A mixed tour for both riders and non-riders; see the final four (5) TDF stages including a mid-route stage in the Alps; a finish; the final time trial; and the exciting Paris finish; fully guided; VIP stage viewings; riders enjoy unlimited mileage (conquer Alpe d’Huez and Col de Croix de Fer for example); non-riders enjoy rafting, hiking, and a cooking class. In Paris, join an optional morning fat-tire ride up the Champs Elysees on race finish day; send-off dinner at the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant ‘Le 58.’
TOUR INFORMATION
Spyns’ signature mixed tours combine the best of both worlds: riders and non-riders. Back in 2003, we realized that while we all love the Tour de France, few couples and even fewer families are all die-hard riders. And voila! We created mixed tours that are like a perfect dinner: we provide the menu and you simply choose what you want. On our 7-day Tour de France tour, everyone enjoys breakfast, dinner, and four (4) tour stages together, but the rest is up to you. Non-riders have a full itinerary of cooking classes, shopping, hikes, and wine tastings. Riders will conquer France’s most famous climbs like Mont Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez and more – with bike guides and full van support. Every night share stories of your daily exploits over a gourmet candlelit dinner…magnifique!
Day One July 14 Alpe d’Huez (Alps): Start Grenoble: We recommend flying in/out of Paris, then spending the night before the start of your tour in Grenoble. Your tour begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Grenoble (central) train station. Following introductions, 30-minute transfer with your guides to our stage viewing area in the nearby village of Vizille. All: Lunch, and dinner included today. Today’s stage viewing will be in the town of Vizille, about 30 minutes from Grenoble. This will be a mid-route stage viewing which are always our client’s favourites because you get the see the Tour streetside. It’s a great opportunity to see the racers up close and get those perfect shots. Spyns’ VIP area is a roadside town hall, complete with bar and terrace. Riders: Following the TDF stage, late afternoon or early evening ride to conquer epic Alpe d’Huez. Sweat up the world’s most famous 21 switchbacks with return ride via the little-known spectacular Villard pass. The final climb is 13.2 kms (8.2 miles) with an average gradient of 8.1%. Total distance for today’s loop: 81 kms (50 miles); total elevation gain 1165 metres / 3821 feet. Non-Riders: Following van transfer, the group will enjoy a relaxed cooking class, lunch, and then stage viewing from our VIP viewing area. During the class, chop to your heart’s desire or just sip wine and watch. Your choice.
Day Two July 15 Transfer Day Chambery (Alps): Riders: Ride the holy trinity of French summits: Croix de Fer, Glandon, and the Col de la Madeleine. Striking out from your chalet hotel, grind up some spectacular mountain passes to the Croix de Fer. The ride is 32.3 kms (20 miles), average 4.2% grade, altitude gain of 1564 metres (5123 ft). Then double back to the Col de Glandon, descend to the valley. Then, legs and road closures permitting, bike up to the Col de Madeleine. Madeleine will be featured in today’s TDF stage and you’ll be roadside, with beer or cocktail in hand, cheering them on. Total distance for today’s loop: 73.3 kms (45.5 miles); total elevation gain 3171 metres / 10,400 feet! Non-Riders: After hearty English breakfast, van transfer to the base of the Col de la Madeleine for today’s stage viewing. Once comfortably settled, join an optional two-hour hike around the summit, before watching the pro rides shoot by. All: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today. Today’s stage viewing will be in the town of La Chambre, near the Col de Madeleine. Madeleine will be the biggest climb for today’s mountain station. This will be another mid-route stage viewing and you’ll get the see the Tour roadside. As with all of our stages, today will again include live TV coverage in English, buffet lunch, and open bar.
Day Three July 16 Chambery (Alps): Riders: Today will be a two-part ride so you can choose to do just part 1 or (time permitting) the whole ride. Part 1: 65.4 kms (40.5 miles) Striking out from the chateau, the group will spin up and over the mountains then back down to the valley of Lake Annecy. After a quick pit stop in this beautiful lakeside town, you can then choose to do the next leg. Part 2: 35.2 kms (21.8 miles). Departing from the centre of Annecy, a short and intense climb will allow cyclists to bike the final leg of the stage route over the Col de Glières then a final descent to our viewing area in La Roche. Total distance: 99.5 km (61.7 miles). Elevation gain 2335 metres (7659 feet). Difficulty: Challenging to hard. Non-Riders: Following breakfast, van transfer then private walking tour of historic Annecy (driving time 30 mins). Explore the many canals of France’s very own “Venice.” After a relaxed lunch in the old town, train transfer with your guides to La Roche (30 mins) and then to our VIP viewing area to enjoy the Tour. All: You’ll enjoy buffet, open bar, and live TV coverage of the race from our VIP viewing area. The stage will finish between 5-6 p.m. You’ll then have a few hours to enjoy the finish village before van transfer then dinner back at the chateau. Caution: heavy traffic and likely a late dinner (around 9:30 p.m.) before bed.
Day Four July 17 Transfer Day Alps to the Vosges: Non-riders: After six (6) solid days of TDF stages and moving around, today non-riders can sleep in, have a late breakfast, and perhaps enjoy a swim. After a late check out, van transfer to the scenic port town of Chanaz. There, non-riders will have two options. Option 1: Join a fun and relaxed kayaking lesson on the Rhone river. Learn how to navigate the beautiful waters around Chanaz with a hunky French guide. Option 2: Jump on the electric paddleboat “La Chanaz” to navigate several locks and finally a tour of Lake Bourget, one of France’s largest freshwater lakes. Riders: Fast-paced ride around Lake Bourget to join the non-riders in the port village of Chanaz. Part 1: Striking out from the chateau, this will be a rigorous one-way ride up the peaks along Lake Bourget’s spectacular west shore. Distance: 53 kms (32.9 miles) / Elevation gain: 1750 metres (5740 feet). Estimated riding time 2-3 hours. Depending on your riding speed, you can then choose to join the non-riders for lunch or sweat for a few more miles. Part 2 (optional): Fast 25 km (15.5 mile) loop ride along the beautiful shoreline, with a few rigorous climbs. Elevation gain: 679 metres (2214 feet). Total Distance (parts 1 & 2): 78 kms (48.4 miles); Elevation gain 2447 metres (8026 feet). Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. All: After the day’s activities, relaxed lakeside lunch at the Auberge de Savieres. Located right on the canal, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the village’s best restaurants. Following lunch, motor coach transfer north to the Vosges region and the Grand Hotel in the spa town of Plombières. Caution: total driving time will be 5-6 hours.
Day Five July 18 Transfer Day Alps to Paris: Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner not included for straight to Paris clients. For stage viewers, snacks provided on the evening train to Paris. Free night for dinner. OPTION 1: Straight to Paris HAD ENOUGH TOUR? No problem. Skip the Stage: Sleep in, enjoy a spa treatment (at your charge/not included with tour), then hop on an early afternoon train Belfort-Paris. Following check-in at your Paris hotel, enjoy some free time in the city of lights. Optional evening Seine River cruise (included) with the group. Free night for dinner. OPTION 2: Stage Viewing. Van transfer to our viewing area. Today’s viewing area is a small town, right on the time trial route. Again, we’ll provide live TV tour coverage (in English), barbecue, and open bar. Following the stage, evening train to Paris. Caution: long day!
Day Six July 19 Paris: Sunrise fat-tire ride up the Champs Elysées before viewing the Paris finish. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bike through downtown Paris when it’s closed to vehicle traffic. After hearty breakfast, watch the finish from our VIP room and balcony (again with open bar of course). Following the finish, send-off dinner at the Eiffel Tower!
Day Seven July 20 Paris Departure Day: Sleep off the week’s excesses, enjoy a late breakfast, or get in that last bit of shopping before departure. The perfect adventure!
Day 1 (July 14)
Chateau d’Oz***
Alpe d’Huez, Alps | Rooms – 12
Our Review : Ryan King, Spyns’ owner, discovered the Chateau d’Oz on a family ski trip to the Alps back in 2014 and we’ve been coming back ever since. Expertly run by British owners Andy (manager) and Gil (chef), staying at the chateau often feels more like staying with close friends or family. The hotel has twelve, apartment-style rooms, all with full kitchens. But with Gil serving up full English breakfasts and delectable meals, you won’t be doing much cooking.
Pros : Location: With terrific views of the Alps, the hotel has an unbeatable location near famous climbs like Alpe d’Huez and the Croix de Fer. The hotel is quiet, well-appointed, and expertly managed.
Cons : The hotel is somewhat isolated, so no shopping nearby, but nonetheless a relaxing way to start your tour. There are also lots of stairs so those with heavy bags may suffer.
Days 2-3 (July 15-16)
Chateau de Candie (Alps)****
Chambery, Alps | Rooms – 25
Our Review : This is the first time a Spyns’ group will stay at the Chateau de Candie, near the city of Chambery (Alps). Located on a private 25-acre park, this French castle was originally built in the 14th century. Renovated and restored in 1996, it has been a luxury hotel ever since. And it has its own vineyard…of course!
Pros : Location: near several TDF stages and some fantastic rides. Rooms: very comfortable and clean rooms. Breakfast: hotel has one of the better breakfast buffets in France.
Cons : Rooms can be a bit small, cramped even. Furnishings are showing some age. Service is excellent, but can be rather formal.
Day 4 (July 17)
Grand Hotel Plombiere (Vosges)***
Plombieres-les-Bains, Vosges | Rooms – 50
Our Review : This grand old hotel is located in the spa town of Plombieres, roughly 2.5 hours drive east of Paris. Spas and thermal baths were popular with Europe’s aristocracy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and it wasn’t uncommon to find grand hotels like this in small villages with hot springs. We chose this chateau for its location; just a short drive from the final time trial stage.
Pros : Location: near the final stage 20 time trial in the nearby village of Lure. Rooms: very comfortable and clean. Breakfast: like your last two hotels, Plombieres has one of the better breakfast buffets in France.
Cons : Rooms can be a bit minimalist, but spacious. Furnishings are showing some age. Hotel could use a bit of sprucing up.
Days 5-7 (July 28-30)
Hotel Saint James Albany****
202 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France | Rooms – 200
Our Review : Paris at its best. A Spyns favorite, this Paris hotel is the best place to see and be seen during the Tour de France. Not only is the hotel right along the race course, it boats its own swimming pool and spa (rare for crowded Paris). Online reviews were mixed so our president stayed at the hotel in early 2014 and gave it a thumbs up. Moreover, the recently completed renovations have given the rooms a newer, more modern look.
Pros : Location: right on the Rue de Rivoli, a few blocks from the Louvre, Seine, and three blocks away from the Place de la Concorde and Champs Elysees. Service: You get what you pay for. One of the better breakfasts in Paris. Over the top service for over the top prices. Comfort: Some of the best and most comfortable beds in France.
Cons : While the rooms have been renovated, they still lack a certain amount of style. Bathrooms could be larger and better appointed.
Day/Stage
July 24 – Day 1
Climbs
(Optional)
Hautacam / Alt 1635 metres / 5364 ft
Distance
Short Ride 25 kms / 15 miles
Longer Ride (with Hautacam) 49.6 kms / 30.7 miles
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: Half-day warm up loop ride along the river valley near your hotel. Finish your loop ride along the river valley or try an optional ride extension up the Hautacam pass. Hautacam was the site of a stage finish during the 2014 Tour de France. It is a 17.3 km climb (10.7 miles) with an average 6.8% grade and 1170 metres (2839 ft) in altitude gain. So not for the faint of heart!
Day/Stage
July 25 – Day 2
Climbs
Col du Tourmalet
Alt 2115 metres / 6938 ft
Col d’Aspin
Alt 1489 metres / 4885 ft
Distance
Short ride: 65.8 kms / 40.8 miles
Full ride with extension: 100 kms / 62 miles
A TALE OF TWO COLS: Full-day century ride. Spectacular full-day loop ride to bike the Col du Tourmalet, one of the most famous climbs in the Pyrenees. Tourmalet has been featured in over 50 previous races. The Tourmalet climb is 19 kms (11.8 miles) at an average 7.4% with some grades reaching a punishing 10.2%. Riders have the option of stopping on Tourmalet or continuing on to the Col d’Aspin and adding another +34.4 kms (21.3 miles) to the day’s ride. Both peaks are features in the final mountain stage (stage 19) which takes place in two days.
Day/Stage
July 26 – Day 3
Stage 18 Finish Pau
Climbs
Col de Bordères
Alt 1157 metres / 3796 ft
Distance
46.5 kms / 29 miles
TEQUILA SUNRISE. Half-day ride to conquer the little-known Col de Borderes, featured in tomorrow’s final mountains stage. Striking out from your hotel in Pierrefitte (just south of Lourdes), this will be a 14.1 km (8.8 mile) climb with a total 702 metre (2303 ft) altitude gain at an average 5% grade. So this should be a more relaxed and less challenging ride than yesterday. This has always been one of our favourite rides as there is little traffic, wonderful scenery, and lots of trees to protect riders from the July heat. The ride ends with a dramatic downhill and final traverse into Lourdes. In Lourdes, riders can shower and change before taking an afternoon train to Pau to see the stage 18 finish.
Day/Stage
July 27 – Day 6 Stage 19
Climbs
Col du Soulor
Alt 1474 metres / 4836 ft
Col d’Aubisque
Alt 1710 metres / 5610 ft
Distance
46.4 kms / 28.8 miles
Twin Peaks: Early morning departure to bike the same route as the pro riders up the Cols du Soulor and then Aubisque: both featured in today’s race. This ride is another day of options. Starting from Lourdes, riders can do just Soulor and stop at our stage viewing area. Or opt to do both peaks by riding Soulor and then up to Aubisque and back to our viewing area. The total climb to Aubisque from Lourdes is 30.1 kms (18.7 miles); 1247 metre altitude gain (5211 ft) and an average 4.1% grade with max grades of 9% along some portions of the ride. CAUTION: Given that this is the same route as the pro riders, slower riders may have to stop at Soulor due to road closures.
Day/Stage
July 29 – Day 6
Climbs
Paris Champs Elysees
Distance
7 KMS / 4.3 MILES
Rise early and join our traditional pre-finish ride on the Champs Elysees before the peleton arrives. Following your ride around the Arc de Triomphe, under the Eiffel Tower, and through the Louvre, full buffet breakfast at your Paris hotel. Ride is suitable for all riding abilities.
- + OVERVIEW
-
Spyns’ signature mixed tours combine the best of both worlds: riders and non-riders. Back in 2003, we realized that while we all love the Tour de France, few couples and even fewer families are all die-hard riders. And voila! We created mixed tours that are like a perfect dinner: we provide the menu and you simply choose what you want. On our 7-day Tour de France tour, everyone enjoys breakfast, dinner, and four (4) tour stages together, but the rest is up to you. Non-riders have a full itinerary of cooking classes, shopping, hikes, and wine tastings. Riders will conquer France’s most famous climbs like Mont Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez and more – with bike guides and full van support. Every night share stories of your daily exploits over a gourmet candlelit dinner…magnifique!
- + ITINERARY
-
Day One July 14 Alpe d’Huez (Alps): Start Grenoble: We recommend flying in/out of Paris, then spending the night before the start of your tour in Grenoble. Your tour begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Grenoble (central) train station. Following introductions, 30-minute transfer with your guides to our stage viewing area in the nearby village of Vizille. All: Lunch, and dinner included today. Today’s stage viewing will be in the town of Vizille, about 30 minutes from Grenoble. This will be a mid-route stage viewing which are always our client’s favourites because you get the see the Tour streetside. It’s a great opportunity to see the racers up close and get those perfect shots. Spyns’ VIP area is a roadside town hall, complete with bar and terrace. Riders: Following the TDF stage, late afternoon or early evening ride to conquer epic Alpe d’Huez. Sweat up the world’s most famous 21 switchbacks with return ride via the little-known spectacular Villard pass. The final climb is 13.2 kms (8.2 miles) with an average gradient of 8.1%. Total distance for today’s loop: 81 kms (50 miles); total elevation gain 1165 metres / 3821 feet. Non-Riders: Following van transfer, the group will enjoy a relaxed cooking class, lunch, and then stage viewing from our VIP viewing area. During the class, chop to your heart’s desire or just sip wine and watch. Your choice.
Day Two July 15 Transfer Day Chambery (Alps): Riders: Ride the holy trinity of French summits: Croix de Fer, Glandon, and the Col de la Madeleine. Striking out from your chalet hotel, grind up some spectacular mountain passes to the Croix de Fer. The ride is 32.3 kms (20 miles), average 4.2% grade, altitude gain of 1564 metres (5123 ft). Then double back to the Col de Glandon, descend to the valley. Then, legs and road closures permitting, bike up to the Col de Madeleine. Madeleine will be featured in today’s TDF stage and you’ll be roadside, with beer or cocktail in hand, cheering them on. Total distance for today’s loop: 73.3 kms (45.5 miles); total elevation gain 3171 metres / 10,400 feet! Non-Riders: After hearty English breakfast, van transfer to the base of the Col de la Madeleine for today’s stage viewing. Once comfortably settled, join an optional two-hour hike around the summit, before watching the pro rides shoot by. All: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today. Today’s stage viewing will be in the town of La Chambre, near the Col de Madeleine. Madeleine will be the biggest climb for today’s mountain station. This will be another mid-route stage viewing and you’ll get the see the Tour roadside. As with all of our stages, today will again include live TV coverage in English, buffet lunch, and open bar.
Day Three July 16 Chambery (Alps): Riders: Today will be a two-part ride so you can choose to do just part 1 or (time permitting) the whole ride. Part 1: 65.4 kms (40.5 miles) Striking out from the chateau, the group will spin up and over the mountains then back down to the valley of Lake Annecy. After a quick pit stop in this beautiful lakeside town, you can then choose to do the next leg. Part 2: 35.2 kms (21.8 miles). Departing from the centre of Annecy, a short and intense climb will allow cyclists to bike the final leg of the stage route over the Col de Glières then a final descent to our viewing area in La Roche. Total distance: 99.5 km (61.7 miles). Elevation gain 2335 metres (7659 feet). Difficulty: Challenging to hard. Non-Riders: Following breakfast, van transfer then private walking tour of historic Annecy (driving time 30 mins). Explore the many canals of France’s very own “Venice.” After a relaxed lunch in the old town, train transfer with your guides to La Roche (30 mins) and then to our VIP viewing area to enjoy the Tour. All: You’ll enjoy buffet, open bar, and live TV coverage of the race from our VIP viewing area. The stage will finish between 5-6 p.m. You’ll then have a few hours to enjoy the finish village before van transfer then dinner back at the chateau. Caution: heavy traffic and likely a late dinner (around 9:30 p.m.) before bed.
Day Four July 17 Transfer Day Alps to the Vosges: Non-riders: After six (6) solid days of TDF stages and moving around, today non-riders can sleep in, have a late breakfast, and perhaps enjoy a swim. After a late check out, van transfer to the scenic port town of Chanaz. There, non-riders will have two options. Option 1: Join a fun and relaxed kayaking lesson on the Rhone river. Learn how to navigate the beautiful waters around Chanaz with a hunky French guide. Option 2: Jump on the electric paddleboat “La Chanaz” to navigate several locks and finally a tour of Lake Bourget, one of France’s largest freshwater lakes. Riders: Fast-paced ride around Lake Bourget to join the non-riders in the port village of Chanaz. Part 1: Striking out from the chateau, this will be a rigorous one-way ride up the peaks along Lake Bourget’s spectacular west shore. Distance: 53 kms (32.9 miles) / Elevation gain: 1750 metres (5740 feet). Estimated riding time 2-3 hours. Depending on your riding speed, you can then choose to join the non-riders for lunch or sweat for a few more miles. Part 2 (optional): Fast 25 km (15.5 mile) loop ride along the beautiful shoreline, with a few rigorous climbs. Elevation gain: 679 metres (2214 feet). Total Distance (parts 1 & 2): 78 kms (48.4 miles); Elevation gain 2447 metres (8026 feet). Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. All: After the day’s activities, relaxed lakeside lunch at the Auberge de Savieres. Located right on the canal, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at one of the village’s best restaurants. Following lunch, motor coach transfer north to the Vosges region and the Grand Hotel in the spa town of Plombières. Caution: total driving time will be 5-6 hours.
Day Five July 18 Transfer Day Alps to Paris: Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner not included for straight to Paris clients. For stage viewers, snacks provided on the evening train to Paris. Free night for dinner. OPTION 1: Straight to Paris HAD ENOUGH TOUR? No problem. Skip the Stage: Sleep in, enjoy a spa treatment (at your charge/not included with tour), then hop on an early afternoon train Belfort-Paris. Following check-in at your Paris hotel, enjoy some free time in the city of lights. Optional evening Seine River cruise (included) with the group. Free night for dinner. OPTION 2: Stage Viewing. Van transfer to our viewing area. Today’s viewing area is a small town, right on the time trial route. Again, we’ll provide live TV tour coverage (in English), barbecue, and open bar. Following the stage, evening train to Paris. Caution: long day!
Day Six July 19 Paris: Sunrise fat-tire ride up the Champs Elysées before viewing the Paris finish. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bike through downtown Paris when it’s closed to vehicle traffic. After hearty breakfast, watch the finish from our VIP room and balcony (again with open bar of course). Following the finish, send-off dinner at the Eiffel Tower!
Day Seven July 20 Paris Departure Day: Sleep off the week’s excesses, enjoy a late breakfast, or get in that last bit of shopping before departure. The perfect adventure!
- + HOTELS
-
Day 1 (July 14)
Chateau d’Oz***
Alpe d’Huez, Alps | Rooms – 12
Our Review : Ryan King, Spyns’ owner, discovered the Chateau d’Oz on a family ski trip to the Alps back in 2014 and we’ve been coming back ever since. Expertly run by British owners Andy (manager) and Gil (chef), staying at the chateau often feels more like staying with close friends or family. The hotel has twelve, apartment-style rooms, all with full kitchens. But with Gil serving up full English breakfasts and delectable meals, you won’t be doing much cooking.
Pros : Location: With terrific views of the Alps, the hotel has an unbeatable location near famous climbs like Alpe d’Huez and the Croix de Fer. The hotel is quiet, well-appointed, and expertly managed.
Cons : The hotel is somewhat isolated, so no shopping nearby, but nonetheless a relaxing way to start your tour. There are also lots of stairs so those with heavy bags may suffer.
Days 2-3 (July 15-16)
Chateau de Candie (Alps)****
Chambery, Alps | Rooms – 25
Our Review : This is the first time a Spyns’ group will stay at the Chateau de Candie, near the city of Chambery (Alps). Located on a private 25-acre park, this French castle was originally built in the 14th century. Renovated and restored in 1996, it has been a luxury hotel ever since. And it has its own vineyard…of course!
Pros : Location: near several TDF stages and some fantastic rides. Rooms: very comfortable and clean rooms. Breakfast: hotel has one of the better breakfast buffets in France.
Cons : Rooms can be a bit small, cramped even. Furnishings are showing some age. Service is excellent, but can be rather formal.
Day 4 (July 17)
Grand Hotel Plombiere (Vosges)***
Plombieres-les-Bains, Vosges | Rooms – 50
Our Review : This grand old hotel is located in the spa town of Plombieres, roughly 2.5 hours drive east of Paris. Spas and thermal baths were popular with Europe’s aristocracy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and it wasn’t uncommon to find grand hotels like this in small villages with hot springs. We chose this chateau for its location; just a short drive from the final time trial stage.
Pros : Location: near the final stage 20 time trial in the nearby village of Lure. Rooms: very comfortable and clean. Breakfast: like your last two hotels, Plombieres has one of the better breakfast buffets in France.
Cons : Rooms can be a bit minimalist, but spacious. Furnishings are showing some age. Hotel could use a bit of sprucing up.
Days 5-7 (July 28-30)
Hotel Saint James Albany****
202 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France | Rooms – 200
Our Review : Paris at its best. A Spyns favorite, this Paris hotel is the best place to see and be seen during the Tour de France. Not only is the hotel right along the race course, it boats its own swimming pool and spa (rare for crowded Paris). Online reviews were mixed so our president stayed at the hotel in early 2014 and gave it a thumbs up. Moreover, the recently completed renovations have given the rooms a newer, more modern look.
Pros : Location: right on the Rue de Rivoli, a few blocks from the Louvre, Seine, and three blocks away from the Place de la Concorde and Champs Elysees. Service: You get what you pay for. One of the better breakfasts in Paris. Over the top service for over the top prices. Comfort: Some of the best and most comfortable beds in France.
Cons : While the rooms have been renovated, they still lack a certain amount of style. Bathrooms could be larger and better appointed.
- + RIDING INFO
-
Day/Stage
July 24 – Day 1
Climbs
(Optional)
Hautacam / Alt 1635 metres / 5364 ftDistance
Short Ride 25 kms / 15 miles
Longer Ride (with Hautacam) 49.6 kms / 30.7 miles
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: Half-day warm up loop ride along the river valley near your hotel. Finish your loop ride along the river valley or try an optional ride extension up the Hautacam pass. Hautacam was the site of a stage finish during the 2014 Tour de France. It is a 17.3 km climb (10.7 miles) with an average 6.8% grade and 1170 metres (2839 ft) in altitude gain. So not for the faint of heart!Day/Stage
July 25 – Day 2
ClimbsCol du Tourmalet
Alt 2115 metres / 6938 ftCol d’Aspin
Alt 1489 metres / 4885 ftDistanceShort ride: 65.8 kms / 40.8 miles
Full ride with extension: 100 kms / 62 milesA TALE OF TWO COLS: Full-day century ride. Spectacular full-day loop ride to bike the Col du Tourmalet, one of the most famous climbs in the Pyrenees. Tourmalet has been featured in over 50 previous races. The Tourmalet climb is 19 kms (11.8 miles) at an average 7.4% with some grades reaching a punishing 10.2%. Riders have the option of stopping on Tourmalet or continuing on to the Col d’Aspin and adding another +34.4 kms (21.3 miles) to the day’s ride. Both peaks are features in the final mountain stage (stage 19) which takes place in two days.Day/Stage
July 26 – Day 3
Stage 18 Finish PauClimbs
Col de Bordères
Alt 1157 metres / 3796 ftDistance
46.5 kms / 29 miles
TEQUILA SUNRISE. Half-day ride to conquer the little-known Col de Borderes, featured in tomorrow’s final mountains stage. Striking out from your hotel in Pierrefitte (just south of Lourdes), this will be a 14.1 km (8.8 mile) climb with a total 702 metre (2303 ft) altitude gain at an average 5% grade. So this should be a more relaxed and less challenging ride than yesterday. This has always been one of our favourite rides as there is little traffic, wonderful scenery, and lots of trees to protect riders from the July heat. The ride ends with a dramatic downhill and final traverse into Lourdes. In Lourdes, riders can shower and change before taking an afternoon train to Pau to see the stage 18 finish.Day/Stage
July 27 – Day 6 Stage 19
Climbs
Col du Soulor
Alt 1474 metres / 4836 ftCol d’Aubisque
Alt 1710 metres / 5610 ftDistance
46.4 kms / 28.8 miles
Twin Peaks: Early morning departure to bike the same route as the pro riders up the Cols du Soulor and then Aubisque: both featured in today’s race. This ride is another day of options. Starting from Lourdes, riders can do just Soulor and stop at our stage viewing area. Or opt to do both peaks by riding Soulor and then up to Aubisque and back to our viewing area. The total climb to Aubisque from Lourdes is 30.1 kms (18.7 miles); 1247 metre altitude gain (5211 ft) and an average 4.1% grade with max grades of 9% along some portions of the ride. CAUTION: Given that this is the same route as the pro riders, slower riders may have to stop at Soulor due to road closures.Day/Stage
July 29 – Day 6
Climbs
Paris Champs Elysees
Distance
7 KMS / 4.3 MILES
Rise early and join our traditional pre-finish ride on the Champs Elysees before the peleton arrives. Following your ride around the Arc de Triomphe, under the Eiffel Tower, and through the Louvre, full buffet breakfast at your Paris hotel. Ride is suitable for all riding abilities.
