TD France 2012

The Official Tour route has been announced and Cadel Evans and his BMC team should be very pleased.The schedule favors a strong consistent rider both in the mountains and on the flat and undulating terrain. Additionally, there are two individual time trials which will suit Evans and there is every reason to suspect he will win another yellow jersey.

Our trip is designed to see the Tour de France but just as importantly , experiencing the rich culture of France, indulging in fabulous food and wine and cycling through the beautiful mountains and glorious countryside. We will climb numerous mountains that are not included in the Tour de France route of 2012 such as Ventoux, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez.

Tour details include:

Dates : Arrive Geneve 9th July – Depart Paris 23rd July 2012

  • 14 nights accommodation – 3 & 4 star
  • All breakfasts
  • 7 dinners with selected wines
  • All Transfers
  • Maps and guides
  • Logistical support
  • Montcyclingtours kit (knicks,jersey,vest and cap)

Cost : AUD $7,350.00*

*  Price does not include airfares or insurance
*  Intermediate cycling ability is required for this trip

Group size is a maximum of 12. Please register your interest peter@montcyclingtours.com

Securing your position with us will only be possible with a deposit of AUD $1000.00.
( Click here to download booking form )

Day 1 – Monday 9th July

Today we will pick you up in our air conditioned bus in Geneve airport or Annecy train station and drive to the quaint village of Talloires on Lake Annecy where we will stay for three nights. Lake Annecy is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and is extremely popular for all types of water sports. The lake front is only 200m from our hotel and is lined with parks and grassy areas where you can picnic, sunbathe and swim in the fresh water. A leisurely ride around Lake Annecy of approx 45kms would be recommended . A welcome dinner will be provided at our hotel.

Day 2 – Tuesday 10th July

Today is a rest day for the tour riders but not for us, this will be our first adventure into the Haute Savoie region.We will ride the scenic route to Col des Aravis (1486m) via La Clusaz. The climb starts gradually from our village at Talloires to the summit of Aravis. The ride is approx 38kms to the top with an average gradient of 4%. At the summit there are a  few coffee and tourist shops where you can purchase cow bells, rugs , slippers and many other essentials. After a few happy snaps, it’s back on the bikes as we descend into Flumet and return to our hotel. Approx 95 kms – 4.5hrs. The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants

Day 3 – Wednesday 11th July

Big day as we rise and depart early to experience the 2012 Tour de France for the first time. Today is stage 11 of 194km from Macon to Bellegarde sur Valserine and we plan to watch the tour riders somewhere on the Col du Grand Colombier. This is the first time that this climb has been used in the Tour de France. Our route from our hotel is relatively undulating with a few small climbs and one moderate climb of 7.5kms at 7.3 % gradient commencing at the village of Rumilly.Once we reach the top we will  descend and arrive at the base of the Col du Colombier and find a comfortable vantage point to watch the Tour. After the race has passed we will return to Talloires the same way. On route back to our hotel ,we will  find a local cafe somewhere and watch the finish of stage 11 on tv . Approx 130kms, 5.5 hrs. The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants

Day 4 – Thursday 12th July

Today we leave Talloires on route to La grave in the high Alpes. We plan to see the start of stage 12 in nearby Albertville. A relatively short day for the riders of 140kms which will finish on the summit of La Toussuire les Sybelles. We will see all the action of the Tour De France in Albertville as the riders prepare for todays stage. It is a great way to see all the professionals up close and personal. After the tour has departed , we will transport you to St-Michael-de-Maurienne where we will get on our bikes and climb one of the biggest cols of the Tour de France, Col du Galibier at 2645m  with a total climbing distance of 30kms. The surrounding mountains are breathtaking with souring glaciers and rugged peaks in all directions. The Galibier was used twice in 2011, once as a mountain finish where Andy Schleck was victorious on stage 18 and also stage 19 on their way to Alp d’Huez. Once we arrive at the summit and regain our breath, its just a short 18km decent to our village in La Grave for the next two nights. Approx 55kms, 3 hrs. Dinner provided at our hotel

Day 5 – Friday 13th July

Our second day in this magnificent area and what better way to pay homage to the mountains than climb the mystical Alp d’Huez, 13.8kms with 21 hairpins. Alp d’Huez was included in 2011 as part of the tour where Pierre Roland was victorious. It is a historic climb and you will share the road with hundreds of other cycling enthusiasts trying to better Marco Pantanis record of 36’50, good luck !! Once we reach the top we will ascend the col de Serenne at 1999m on our return back to our hotel. There, we will watch the tour on our tv where they finish in Annonay Davezieux, the biggest stage of the tour over 220kms. Approx 100 kms, 4.5hrs. Dinner provided at our hotel

Day 6 – Saturday 14th July

Today we leave the majestic beauty of the French Alpes and drive towards Provence. The terrain is relatively undulating and often the traffic impacts upon our travel time so hopefully the journey will take only 5 – 6 hours. We will spend the next three nights in the delightful village of L’Isle sur la Sorgue which is surrounded by canals and waterways. Our hotel has two pools and situated next to the Sorgue river which is crystal clear and very refreshing. There are no designated ride options today but plenty of time  allocated to washing some clothes, sun bake, swim, or have an afternoon siesta. In the early evening we will walk the short distance into town where we will find dozens of restaurants which are lined along the water ways. The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants

Day 7 – Sunday 15th July

Waking up to the warmth of Southern France with the smell of lavender in the air is truly memorable, not to mention the ever present hum of the Provincial cicada. A leisurely ride today through the beautiful countryside with endless rows of vineyards and olive trees . We will cycle through the Naturel Regional du Luberon and pass through many gorgeous perched villages including Lacoste, Bonnieuex, Goult and Gordes. The ride is relatively flat with a few undulations which is a welcome relief from the previous days in the mountains.  Approx 90kms – 4hrs. The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants

Day 8 – Monday 16th July

Today we will leave early to avoid the heat of the provincial sun and climb Mont Ventoux via the village of Bedoin. French cyclist, Richard Virenque won here in 2002 by almost two minutes from his nearest rival. Mt.Ventoux is 1912m and towers above the surrounding country side. The gradient quickly rises to 10% and whilst the climb flattens out a bit in the middle, it rises steeply towards the end. But finally the ride is over and the immense panorama of Provence and the Southern Alps takes away whatever breath you have left. Mt. Ventoux is very popular with cyclists and you will generally see dozens of small groups on racing bikes making the climb every day of the week. The descent is spectacular with long swooping bends enabling one to reach quite high speeds. We will pass through numerous provincial towns on our way back to our hotel in l’Isle sur la Sorgue. Approx 115 kms 5.5 – 6 hrs Dinner provided at Monty’s restaurant of choice.

Day 9 – Tuesday 17th July 

We farewell the stunning Provence and travel towards another equally beautiful but different destination, The Pyrenees. This will be the longest time in the bus which should take approximately 6 – 7 hrs, depending on traffic. We will spend the next four nights in Argeles Gazost which is surrounded by numerous Tour De France mountains. Our host, Phillipe, is extremely hospitable and we will be well looked after. For those wishing to stretch the legs, a leisurely ride into the nearby town of Lourdes (18km return)or  climb the Hautacam at 1635m with an average gradient of 6.8% at 15kms.  The start of the Hautacam is only 2km form our hotel and is a delightful climb especially  in the late afternoon and the 360 degree view from the top is unbelievable. Approx 2.5hrs hrs, 40kms. Dinner provided tonight at our hotel

Day 10 – Wednesday 18th July

Today is a big day in the mountains for the tour riders as they start in Pau traversing 4 mighty cols, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde before descending into the finish in Bagneres-de-Luchon. We will leave early to avoid road closures and head towards the summit of Tourmalet via Luz-St-Sauver where we will wait to see the action unfold  with thousands of other enthusiastic supporters. The Tourmalet has been used 75 times in the Tour de France making it the most frequented mountain pass in the races history. Once the tour riders have been and gone , we will descend back to our hotel ,or for those wanting more , climb another col, Luz Ardiden which is just next door. Luz Ardiden was used in 2003 where Lance Armstrong won and most recently in 2011 where Sanchez beat Jelle Vanendert. Approx  85km or 120kms. Dinner provided tonight at our hotel

Day 11 – Thursday 19th July

Another celebrated climb awaits us today, Col d’Aubisque which the tour  passed the previous day.  There are two ride options , first is a loop ride via Arthez d’Asson to the Col d’Aubisque, approx 105kms. The other shorter ride is to the top of the mountain and return the same way which is approximately 65kms. Aubisque is a perennial favorite of the tour and the area is just spectacular. Once we have taken 1001 photos, it’s time to pedal back to our hotel and watch the action unfold on our TV as the riders head toward the mountain top finish at Peyragudes. The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants

Day 12 – Friday 20th July

Our last day in the Pyrenees and by this stage your legs may be looking forward to a more flatter ride , that is why a nice journey into the city of Pau for lunch is in order. Pau is regularly used as either a start or race finish in the Tour de France. The ride is undulating through corn fields, forests and small villages. 4.5hrs Approx 120kms.The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants.

Day 13 – Saturday 21st July

Today we pack our bikes and depart early from the local airport to Paris. We will be staying in the latin Quarter for the next two nights which is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and bars and only a short walk from the Luxembourg garden and Notre Dame. We will watch all the time trial action in Bonneval on the tv somewhere in the glorious city of Paris. The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants.

Day 14 – Sunday 22nd July

A Big day in Paris as the Tour de France concludes on the Champs-Elysees. We will rise early and plan to ride the famous Champs-Elysees free of any traffic which only happens twice a year, today and Bastille Day, 14th July. This will be our last day and what a fantastic conclusion to our tour. A farewell dinner provided at Monty’s restaurant of choice.

Day 15 – Monday 23rd July

Unfortunately all good things come to an end and it’s a time to exchange emails and phone numbers to new friends as we pack our bags and say good -bye. Au revoir !