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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2009
Alps to Provence: July 20-26

Alps to Paris:

July 20-27

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Trip Size:

16 participants

Total Days:

Alps to Provence:

7 days/ 6 nights

Alps to Paris:

8 days/ 7 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Alps to Provence:

Annecy/ Avignon

Alps to Paris:

Annecy/ Paris

Activity Level:

Intermediate/ Challenging
30-100+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Variety from rolling to mountainous

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):

Alps to Provence:

US $3250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Alps to Paris:

US$3950

Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
Alps to Provence:

US $600

Alps to Paris:

US$800

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

 

TDF, Alps to Provence & Paris

Tour with the Pros

In 2008, our Tour de France cycling vacations sold out early and it was quite an amazing year as anyone who was there can attest. With Lance back at the Tour in 2009, space on our Alps to Provence and Alps to Paris trips are limited and expected to sell out quickly. We have designed an itinerary with flexibility in mind so that you can challenge yourself at the level you wish. On our trip, you will see 3-4 stages of the race including the mountain stage finish at Le Grand Bornand, the individual time trial in Annecy, the penultimate finish on Mt. Ventoux and for those continuing on to Paris, the race finish at our hotel on the Champs D’Elycees with balconies overlooking the course (a Great Explorations exclusive).

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• A ride you will never forget: Mt. Ventoux, ahead of the pros
• in Paris, view the race from 2nd floor balcony overlooking the course
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Itinerary

DAY 1; July 20:
Our trip will begin in Annecy, which can be easily reached by train from Paris or through Lyon Exupery airport. Annecy is the chic capital of the Haute-Savoie, and with its picturesque lake, and medieval center is one of the most charming cities in France. 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 Flamboyant***, Annecy

DAY 2; July 21:
For today’s ride, you can choose between a moderate route that circles the lake or head straight for the cols to challenge Forclaz and others featured on previous Tour routes. Late afternoon, take a dip in the refreshing lake or sip pastis from a café in the center. We’ll enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant with musicians entertaining.
Ride Distances: D2: Options: 40km/80km/100km
Hotel Flamboyant***, Annecy

DAY 3; July 22:

Stage 17: Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand:

We’ve planned a route over col des Marais and col de la Croix-Fry en-route to the stage finish at Le Grand-Bornand. Afterwards, we will descend on bikes back to Annecy. We’ve arranged a private wine tasting this evening where you’ll enjoy a degustation with locals.
Ride Distances: Options: 30km/60km/ 90km
Hotel Flamboyant***, Annecy

DAY 4; July 23:
Stage 18: Time Trial Annecy

For those wanting an early morning epic, transfer to the village of La Chambre, for a metric century over col de la Madeleine to Albertville, col de Tamie to Annecy. We’ll plan to be back in time for the individual time trial,  likely to be one of the most exciting stages of the Tour; just 4 days before the finish, this stage may prove to be the determining factor in who takes yellow. For those who want a day off from cycling, our hotel is a short stroll from the race start and you’ll be able to watch as riders warm-up prior to their starts.

Ride Distances: Options: 40km/60km/80km
Hotel Flamboyant***, Annecy

DAY 5; July 24:

Stage 19: Bourgoin-Jallieu to Aubenas

We’ll depart early on this day with a transfer to la Chambre for those that wish to challenge Col du Glandon and col de la Croix de Fer en-route to Bourg D’Oisans and finally up the juggernaut of climbs to Alpe D’Huez. 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. After descending and quick swim, we’ll continue south to Provence.

Ride Distances: Options: 45 km/ 60 km

Hotel Arene***, Orange

DAY 6; July 25:

Stage 20: Montelimar to Mount Ventoux

We’ll be able to ride right from our hotel to Mt. Ventoux to challenge this enigmatic mountain before the pros. Featured on many previous tours, this formidable mountain has a reputation for testing cyclists. Back in town, we’ll dine at a festive local bistrot to celebrate our week together.  
Ride Distances: Options: 45 km/ 100 km/ 115 km

Hotel Arene***, Orange

DAY 7; July 26:

For those finishing in Provence, the trip will conclude with a transfer to Avignon TGV station after breakfast.

PARIS FINISHERS TRIP CONTINUES

DAY 7; July 26:

Stage 21: Montereau-Fault-Yonne to Paris

For those finishing in Paris, first-class tickets on the high-speed train to Paris are included (it takes just over 2 hours). We’ll arrive in time for a banquet lunch and then watch the peleton arrive to the Champs D’Elysees from our hotel balconies overlooking the course (a Great Explorations exclusive). We’ll finish with a celebratory dinner at a favourite restaurant.
Hotel Paris****, Paris

DAY 8; July 27:

Departure: After breakfast we'll bid our farewell; shuttles to the airport are included in the Paris finisher trip.