishment rich in tradition, charm and gastronomy, where you'll discover the refinements and ...

July 18; Tour stage Pau to Bagneres de Luchon, 197km. After the big day yesterday, we propose an easier morning today with a nice ride in the Gorges de Ribaouto and then a climbe on the Col de Latrape at 5km and 7.4%. If your legs can handle it, there is one more climb, the Col de Catchaudegue at 7.3km and 5.2%. Returning by bike back to the hotel, you can watch the key moments of this important Tour stage today to Bagneres de Luchon! 65-80km challenging. (B,L,D)

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Hotel Eychenne St Girons

3

Saint Girons

An establishment rich in tradition, charm and gastronomy, where you'll discover the refinements and ...

July 19; Tour stage Bagneres de Luchon-Peyragudes, 144km. This is the last climbing day of the Tour de France and last chance for the climbers to make a difference for themselves. We will go to the Tour stage to encourage the riders after we ourselves take on some slopes ourselves in our last day! We will transfer to the Aspet and climb like the pros on the Col des Ares (6.7km at 4.6%) and the more difficult Port de Bales (19km at 6.3%). 45-55km Moderate to challenging ride. Back to St Girons for our last night together and dinner. (B,L,D)

Hotel Info

Hotel Eychenne St Girons

3

Saint Girons

An establishment rich in tradition, charm and gastronomy, where you'll discover the refinements and ...

July 20; Tour stage Blagnac to Brive la Gaillarde, 215km. Departure Day! We'll return the group to Toulouse rail station for a drop by mid day. We recommend not planning trains or flights before 1pm. For people who bring their own bikes, the easiest way to travel on is by air. We recommend that you plan to transport your bike with your airline; be sure to check fees for transport. (B)