I CAN'T SEE MY ITINERARY. WHY IS THAT?

The website currently has information regarding tour #4 of a total 4 Tour de France trips. As tours 1-3 sold out, we updated the website with new trip information. Each tour has its own hotels, restaurants, and riding/non-riding activities. If you no longer have a copy of the trip information forwarded to you upon registration, just call us toll-free at 1.888.825.4720 or email info@tdf-tours.com and we'll send you detailed info about your trip immediately. You will also receive hard copies of these and other documents with your trip information package.

WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS

Former Spyns clients have often asked me where they should stay in Paris - both before and after their Tour de France trips. Paris hotels have always been expensive and the current euro/dollar exchange rate has only compounded the problem. What passes for a bargain in Paris these days often starts at $150-$200/night. Paris hotel rooms also tend to be very small by North American standards. Although in my experience Parisian service has improved incredibly since I first started doing tours in 2003.

Here are two reasonably-priced Paris hotels that I often recommend:

1. Hotel Argenson (http://www.hotel-argenson.com/) 15 Rue Argenson 75008 Paris, France+33 1 42 65 16 87. I've sent a lot of former Spyns clients to the Argenson for three reasons: location; price; and service. The hotel is located about 4 blocks north of the Champs Elysees in a chic Paris neighborhood. For cyclists, it's just a block away from a "Velib" station where you can pick up a bike and drop it anywhere in the city. Price: Rooms run about $150-$175/night - very reasonable for pricey Paris. Caveat: the rooms don't have air conditioning so for those of you who like your summer room temperature in the "meat locker" zone, you should probably stay at a larger chain hotel. The owner is a very charming Parisienne whom I've always found to be friendly and helpful.

2. Hotel Londres Tour Eiffel (http://www.hotel-paris-londres-eiffel.com/) 1 rue Augereau 75007 Paris. Again another hit with former Spyns clients. Located just 2 blocks from the Eiffel Tower, it's ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The owner/manager speaks excellent English which always helps in Paris. Rooms on the upper floors are a bit more expensive because they have views of the (upper) Eiffel Tower. The rooms are clean but small and cost between $150-$200/night.

BEFORE DEPARTURE: THE TOP 5 / LE TOP

1. Make sure you have a valid passport for your trip to France (check your passport's expiry date!).
2. Obtain trip cancellation and medical coverage insurance (we recommend www.travelinsured.com).
3. Call your credit card companies (7-10 days before departure) and tell them you'll be in Europe using your card(s).
4. Buy an adapter plug for France.
5. Exchange money to have at least 250 euros cash for your trip.

WHAT TO PACK: 

Most meals and restaurants on the tour will be casual dressy. The Eiffel Tower dinner is a no-jeans zone but doesn't require jacket and tie. Here are some extras you may not have thought about:

1. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
2. Clothes for temperatures between 55 degrees (mornings in the Pyrenees mountains) to 95 degrees (afternoons in Bordeaux/Paris).
3. Sunglasses / hat
4. Bathing suit

WHAT TO BRING:

Our support vans are fully-equipped but you should bring the following bike gear:

1. Clothes: Gloves, jerseys, padded-bike shorts, arm/leg bands, a shell (for those cooler mountain passes & summits), rain gear.
2. Equipment: a multifunction bike tool (like the Topeak Alien), your pedals, shoes, and (optional) seat and stem. 
3. For those traveling with their own bikes, you should bring: extra chain, and spare tubes if you have special tires.

OPTIONAL BUT ESSENTIAL TECH: 

1. Camera (batteries, extra card, and charging/download cords).
2. Laptop (wifi available in all hotels)
3. Adapter plug for France.

JUST IN CASE:  

1. Make photocopies of all passports, credit cards, and train/plane tickets before departure. Keep separate from originals.
2. Write down your airline's lost luggage hotline in France.
3. In your carryon(s), bring at least 1 change of clothes.
4. Give your family the contact numbers form provided in your pre-trip package (mailed in mid-February 2010).

A LITTLE FRENCH: