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Particulars

Trip Dates:

Etape du Tour:
July 5-9, 2012

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Total Days:

5 days/ 4 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Annecy/ Grenoble

 

Cost:

Land Cost per person (current year):

US$2450 pp
Sing. Supp.: US$400

Bike Rental: US$140

Our racing bikes are Cannondale CAAD 5 with triples and Van Nicholas titanium Mistral bikes with compact double. Photos and specs are on our web site.

Includes 4 nights hotels, breakfast and dinner each day, routes and maps and guide support etc.

 

Etape du Tour is an annual event held in conjunction with the Tour de France and is an actual stage of the Tour, held in advance of the pros stage and with all of the support and prestige of the Tour (motorcade, closed roads etc.) In 2012, the Etape will feature a stage between Albertville and La Toussuire featuring col de Madeleine, col de la Croix de Fer, Col de Mollard among others.

 

Great Explorations's experience at the Tour is unrivalled. Combined with our 28 years designing and leading tours throughout France give us an edge when managing logistics around an event such as this. In 2012, we will have a limited allotment of registrations and these spaces will sell out quickly.

Arriving to Annecy

Arrive to Annecy; you can fly into Paris-Charles de Gaulle and take the train down to Annecy/

 

Itinerary

July 5: Annecy
We’ll meet at the 4-star Hotel Splendid, Annecy at 4:00 pm for bike fit. We’ll have time for a short warm-up ride and then enjoy dinner in the historical center.

July 6: Annecy
There is lots of variety in the riding here, from flat and fast lakeside paved routes to nearby cols that have been featured on recent Tour routes. We’ve scouted out routes of 40 km, 60 km, and 80 km if you can take yourself away from the lakeside setting of Annecy.

July 7: Annecy
Relax today. Ride from Annecy to Albertville (40 km) if you wish. We will pick-up bibs and race packages and then back in Annecy, relax with an early dinner to rest up for the big day.

July 8: Etape du Tour– Albertville to La Toussuire
The race start will be between 7-8 and we will have you at the start line in time to position yourself in the start corrals. It will be a fabulous day with epic climbs, race support and lots of crowds along the route cheering you on. Whatever your time, you'll never forget the elation of crossing the finish line. We'll gather and transfer to Grenoble to our 4-star hotel for final night dinner and celebrations.

July 9 : Depart
Depart at your leisure (or stay on and do our Tour de France trip Alps trip starting on this day!)

Please note: We have currently booked Hotel Splendid, the top hotel in Annecy. We think you'll appreciate the comfort of this hotel both before (and after) your Etape!

If you have any questions about this trip, please consult our Travel Advisors.