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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
July 21-28

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

2009
TBD

Trip Size:

16 participants

Total Days:

8 days/ 7 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Grenoble / Paris

Activity Level:

Challenging
40-100+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Variety from mountainous to rolling

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $3250
Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
Racing: US $290
Hybrid: US $210

 

TDF, Alps to Paris

Tour with the Pros

Our TDF Alps to Paris trip will begin in Grenoble and finish 8 days later in Paris. We've planned superb rides with a good mix of moderate and challenging routes including Alpe D'Huez! You'll see 5 stages including what is expected to be the most critical mountain stage, the thrilling individual time trial and of course, the stage that finishes on the Champs D'Elyssees.

Itinerary

DAY 1:
Our trip will begin in Grenoble, which can be easily reached by train from Paris or through Lyon Exupery airport. Your hotel is included on arrival day; we'll fit bikes between 4-6 and meet for a wine reception at 7:00 with dinner to follow at an atmospheric restaurant nearby.
Hotel Angleterre***, Grenoble

DAY 2:
We'll start our riding on the plateau above Grenoble known as the Vercors; it is a stunning region with lush meadows, dramatic pieaks and rolling valleys. Many past race stages have followed these roads. You can choose between an easy first day or challenge yourself with tempting cols.
Ride Distances: D2: Options: 40km/80km/100km
Hotel Angleterre***, Grenoble

DAY 3:
Stage 17: Embrun to L’Alpe-d”Huez 210 km: This promises to be one of the most exciting stages of the 2008 race and we’ll get an early start to have the opportunity to challenge Alpe-D’Huez on bikes before the pros arrive. Climbing this formidable mountain is a right of passage for cyclists. Don’t let Marco Pantani’s record of 37’35” intimidate you; climbing to the summit at 1860m at any speed will earn you bragging rights from us.
Ride Distances: Options: 30km/60km
Hotel Angleterre***, Grenoble

DAY 4:
Stage 18: Bourg-D’Oissans to Saint-Etienne 197 km Today we'll be riding from our hotel along the route that the pros will take including the col de Parmenie east towards Sainte-Etienne. We’ll be finishing our day in the Rhone River valley where we’ll sample the best of this region’s wine at a private tasting before dinner.
Ride Distances: Options: 40km/60km/80km
Domaine de Clairefontaine ***, Chonas-Amballan

DAY 5:
Stage 19: Roanne to Montlucon 163 km We'll transfer to Roanne (1h30) to begin riding today,  following the race route west as far as Vichy, famous spa and resort town of the region; it still exudes belle époque charm and we stay in the most luxurious hotel in town, the Aletti Palace. Post-ride options include spa (massage anyone?), thermal baths, a river boat cruise, or casinos.
Ride Distances: Options: 45 km/ 100 km/ 115 km
Hotel Midland***, Vichy

DAY 6:
Stage 20 Individual Time Trial Cerilly to Saint-Amand-Montrond 53 km The individual time trial is often one of the most exciting stages of a race; given the timing of the TT just one day before the finish in Paris, it may be where the yellow jersey is decided. We’ll transfer from Vichy to Saint-Amand-Montrond (1h30) from which we’ll cycle a superb route along the Cher River. We’ll plan to be back in Saint-Amand to be in position to watch individuals arrive throughout the day. Late afternoon, we’ll board the train to Paris.
Ride Distances: Options: 55km/65km/80km
Hotel Brighton****, Paris

DAY 7:
Stage 21: Etampes to Paris 143 km You’ll have the morning to enjoy the sights of Paris before the final stage arrives to the Champs D’Elysees after lunch. Nothing quite prepares you for the excitement of the finale and we’ll be in position to get superb photographs of the teams from an ideal vantage point. We’ll finish with a celebratory dinner at a favourite restaurant.
Hotel Brighton****, Paris

DAY 8:

Departure: After breakfast we'll bid our farewell; bus shuttles to the airport depart from in front of our hotel.