A mixed tour for both riders and non-riders; see the final five (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 the Col de Croix de Fer for example); non-riders enjoy rafting, hiking, paragliding 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
Meet your guides at Pau’s central train station for a 12:30 p.m. transfer to your first hotel. After check in, riders will have a short bike sizing, some final adjustments, and briefing before enjoying a half-day ride. Departing from your hotel, riders will do a guided 25 km (15 mile) loop ride through the rolling hills of the central Pyrenees. This will be a chance to shake off the worst of your jet lag while also getting accustomed to your new bike. Optional 24.6 km (15.3 mile) ride extension up the Hautacam pass. Hautacam is a local ski resort and was the finish line for stage 18 of the 2014 Tour de France. Non-riders have two options: option 1 will be a guided afternoon hike along the foothills near your hotel (moderate difficulty) or take option 2 and enjoy some light adventure through an activity called parapenting. Parapenting is a two-person parasail (like a parachute) jump. You and a hunky French guide run down a slope, take flight, and then fly down to the valley below. Flying time is between 10-20 minutes depending on the weather conditions. Once back at your hotel, the group will enjoy cocktails and then dinner on the hotel’s terrace with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
July 25 – Day 2 Pyrenees
After a hearty breakfast, riders will a full-day ride (66 miles / 41 miles) to conquer the infamous Col du Tourmalet – a peak featured in almost every Tour de France for the past 100 years. This will be more challenging terrain than the previous two day’s rides as elevations are higher in the central Pyrenees. Need more mileage? No problem. There is an optional ride extension to conquer the Col d’Aspin as well. Non-riders can sleep in before a late morning of white water rafting in the nearby “Gave” river. These are moderate rapids, suitable for most paddling abilities. Following a hot shower and lunch, relax on the hotel terrace with that perfect book or join an optional afternoon hike through the foothills near your hotel in Pierrefitte.
July 26 – Day 3 Pyrenees: Stage 18 Finish Pau
After hearty breakfast, riders can choose: option 1: fast-paced ride up the spectacular Col de Bordères (featured in tomorrow’s mountain stage). Total distance 46.5 kms / 29 miles. Option 2: take the day off and join the non-riders who will transfer to Lourdes for a guided walking tour, lunch, and then short train ride to Pau (the region’s capital) to watch the exciting stage 18 finish from Spyns’ VIP viewing area, complete with live TV coverage and open bar. After the stage finish, bus transfer back to your hotel for a late dinner on the hotel’s spectacular terrace with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.
July 27 – Day 4 Pyrenees / Transfer Day: Stage 19
After gourmet breakfast (stop counting the calories!), today is another day of exciting TDF stage viewing. Non-riders will transfer back to Lourdes to see this holy sanctuary city transformed into the starting point for today’s stage. This will be a rare opportunity to see the TDF’s starting village with team buses, pro riders warming up, and countless vendors. Then van transfer up the mountain to our VIP viewing area on the Col du Soulor (one of the final climbs of today’s race). Riders will follow part of today’s stage and conquer the Col du Soulour, location of our VIP stage viewing area, and then time-permitting the Col d’Aubisque. Total distance 46.4 kms / 28.8 miles which is mostly climbing. The group will enjoy Spyns’ classic VIP stage viewing with tents, outdoor barbecue, open bar, and live TDF coverage. After the stage, we’ll have a relaxed dinner on the mountain before bus transfer to seaside Biarritz where the group will spend a restful night before heading up to Paris.
July 28 – Day 5 Biarritz: Stage 20 Individual Time Trial
Two options today: skip the stage and head straight to Paris or enjoy the all-day time trial in nearby Souraïde. Option 1 Skip the Stage: Had enough of the tour? No problem. Join a morning cooking class in scenic Biarritz followed by afternoon train from Biarritz to Paris arriving early evening in the city of lights. Free evening in Paris or join the group for a romantic Seine river cruise. Free night in Paris for dinner. Option 2 Time Trial Stage Viewing: Morning bus transfer to nearby Souraïde, a small Basque village located along the day’s time trail route. Live the all-day individual time trial. In past Tours of France, the final time trial has often determined the race’s winner. Spyns will set up its classic VIP viewing village with unparalleled roadside access to the race course. Again we’ll provide TVs showing live tour coverage, food, and open bar. After the stage, evening train to Paris arriving just before midnight. Nicknamed the “party train,” Spyns will provide both food, drink (and often music) on this fun train trip to Paris.
July 29 – Day 6 Paris: Stage 21 Paris Finish
Spyns hosts its classic morning bike ride (suitable for all abilities) on the Champs Elysees. Enjoy a fat-tire spin on the Tour de France race course when downtown Paris is closed to traffic. What are fat-tires? These are thicker and slightly deflated tires perfect for riding on the cobblestone streets of Paris. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bike around the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysees, and take a few pictures near the finish, all before return ride along the Seine and Eiffel Tower. After a late breakfast, watch the race from the Spyns’ VIP room with open bar, food, and unbeatable balcony views of the race course. Final send off dinner at the Eiffel Tower.
July 30 – Day 7 Paris: Departure
Sleep off the week’s excesses, enjoy a late breakfast, or get in that last bit of shopping before departure. The perfect holiday!
Days 1-3 (July 24-26)
Grand Hotel***
Pierrefitte-Nestalas, Pyrenees | Rooms – 25
Our Review : The Grand Hotel exudes a rare 1930s luxury you’d normally find more at home in New England. But we are indeed in the Pyrenees. Spyns has been coming back to this charming hotel for the past six years and we almost have the run of the place. Located in a small village just south of Lourdes, it is the best location to explore the majestic Pyrenees.
Pros : Location: With terrific views of the central Pyrenees, the hotel has an unbeatable location near famous climbs like Soulor and Aubisque. 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.
Day 4 (July 27)
Hotel Windsor Grande Plage****
Biarritz, Bay of Biscay (Western Pyrenees) | Rooms – 15
Our Review : This is the first time a Spyns’ group will stay in beautiful Biarritz, France’s famous Atlantic seaside getaway. Naturally we chose a hotel right on the beach and the Windsor Grande Plage is everything we wanted and more. Located right on the beach, this hotel has been expertly managed by the same family for three generations.
Pros : Location: on the beach. 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 rather standard. Wifi can be a bit spotty.
Days 5-7 (July 18-20)
Hotel Westin Paris****
3 Rue de Castiglione Paris 75001 | Rooms – 120
Our Review : Perfect! A member of the prestigious Starwood hotels group, the Westin Paris underwent a complete renovation in 2008. The rooms are large, well-appointed, and (despite some wear and tear) comfortable. The location is ideal: right on the Rue de Rivoli and Tour de France race course, 2 blocks from the Champs Elysees, and 2 blocks from the Louvre.
Pros : Rooms; location; excellent breakfast (with eggs); hotel amenities like spa and exercise room; great service in a city not known for it.
Cons : Located on two busy streets so there will be some noise. Like many modern hotels, the rooms are starting to show some wear and tear.
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
Day/Stage
July 25 – Day 2
Col du Tourmalet
Alt 2115 metres / 6938 ft
Col d’Aspin
Alt 1489 metres / 4885 ft
Short ride: 65.8 kms / 40.8 miles
Full ride with extension: 100 kms / 62 miles
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
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
Day/Stage
July 29 – Day 6
Climbs
Paris Champs Elysees
Distance
7 KMS / 4.3 MILES
- + 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
-
July 24 – Start Pau (Pyrenees)
Meet your guides at Pau’s central train station for a 12:30 p.m. transfer to your first hotel. After check in, riders will have a short bike sizing, some final adjustments, and briefing before enjoying a half-day ride. Departing from your hotel, riders will do a guided 25 km (15 mile) loop ride through the rolling hills of the central Pyrenees. This will be a chance to shake off the worst of your jet lag while also getting accustomed to your new bike. Optional 24.6 km (15.3 mile) ride extension up the Hautacam pass. Hautacam is a local ski resort and was the finish line for stage 18 of the 2014 Tour de France. Non-riders have two options: option 1 will be a guided afternoon hike along the foothills near your hotel (moderate difficulty) or take option 2 and enjoy some light adventure through an activity called parapenting. Parapenting is a two-person parasail (like a parachute) jump. You and a hunky French guide run down a slope, take flight, and then fly down to the valley below. Flying time is between 10-20 minutes depending on the weather conditions. Once back at your hotel, the group will enjoy cocktails and then dinner on the hotel’s terrace with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
July 25 – Day 2 Pyrenees
After a hearty breakfast, riders will a full-day ride (66 miles / 41 miles) to conquer the infamous Col du Tourmalet – a peak featured in almost every Tour de France for the past 100 years. This will be more challenging terrain than the previous two day’s rides as elevations are higher in the central Pyrenees. Need more mileage? No problem. There is an optional ride extension to conquer the Col d’Aspin as well. Non-riders can sleep in before a late morning of white water rafting in the nearby “Gave” river. These are moderate rapids, suitable for most paddling abilities. Following a hot shower and lunch, relax on the hotel terrace with that perfect book or join an optional afternoon hike through the foothills near your hotel in Pierrefitte.
July 26 – Day 3 Pyrenees: Stage 18 Finish Pau
After hearty breakfast, riders can choose: option 1: fast-paced ride up the spectacular Col de Bordères (featured in tomorrow’s mountain stage). Total distance 46.5 kms / 29 miles. Option 2: take the day off and join the non-riders who will transfer to Lourdes for a guided walking tour, lunch, and then short train ride to Pau (the region’s capital) to watch the exciting stage 18 finish from Spyns’ VIP viewing area, complete with live TV coverage and open bar. After the stage finish, bus transfer back to your hotel for a late dinner on the hotel’s spectacular terrace with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.
July 27 – Day 4 Pyrenees / Transfer Day: Stage 19
After gourmet breakfast (stop counting the calories!), today is another day of exciting TDF stage viewing. Non-riders will transfer back to Lourdes to see this holy sanctuary city transformed into the starting point for today’s stage. This will be a rare opportunity to see the TDF’s starting village with team buses, pro riders warming up, and countless vendors. Then van transfer up the mountain to our VIP viewing area on the Col du Soulor (one of the final climbs of today’s race). Riders will follow part of today’s stage and conquer the Col du Soulour, location of our VIP stage viewing area, and then time-permitting the Col d’Aubisque. Total distance 46.4 kms / 28.8 miles which is mostly climbing. The group will enjoy Spyns’ classic VIP stage viewing with tents, outdoor barbecue, open bar, and live TDF coverage. After the stage, we’ll have a relaxed dinner on the mountain before bus transfer to seaside Biarritz where the group will spend a restful night before heading up to Paris.
July 28 – Day 5 Biarritz: Stage 20 Individual Time Trial
Two options today: skip the stage and head straight to Paris or enjoy the all-day time trial in nearby Souraïde. Option 1 Skip the Stage: Had enough of the tour? No problem. Join a morning cooking class in scenic Biarritz followed by afternoon train from Biarritz to Paris arriving early evening in the city of lights. Free evening in Paris or join the group for a romantic Seine river cruise. Free night in Paris for dinner. Option 2 Time Trial Stage Viewing: Morning bus transfer to nearby Souraïde, a small Basque village located along the day’s time trail route. Live the all-day individual time trial. In past Tours of France, the final time trial has often determined the race’s winner. Spyns will set up its classic VIP viewing village with unparalleled roadside access to the race course. Again we’ll provide TVs showing live tour coverage, food, and open bar. After the stage, evening train to Paris arriving just before midnight. Nicknamed the “party train,” Spyns will provide both food, drink (and often music) on this fun train trip to Paris.
July 29 – Day 6 Paris: Stage 21 Paris Finish
Spyns hosts its classic morning bike ride (suitable for all abilities) on the Champs Elysees. Enjoy a fat-tire spin on the Tour de France race course when downtown Paris is closed to traffic. What are fat-tires? These are thicker and slightly deflated tires perfect for riding on the cobblestone streets of Paris. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bike around the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysees, and take a few pictures near the finish, all before return ride along the Seine and Eiffel Tower. After a late breakfast, watch the race from the Spyns’ VIP room with open bar, food, and unbeatable balcony views of the race course. Final send off dinner at the Eiffel Tower.
July 30 – Day 7 Paris: Departure
Sleep off the week’s excesses, enjoy a late breakfast, or get in that last bit of shopping before departure. The perfect holiday!
- + HOTELS
-
Days 1-3 (July 24-26)
Grand Hotel***
Pierrefitte-Nestalas, Pyrenees | Rooms – 25
Our Review : The Grand Hotel exudes a rare 1930s luxury you’d normally find more at home in New England. But we are indeed in the Pyrenees. Spyns has been coming back to this charming hotel for the past six years and we almost have the run of the place. Located in a small village just south of Lourdes, it is the best location to explore the majestic Pyrenees.
Pros : Location: With terrific views of the central Pyrenees, the hotel has an unbeatable location near famous climbs like Soulor and Aubisque. 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.
Day 4 (July 27)
Hotel Windsor Grande Plage****
Biarritz, Bay of Biscay (Western Pyrenees) | Rooms – 15
Our Review : This is the first time a Spyns’ group will stay in beautiful Biarritz, France’s famous Atlantic seaside getaway. Naturally we chose a hotel right on the beach and the Windsor Grande Plage is everything we wanted and more. Located right on the beach, this hotel has been expertly managed by the same family for three generations.
Pros : Location: on the beach. 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 rather standard. Wifi can be a bit spotty.
Days 5-7 (July 18-20)
Hotel Westin Paris****
3 Rue de Castiglione Paris 75001 | Rooms – 120
Our Review : Perfect! A member of the prestigious Starwood hotels group, the Westin Paris underwent a complete renovation in 2008. The rooms are large, well-appointed, and (despite some wear and tear) comfortable. The location is ideal: right on the Rue de Rivoli and Tour de France race course, 2 blocks from the Champs Elysees, and 2 blocks from the Louvre.
Pros : Rooms; location; excellent breakfast (with eggs); hotel amenities like spa and exercise room; great service in a city not known for it.
Cons : Located on two busy streets so there will be some noise. Like many modern hotels, the rooms are starting to show some wear and tear.
- + 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.