What could be better than a weekend in Paris? Now add the Tour de France finish, a luxury hotel overlooking Lance's victory lap (maybe), and the world's hardest to come by Tour de France grandstand seats. 'Parfait' as the French say. If you can't take one of our week-long tours, this is an exciting alterantive. Spend 2-days (July 24-26, 2010) in the city of lights enjoying the sights and sounds of Europe's most beautiful city. Paris can host a sporting event like no other and it shines particularly brightly for the Tour de France's stage 20 finish.  BOOK NOW!

• Deluxe: Spend two nights at the world-class Hotel Crillon (Lance's favorite 5-star hotel in Paris) right along the finish route. Located on the famous Place de la Concorde, the Crillon isn't near the Tour de France, most team buses park right outside your hotel's main entrance. The Crillon's old-world elegance and perfect location make it the best base from which to experience the tour. And you're just a block away from your Paris finish grandstand seats on the Champs Elysees. BOOK NOW!

Dates and prices:

• Deluxe: US$1989.00/person (double occupancy) July 24-26, 2010 - 2 nights at the 5-star Crillon, hotel breakfast, on race day morning ride on the deserted Champs Elysees & around the Arc de Triomphe (a once-in-a-lifetime experience!), grandstand seats, and send off dinner at the Eiffel Tower. BOOK NOW.

Space is limited so BOOK NOW. If you'd like more information, call us today to reserve (1.888.825.4720) or email info@tdf-tours.com for additional details.

Start/Finish: Your Spyns Tour de France tour begins at 12:30 p.m. July 18, 2010, in the city of Toulouse, in South West France on the banks of the Garonne River.  Toulouse is also known as the Ville Rose or Pink City for its distinctive brick architecture. Your tour ends at 12 p.m. July 26, 2010, in Paris at the Hotel Crillon. Please see the map below for Toulouse's location in southwest France. 

Getting from Paris to Toulouse:
You have two options: plane or train. The train trip takes approximately 6 hours whereas a flight from Paris to Toulouse takes less than 1.5 hours. For those who have never traveled by France's TGV bullet train, you're in for a treat. The TGV started regular service in 1981. France now has Europe's largest and most advanced train system. Average speed along the Paris - Toulouse line is 200 mph (320 km/h) although the trains are so comfortable that you'd never believe you're moving as fast as a small passenger plane. The only drawback is that the train to Toulouse has frequent stops, with a total travel time of almost 6 hours. Your other option is to fly direct from Paris to Toulouse - a trip of less than 1.5 hrs.

Starting Point Details:

1. Trains/Planes are direct & non-smoking: Both trains & planes are direct so no need to change. All public places in France are now non-smoking so no need to worry about Jean-Paul smoking a pack of Gauloises.

2. Lunch Not Included: You should have something to eat before starting your train trip as lunch isn't provided on day 1 (July 18). Tip: Buy a sandwich at the station before getting on the train because the dining car on the train is expensive.

3. Guides Will Be Waiting: Our guides will be waiting outside of the train station's main entrance with a Spyns sign to direct you to your van for transfer to your first hotel.

4. Travel Time: It will take about 1.5 hours to travel from the train station to your first hotel.

5. Dress Casually for Day 1: No need to dress in full bike gear for transfer to your hotel. You can change once you get there.

The trains to Toulouse depart from Paris' central station called: LA GARE MONTPARNASSE. There are several train stations in Paris so make sure you ask for the right one. Every taxi driver in Paris will know how to find the "Gare de Montparnasse" however travel time to the station and taxi fare prices may vary depending on your hotel's location. A good rule of thumb is to ask hotel reception how much a taxi will cost.

Tips for Train Travel in France

1. We can purchase your train tickets but not plane tickets. 
2. Your taxi driver may charge a supplement for extra baggage. This is common in Paris.
3. We suggest arriving at the station at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. This will give you time to find your train, buy something to eat, punch your ticket (see below), and get settled.
4. Before getting on the train, you are required to "punch" your ticket. You will see people punching their tickets in  yellow machines.
5. Seats on the bullet train are assigned so you have to find your car (called a "voiture") and seat ("siege").
6. The train times we provided are direct although they may stop along the route. Be careful, you'll only have a few minutes to get
    off the train before it departs again for the next station.               

 
Spyns Tour de France adventure begins in Lyon. We recommend either flying directly from Charles de Gaulle to Lyon or catching the train to Lyon.  Your tour begins in Lyon at 12:30 p.m. July 19, 2011 and ends in Paris at noon July 25, 2011. The group will rendez-vous at the Lyon train station before transferring to your first hotel. There are numerous trains and flights from Paris to Lyon.  Below are examples of some of the daily trains and planes from Paris to Lyon:

This is a question we often hear from potential clients. What is the daily plan on a Spyns Tour de France tour. Each group of 18-20 will have two to three guides: one guide will ride, another will drive, and the third guide will take care of the non-riders. What follows is a breakdown of a typical morning, noon, and evening:

MORNING: Depending on your hotel, breakfast is normally served between 7:30 and 10:00. Your guides will be on hand to review the day's activities for both riders and non-riders. Riders generally depart between 9:30 or 10:00 with the non-riders departing shortly thereafter. For the riders, you will have complete route instructions and maps. You can choose to ride with one of two guides or go it alone. Vans will sweep the route for riders needing a changed tire or a shuttle to the next meeting point.

NOON: The groups will stop for a cafe lunch or picnic. Before departure, your guides will let you know whether this lunch is included or at your charge. Lunch normally lasts at least an hour after which you can choose to finish the day's ride or non-riding activity or shuttle back to your hotel for some rest & relaxation.

EVENING: Spyns will sometimes host a pre-dinner cocktail party. Dinners usually start around 7:30 or 8:00 and last 3-4 hours. Dress is normally casual-dressy. Stick around for post-dinner drinks or get a good night's sleep to rest up for the next day's activities; with Spyns you'll either see the Tour de France, or enjoy a fun non-riding activitiy.

TOUR SOLD OUT 

Overview:  How about a little helicopter with your Tour? Our 9-day romp (July 18-26, 2010) through France is truly over the top. So don't be surprised when your Paris hotel is on the race course and transport to Stage 17's finish on Col du Tourmalet is by helicoptère. We've been leading Tour de France adventures since 2003 and have learned it all comes down to geography. Take your Paris hotel for example. Why fight the crowds along the Champs Elysees when you can walk out of your hotel, show your pass to Paris' finest, and watch Lance zip by from a private grandstand? Magnifique. Before Paris, avid cyclists can sweat to their heart's content in the Pyrenees while our non-riders hike through valleys, learn haute cuisine in Bordeaux, and master Pétanque (France's version of bocce ball) poolside. Whether you love to ride or just love a rider, everyone joins our traditional pre-finish bike ride up the deserted Champs Elysees on race day.  For more trip highlights, click here. For dates and prices, click here.

Days 1-2 Eastern Pyrenees (Southwest France): Spend 4 days cycling, hiking, or simply enjoying the view at your own private castle nestled among the verdant peaks of France's Pyreneen mountains. For our 2010 Tour de France trips, we've booked three incredible hotels: the Domaine du Palais right smack along the Stage 15 route (Pamiers to the Col d'Aspet);  the luxurious Hotel Regent Grand in the heart of Bordeaux, and the Hotel Westin, a member of the Starwood group, with an unbeatable location right on the finish race course. Spend your first four days exploring the majestic mountain parks of southwest France while having plenty of time to see two Tour de France stages. For riders, we're just a mountain Col away from the epic climbs of the Col d'Aspet (part of TDF 2010's stage 15). On the first day of your trip, meet at the Toulouse train station before van transfer to the small mountain village of Saint Lizier - consistently ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. Following an early afternoon check in and bike check, the riders will enjoy a 25 km (15.5 mile) warm up ride through the verdant hills surrounding the village. Non-riders can enjoy a terrace lunch followed by an exciting afternoon of canyoning. Don your wetsuit, rappel down into a river valley, and hop, slip and swim your way through unspoiled rivers and valleys. Your expert guides make this an experience for all ages and fitness levels. Once back at the hotel, don casual dress for a hearty meal of regional delicacies in the hotel's excellent restaurant. The tour's first mountain stage takes place the following day in the neighboring village of Saint Girons. Walk, bike or take the van to Saint Girons to watch Lance and his fellow racers zip by as you sip a glass of the regional crémant ('champagne'). Once le Tour has passed things get serious as we attack epic Col d'Aspet right in the Tour's very wake.  Non-riders can enjoy a rigorous hike to a nearby farm to enjoy local goat's cheeses. For dates and prices, please click here.

Meals: Although we’ve written a lot about the hotels and activities on this website, let’s not forget that France is the undisputed world capital of gourmet eating and your breakfasts, lunches and dinners will not disappoint. All of your breakfasts are included on your Spyns tour so enjoy fresh croissants and other French pastries (and perhaps the odd egg) before starting your day. While on Spyns Tour de France tour, your guides will prepare several gourmet picnic lunches and we’ll have a sumptuous welcome dinner expertly served by your hotel's staff. As the French say, Bon Appétit! For dates and prices, please click here.

Days 3-4 The Tour de France stays in the Pyrenees for another two days and we'll be right there cheering on Lance and Team Radioshack. On July 20, departing from Saint Lizier, riders have the option of completing a century ride from Saint Lizier to Pau. Depending on your speed, you might be able to see the stage 16 finish in the region's capital city of Pau. This 102 km (63 mile) trek will take you through breathtaking peaks and emerald-green valleys of the Western Pyrenees. Today is about choices. Following van transfer from Saint Lizier, spend the day in the regional capital of Pau exploring its Renaissance chateau and delectable bistros before Stage 17 finishes in town or skip the finish and ride your legs off. Both riders and non-riders will spend two more gleeful days eating, swimming, cycling, and bien sur tour watching. The following day is a special treat. For deluxe tour clients, transfer by helicopter from Saint Lizier to the Col d'Aubisque and Stage 17 finish. Avoid the crowds and crushing traffic while flying at a comfortable steady 258 km/h (150 m/h). The flight will take a short 45 minutes with plenty of time to enjoy the TDF caravan and finish before flying to Bordeaux and your next hotel. For those who'd prefer the tour without a helicopter, we've planned a coach transfer to watch the tour from a private viewing area with lunch and afternon tranfser to Bordeaux for a 2-night stay in France's wine capital.

Days 5-6: From the Pyrenees to Bordeaux: We'll transition with the tour heading northwest from the Pyrenees to Bordeaux. This region is home to some of the world's most famous red wines. We were lucky enough to book the spectacular Hotel Regent Grand located in the heart of Bordeaux. Traffic permitting, everyone will arrive in time for an early evening walk around the historic centre of Bordeaux before picking that perfect restaurant for dinner. The following day, riders will follow the stage 19 time trial route northwest deep into the heart of Medoc wine country. Home to the world's most exclusive red wines, join an optional wine tasting at spectacular Chateau Palmer before completing the 49.1 km (30.4 mile) stage ride to the port city of Pauillac. Following lunch, double your mileage (to 98.2 km / 60.8 miles) by doing a modified return ride to Bordeaux or simply hop in the Spyns van for a less strenuous shuttle back to Hotel Regent Grand. For the non-riders, after a sumptuous late-morning breakfast complete with eggs, crepes, and pancakes, try part of the time trial route (which is flat) or simply explore Bordeaux before an early an early afternoon cooking class. Everyone will enjoy dinner at the hotel. For dates and prices, please click here.

Days 7-9 From Bordeaux to Paris:  Day 7 of the tour is a Saturday but it'll be far from your average "bunny slippers and weekend newspaper" day. The day will start with an optional morning walking tour before watching the tour's final (and perhaps decisive) time trial departing just 2 blocks from your hotel. Following the exciting full-day time trial along the banks of the Garonne river, we'll transfer by high-speed TGV train to Paris, a journey of about 3.5 hours. Spyns will provide a light snack and refreshments (largely alcoholic) as we glide to the city of lights at 200 mph. We’ll arrive in the heart of Paris at around 10:30 p.m. Home for the next two nights will be the Hotel Westin  on the Rue de Rivoli near the US embassy and Louvre - just a few blocks from the Champs Elysees. A classic Parisian hotel, it’s one of the only hotels in Paris that overlooks the Tour de France race course. Once settled in the hotel, we’ll be up early the following morning. On finish day (July 25) join Spyns traditional morning bike ride around Paris. The ride is suitable for all levels. On race day, downtown Paris is closed to traffic yet bikes can still ride the race course. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bike up the Champs Elysees, around the Arc de Triomphe, along the River Seine, and past the Louvre before heading back to the hotel for a gourmet breakfast. The tour normally arrives early afternoon so enjoy a free afternoon of shopping and sightseeing in Paris before settling down in the private grandstands to watch the rides zip by. We'll have a sendoff dinner at the Eiffel Tower's excellent restaurant (Altitude 95) followed by (optional) night on the town. The following day we've planned...nothing! It's departure day so sleep off the previous week's excesses, get in that final bit of shopping, or jog along the Seine river before transfer to the airport, train station, and next destination. For dates and prices, please click here.

Meals: All breakfasts are included in your Spyns tour so you can enjoy the Hotel Crillon buffet breakfast at your leisure. The group will arrive very late in Paris on July 24 (day 6) so Spyns will provide drinks and sandwiches on the late train ride to Paris. Following the closing ceremony on race day, we have dinner reservations at the Eiffel Tower’s excellent restaurant, Altitude 95. In addition to making one of France’s best Ceasar Salads, dine in this incredible landmark with the best view in town. After dinner, walk the promenade before heading to our final send-off party for drinks and dancing at Paris’ chic Budda Bar (next to the US Embassy). For dates and prices, please click here.

How We Choose Your Hotels: Before planning any of our tours, a Spyns guide always conducts a full hotel inspection. While we meet always meet with the hotel manager, Ryan King (Spyns President) always seeks out the hotel’s two most important employees: its porter and bartender. Porters & bartenders always tell us which rooms have squeaky floors or whether the pool is really heated. Once we’ve toured, filmed, photographed, and catalogued a hotel, we then add it to our tours. You're planning to cross an ocean for Spyns Tour de France trip. The least we could do is check if your room has air conditioning. For dates and prices, please click here.

 TOUR SOLD OUT. 

TOUR SOLD OUT.

If you'd prefer to enjoy your Spyns Tour de France trip "light", you’ll have just as much fun. We’re the only Tour de France company with a full itinerary for non-riders. In fact, almost half the clients traveling with us to France will never touch a bike. On active days, you always have two options: a challenging ride; or no ride. The group meets for lunch or dinner so regardless of your choice, you’ll normally see your spouse or partner to share a glass of wine and good conversation. With Spyns, how you get to a day’s activity (a tour stage, wine tasting, or walking tour) is completely up to you. Hop in the van to watch the riders sweat it up the mountain or join the group for a light hike or cooking class. Whatever makes you happy. What follows is some detailed information about what's on offer "off a bike" for Spyns 2010 Tour de France trips:

Below is the selection from our Maps Section

How much of the tour will I see?
How much are your tours and what is the difference between the classic & luxury tours? 
What are the dates for your tour?
Do your tours include airfare?
Where should I fly?
How do I get to the start of the tour in Toulouse?
I’m an avid rider, will there be enough riding for me?
I’m an average rider, will this tour be too difficult for me?
I don’t ride but my partner is an avid rider, will we enjoy the tour?
What kind of bikes do you provide?
Should I bring my own bike?
Why should I travel with your company?
What are your terms & conditions?
How do I reserve a tour?
What if I have to cancel?

How much of the tour will I see?
Click here for detailed information. You will see 5 stages: Stage 15 (a mountain stage including the Col du Porte d'Aspet); Stage 16 finish in Pau (Pyrenees); Stage 17 from Pau to Col du Tourmalet (Pyrenees); Stage 19 time trial in Bordeaux (Aquitaine); and Stage 20, the Paris finish. For stage 20 in Paris, we are staying in a hotel that overlooks the race course (Rue de Rivoli / Tuileries) so depending on your tour you can watch from the grandstand, your hotel room, or join the excitement streetside.

How much are your tours?
The luxury tour is $5895/person (based on double occupancy). Luxury clients do not have grandstand seats in Paris to watch the finish and do not have helicopter transfer/viewing of Stage 17. The deluxe tour is $6995/person (based on double occupancy) which includes grandstand tickets for the Paris finish and helicopter transfer to see Stage 17. If you’re traveling alone and would like a private room, there is a $1250 single supplement. Both deluxe and luxury clients will follow the same route starting in Toulouse, followed by St Lizier, then Bordeaux, and finishing in Paris. You'll also do the same rides and enjoy the same non-riding activities.

What are the dates for your tour?
Start Toulouse  July 18, 2010 / Finish (Paris) July 26, 2010.

Do your tours include airfare?
No. Our tours do not include airfare. You are responsible for getting to the tour’s starting point in Toulouse although once in France we can help with your hotel and train arrangements.

Where should I fly?
Most of our clients will fly in and out of Paris. There are at least 3 daily high-speed trains from Paris Montparnasse station to Toulouse (travel time approx 6 hours). You can also fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to Toulouse (flight time 1.5 hours) on any number of daily flights.
 
How do I get to the start of the tour in Toulouse?
Fly to Paris and from Charles de Gaulle airport you can then fly directly to Toulouse (cost approx $90 - $150/ticket) with a flight time of 1.5 hours or take the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Pau (cost between $65 - $140) for a 6-hour train ride.  For train and plane schedules go here.

 I’m an avid rider, will there be enough riding for me?
Yes. If you complete all of our challenging rides, you’ll do roughly 200 miles with almost 100 miles of climbing. This mileage includes 3-4 days in the Pyrenees so the elevation can often make distances feel 3 to 4 times longer. Our tour includes such famous Pyreneen climbs as the Col d'Aubisque, Tourmalet and Aspin - all 3 peaks are part of the tour's 2010 stage 17. You’ll have a guide and full van support for all of your rides. Click here for detailed riding information.

I’m an average rider, will this tour be too difficult for me?
No, although you won't be riding in the Pyrnees (Days 1 - 4) but rather in flatter Bordeaux and before the finish in Paris. The Pyreneen mountains would be too challenging so you should join for an optional hike or tour. While in Bordeaux, however, the riding should be suitable for all levels. On a Spyns tour, you always have the option of a challenging ride or non-riding activities. 

I don’t ride but my partner is an avid rider, will we enjoy the tour?
Yes. We have activities for both riders and non-riders. All groups go in the same direction and enjoy lunch/dinner together. So the most you’ll be apart is a couple of hours. Click here for a detailed summary of the riding and non-riding activities.

What kind of bikes do you provide?
If you’re a fanatical rider, we strongly suggest you bring your own bike. If you’d like to use one of ours, we have two options: a Trek Ultra (rental included) or a Scott Carbon (rental price $150/bike). What follows are some additional details: Trek Alpha SL Aluminium bikes with alloy hubs, Alex Rims, Shimano Gears / Derailer, and Bontrager seat & stem (rental included); Scott CR1 Team Carbon Shimano 105 10V Triple 50x39x30 12x25 Mavic Askium Hubs (rental price $150/bike). If you plan to use one of our bikes, we suggest you still bring your pedals, shoes, seat and stem.

Should I bring my own bike?
If you are a serious rider (150-200 miles/week), you should bring your own bike. We strongly recommend you ship your bike to your first hotel in the Pyrenees but please note that we assume no risk/liability during shipping and transport during the tour. Please see our terms & conditions for more information. Following registration, we will send you detailed shipping instructions. Our mechanic can have your bike set up and ready before you arrive based on your specifications of course.

Why should I travel with your company?
Here are three main reasons: 1. Our prices are, on average, $1000 less than our competitors yet our TDF itineraries are by far the best. 2. Our average group size is 20-25 clients compared to 30-40+ for our competitors. 3. We are the only company that provides a complete itinerary for non-riders and light riders traveling in the same groups. Traveling with Spyns means enjoying your holiday even if you don’t touch a bike.

What are your Terms & Conditions?
Please click here  to visit our forms page and download our Terms & Conditions form. Here is a brief summary: we require payment of a non-refundable deposit upon registration followed by full non-refundable payment of your balance on Aril 20, 2010.

How do I reserve a tour?
By phone: Call us with a credit card number at 1.888.825.4720. By fax: Print, complete, sign and fax our registration form to us toll-free at 1.866.573.4248.

What if I have to cancel?
We recommend you obtain cancellation insurance (www.travelinsured.com is a good choice) as all payments to Spyns are non-transferable and non-refundable.