France
Is This Trip For Me?
The 2023 Tour de France will visit all 5 of France’s mountain ranges. They are, in the order that they will appear on the route, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura, the Alps and the Vosges. As well as seeing 5 stages of the Tour de France live, you will also have the opportunity to cycle and visit iconic locations such as Serre Chevalier and Briancon, Alpe d’Huez, Annecy and Provence and Mont Ventoux.
Our Tour starts and finishes in Paris. You can leave your bike box or bag at our Paris hotel during the tour. We will transport your bike fully assembled so no need to re-pack your bike every time we move between hotels. If you don’t want to travel with your bike, we also offer bike rental. Carbon road bikes and E-Bikes are available.
Apart from the first and last nights in Paris at the Hotel Mercure Gare de Lyon, we have arranged our Tour de France 15-night tour to be as comfortable as possible, with the minimum amount of hotel changes. We spend 2 nights at the 4* Grand Hotel in Serre Chevalier followed by 2 nights at 3* Hôtel Le Dome in Alpe d’huez. After this we spend 5 nights in Annecy at 4* hotel Novotel Annecy Centre. Our tour concludes with 4 nights at hotel Blason de Provence in Carpentras near Mont Ventoux before returning to Paris for 1 night.
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
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Watch 5 stages of the Tour De France : On our tour you will have the opportunity to watch 3 mountain stages, an ITT and the final stage on the Champs Elysees in Paris.
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Bucket list Bike Rides: You will be able to ride some of the world's most iconic climbs that feature regularly in the Tour de France including the Col du Granon, Mont Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez.
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See the Sights: Take in the sights in this beautiful part of the world with plenty to do at each stop. There will be alternative activities at each resort should you not want to ride!
| Avg Daily Distance | Avg Daily Elevation | Difficulty |
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What's Included
Accommodation
15 nights in 3* & 4* Hotels
Accommodation
Twin, Double, Single rooms available
Transfer
Return transfers from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Transfer
TGV from Paris to Grenoble and from Avignon back to Paris
Transfer
Air-conditioned coach transport throughout
Included Meals
All breakfasts & 13 evening meals
Guided Rides
Rides followed by support vehicle
Additional Extras
Bike Rental
Bike rental available from £289
Tour de France stages
We will be well situated to view the following stages of the 2023 Tour de France:
- Friday 14th July – Stage 13 finish at Grand Colombier
- Saturday 15th July – Stage 14 – Annemasse to Morzine
- Sunday 16th July – Stage 15 – Les Gets – St Gervais
- Tuesday 18th July – Stage 16 – Passy – Combloux ITT
- Sunday 23rd July – Stage 21 – Champs Elysees Paris
While our itinerary enables you the opportunity to see 4 mountain stages of the Tour plus the Paris stage, it also offers plenty of options for doing our own cycle touring in some of the best regions of France. Non-cyclists are also well catered for with opportunities to visit some iconic places like the Unesco world heritage Briancon Old Town, Bourg d’Oisans, Alpe d’Huez, the cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-coloured houses of Annecy Village, Bedoin & Malaucene in Provence and of course Paris.
2023 Tour de France - Alps, Ventoux and Paris Cycling Holiday
Itinerary
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Sunday 9th July : Arrival in Paris
You will be collected from Charles de Gaulle Airport at either 09:00am or 15:00 and taken to the 4* Mercure Paris Gare du Lyon Hotel. You will have a one-night stay with breakfast included.
On arrival at the hotel, you will need to assemble your bike as we have arranged for you to store your bike bags / cases at the hotel for the duration of the trip. All bikes will be loaded fully assembled on our special bike trailer throughout the Tour.
Evening free to eat out in Paris.
Monday 10th July : Travel to Serre Chevalier
After breakfast we will assemble in the hotel’s reception at 09:30hrs and we will walk across to Paris Gare de Lyon train station where we will board the TGV train to Grenoble.
On your arrival in Grenoble, you will be taken to Serre Chevalier where we will spend the next 2 nights on half-board basis at the excellent 4* Grand Hotel which is ideal for accessing great climbs in this area like the Col d’Izoard, Col du Galibier and Col du Granon.
For those of you who have booked bike rental, these will be available for you today.
Grand Hôtel & Spa Nuxe Serre Chevalier (grandhotel.fr)
Evening meal at the hotel.
Tuesday 11th July : First Riding day
Today you will have various ride options including to ride the Col du Granon which has featured several times on the Tour de France recently.
Those without bikes will have the opportunity to spend a relaxing day at the hotel’s swimming pool or to visit the old town of Briancon. It’s worth a visit so for those who are interested, the coach will provide transport today.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Briancon Old town
Wednesday 12th July : Lautaret and Alpe d'Huez
After breakfast we will depart Serre Chevalier, and our next stop is Alpe d’Huez where we will spend the next 2 nights on a half board basis at the hotel Le Dome on Alpe d’Huez which is ideal for accessing the iconic climbs of the area. Non-riders and luggage will be transported by coach via Bourg d’Oisans.
Today you can explore the beautiful Alpine scenery with a ride up the Col de Lautaret and Alpe d’Huez via the main ascent or via the Col de Sarenne.
Evening meal will be taken at a local restaurant.
http://www.dome-alpedhuez.com/en
Thursday 13th July : Alpe d'Huez Ride/ Sightseeing
Riders will head out onto the road and take on some of the area’s spectacular climbs. These routes are featured in the Tour de France and now it’s your turn to ride them. Choose from the following:
- Alpe d’Huez
- Col du Glandon
- Col de la Croix de Fer
- Col de Sarenne
- Col d’Ornon
- Col du Galibier
- Les Deux Alpes
Non-Riders will be able to choose to either, take a mountain cable car to Pic Blanc Alpe d’Huez, take one of the many walks through the stunning Alpine meadows where you can take in the views across the valley, or you can head to the sports centre where there is an indoor and outdoor pool to enjoy. There is plenty to see and do while you’re in Alpe d’Huez.
Evening meal will be taken at a local restaurant.
Friday 14th July : Stage 13 - Chatillon-Sur-Chalaronne > Grand Colombier
The Tour de France comes in reach today. Today’s stage will see the Tour ascend the well-visited Grand Colombier in the Jura Mountain range.
After an early breakfast we will travel to Culoz at the bottom of the Grand Colombier climb where we will find a good parking spot for the coach, and we will await the arrival of the riders. After we’ve seen the stage, we will make our way to Annecy where we will spend the next 5 nights on a half board basis at the Novotel Annecy Centre.
Our location in Annecy is ideal for seeing the stages in the alps or you can take time off from seeing the Tour de France and spend some relaxing time around the lake or sightseeing around the old town of Annecy.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Saturday 15th July : Stage 14 – Annemasse>Morzine Portes du Soleil
Today’s stage of the Tour de France is within reach. From Annecy we will transport spectators by coach and there will be a guided ride for the cyclists to watch the stage.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Sunday 16th July : Stage 15 – Les Gets> Saint Gervais
Today’s stage of the Tour de France is coming through Annecy. There will be a guided ride for the cyclists to watch the stage.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Monday 17th July : Tour de France rest day
The Tour de France is on a well-earned rest day before they take on three mountain stages. From the hotel you will be able to spend the day taking in some sights in Annecy, relax around the lake or head out on the bike with an option of beautiful bike rides.
Riders can choose to tick one or several of the following rides off their list:
- Le Semmnoz
- Col de la Forclaz
- Col de Chérel
- Col du Tamié
- Col de l’Arpettaz
- Col du Vorger
- Col de la Croix Fry
- Col des Aravis
- Col du Marais
- Col de l’Epine
Evening meal at the hotel
Tuesday 18th July : Stage 16 – Passy – Combloux ITT
After breakfast we travel to the village of Combloux where we will
see today’s individual time trial stage.
For the riders, we can get to Megeve and then Combloux via the Col des Aravis. Those with bikes can ride out from the hotel in Annecy to see today’s stage and return to the hotel on the coach (85km ride) or get dropped off en-route to the stage. Spectators will be transported by coach.
Evening meal and final night in Annecy.
Wednesday 19th July : Travel to Provence
After breakfast, it’s time to move onto the next stop on our tour. We expect the journey to take about 4 hours. We will make our way to Provence and stay for 4 nights at hotel Blason near Carpentras.
Evening meal at the hotel
https://www.leblasondeprovence.com/en-fr/
Thursday 20th July : Provence - Ride/ Sightseeing
Cyclist will have three days in this stunning region to explore the many routes desired by cyclists. You can choose to ride the iconic Mont Ventoux known as the Giant of Provence or the picturesque Gorges de Nesque.
There are many lovely towns and villages that are well located by bike such as Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Malaucene, Sault and Vaison la Romaine. During our stay in Provence the coach will take the non-riders to Bedoin, Malaucene and Vaison la Romaine.
Evening meal at the hotel
Friday 21st July : Provence - Ride/ Sightseeing
Ride day in Provence or non-riders will be taken sightseeing the local area.
Evening meal at the hotel
Saturday 22nd July : Provence - Ride/ Sightseeing
Ride day in Provence or non-riders will be taken sightseeing the local area.
Evening meal at the hotel
Sunday 23rd July : Transfer to Paris
After breakfast we plan to briefly visit Avignon before catching the midday TGV train to Paris arriving at 16:11hrs.
On your arrival in Paris, it’s a short walk to the Paris hotel Mercure Gare de Lyon where you will be able to freshen up before exploring the sights of Paris.
You will be able to see the final stage on the Champs Elysees, which will be an evening stage.
After seeing the stage, you can make your own way back to our Paris hotel where we spend 1 night on a bed and buffet breakfast basis. You will be able to re-pack your bike into your bike bag / bike case. The hotel is a within an easy Metro ride from the Champs Elysees.
Monday 24th July : Departure Day
After Breakfast you will leave Paris. We offer transfers from the hotel to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport at 07.30hrs and 13.00hrs.
Key Climbs
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Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez
Distance 11.8km
Avg Grade 8%
Lowest Elevation 657m
Highest Elevation 1654m
Elev Difference 997m
Climb Category HC
Mont Ventoux (Bedoin)
Mont Ventoux (Bedoin)
Distance 21.5km
Avg Grade 7%
Lowest Elevation 322m
Highest Elevation 1904m
Elev Difference 1582m
Climb Category HC
Accommodation
Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon TGV Hotel
Tour de France Trip
Next to the Gare de Lyon, the Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon is ideal for business guests with 6 meeting rooms and Co-working Station. Spend time in our fitness centre or check out our Coffee Shop (drinks/snacks) and its private terrace, which has room service until 9:30pm. Discover our Concept Store and its Parisian products! Fuel up on our varied breakfast buffet, in the restaurant or via room service. An ideal location for your visit to Paris: Lyon Station has lots of transport options for exploring Paris. The RER provides direct access to the Arc de Triomphe, La Défense and Disneyland, while the metro takes you to Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées. A short walk from the hotel takes you to Le Marais, the Seine, Saint Germain-des-Prés, République, Bastille, Coulée Verte or Jardin des Plantes.
Grand Hotel
Tour de France Trip
Grand Hotel Serre Chevalier • A mythical hotel renovated at the end of 2016 • A relaxed and generous atmosphere • Authentic and attentive service • A sober and refined decoration • A contemporary, ultra-connected nest • The soft pillows, the comfortable mattress, the neat decoration, the raw materials, and the refined style… in this small concentrate of Grand Hotel, everything invites you to rest for the soul and the well-being of the body. The atmosphere of the restaurant Les Planches is so different in the evening. Dim lights, comfortable armchairs, large convivial tables, joyful hubbub, relaxed but efficient service, family spirit. And then this explosion of flavours, this cuisine that turns the taste buds upside down, these little dishes simmered with love. It's as if a Chef had invited himself to the house! And then the desserts… ah, the desserts! Breakfast consists of a selection of Cereals, bread, pastries, jams, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, eggs, charcuterie and more.
Hotel Le Dome
Tour de France Trip
Hotel le Dome Alpe d'Huez An internationally renowned winter and summer sports resort, Alpe d'Huez is located in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif in one of the most beautiful panoramas of the French Alps. 23 rooms and 1 suite are at your disposal, the hotel has a covered garage. Meeting room that can accommodate up to 10 people. Games and television room. The Bory family will endeavour to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Our customers will find a speaking interlocutor, English, German, Italian, Free Wi-Fi Restaurant In this mountainous and warm setting, we will serve you fine cuisine. You can taste some mountain specialties such as Savoyard fondues and old-fashioned raclette
Novotel Annecy Centre
Tour de France Trip
The Novotel Annecy Centre is a prime spot for your stay between city and nature. In downtown Annecy, a 5-min walk from the lake and old town, the team is waiting for you in a warm and modern setting. Ideal after a day's work, a family vacation, a weekend with friends or a getaway for two. Our restaurant, The Craic, is open every day. Our chef provides gourmet and healthy cuisine using regional products. With a contemporary and completely modular design, Novotel's spacious rooms are real living spaces and can be adapted to suit all requirements. All our rooms have everything you need to relax including a bed measuring 63" (160 cm), flat-screen TV, free WIFI and minibar. Ideal for families of up to 4 people. The hotel offers connecting rooms, subject to availability.
Le Blason de Provence
Tour de France Trip
The Blason de Provence hotel is ideally located in the heart of Provence and its tourist attractions, near the center of Monteux, its train station and just 4 km from Parc Spirou. It is a Provençal building from the 1930s which has free and secure parking, several spacious and cozy rooms and a semi-gourmet restaurant offering a modern and refined menu . In our establishment, young and old can quietly relax by the outdoor swimming pool while sipping a glass of fruit juice. For your important events (birthdays, professional meetings, etc.), we provide you with our reception and seminar room. We offer you the possibility to surf the web and check your emails via a free high-speed Wi-Fi connection. All our rooms are air-conditioned and have a large-screen television with access to Canal+ and RMC Sport channel packages. They are equipped with private bathrooms with bath or shower. By staying in our hotel, you will be entitled to a continental buffet breakfast every morning. You can enjoy it in the dining room or on the terrace. Don't forget to take a stroll in our verdant garden with a thousand scents and let your worries and troubles evaporate with the sweet scents of the flowers.
Airport Transfers
Return airport transfers from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to our hotel in Paris are included with your tour