2011 Tour de France July Itinerary

Arrive: Lourdes, Tuesday 12th July. Finish: Annecy, Tuesday 26th July.

Day by day itinerary is as follows:

Tuesday 12th July
Today we welcome our guests in the beautiful Pyrenees where you will be picked up in Lourdes and taken in our air conditioned mini bus to the little village of Argeles Gazost where we will spend the next four nights. For those wishing to stretch their legs, a little late afternoon assault on The Hautacam which is only 4 kms down the road. The views from the top, especially in the late afternoon or early evening, are stunning.
Approx 45 kms – 2 hrs

Wednesday 13th July
Today we will ride to the top of The Tourmalet at 2115m, which is one of the most celebrated climbs in the Tour de France. We will climb this magnificent mountain a day ahead of the tour riders so expect to see hundreds of people lining the road in anticipation of the great race.
Approx 85 kms – 4 hrs

Thursday 14th July
This will be the first time we see the great race as it heads toward the summit of Luz Ardiden which was last used in 2003. Lance Armstrong crashed here but regained his composure and went on to win the stage. We have the option of riding up Luz Ardiden and wait for the tour to come through in the afternoon or ride back down towards our hotel and watch the race from the comfort of our hotel.
Approx 80 kms 4 hrs

Friday 15th July
Another celebrated climb awaits us today, Col d’Aubisque which the tour will pass over and finish in the nearby town of Lourdes. Our intention is to leave early so as to avoid road closures before the Tour comes through. There are two ride options today, first is a loop ride of approximately 110kms and will preceed the tour route, up and over the Col d’Aubisque. The other is to ride to the top of the mountain and return the same way which is approximately 65kms. Again there will be thousands of spectators lining the route making it a very exciting and memorable day.

Saturday 16th July
We farewell the stunning Pyrenees and head towards another equally beautiful but different destination, Provence. We will spend the next two nights in St.Remy de Provence, a very popular little village which is made famous by Vincent Van Gogh and Nostradamus who was born here. Once we arrive, we will unload our bikes and have a twilight ride through the beautiful hills of the Appilles and see the village of Les Baux which attracts over 2 million tourists per year. Others may wish to explore the village of St. Remy or simply relax by the pool.
Approx – 65kms

Sunday 17th July
Waking up to the warmth of Southern France with the smell of lavender in the air is truly memorable. A longer ride today but similar countryside with endless rows of vineyards, olive trees and the ever present hum of the Provincial cicada. We will cycle through the Naturel Regional du Luberon and pass through many gorgeous perched villages including Lacoste, Bonnieuex, Goult and Gordes.
Approx 130kms – 5.5hrs

Monday 18th July
We will depart early and head towards Buis-les-Baronnies, our base for the next two nights. But before we get there, Mt Ventoux, another famous climb, is on-route and for those wanting to climb this mighty col ,will be dropped off a few kms from the base.. It is a difficult yet memorable day in the saddle and you will be enjoying this celebrated climb with hundreds of other like minded individuals.
Approx 100kms – 5 hrs

Tuesday 19th July
We will attempt to again see the Tour as it passes through the department of Drome towards the Hates Alpes and finishes in Gap. There are a number of ride options available through lovely quiet country roads away from the steady summer traffic.
Ride options approx 80 – 110kms, 3hrs or 4hrs

Wednesday 20th July
We will depart early to get to our destination before the traffic. We will spend the next three nights in La Grave which is situated between Alp d’Huez and Col du Galibier. A late afternoon ride to the summit of the Col Du Galibier awaits. For those not wanting to ride, a trip up to Glacier La Meije at 3983m is also available via the cable car.
Approx ride 45kms – 2.5hrs

Thursday 21st July
A very big few days in the Alpes as the tour arrives yet again and finishes on the nearby Col Du Galibier. There will literally be thousands of tour spectators in the area soaking up the atmosphere and we are right in the middle of it. If we leave early, we will climb Alp d’Huez and return back to our hotel and watch the race unfold on the tv. For those wishing to see more, we can climb to Col Du Lautaret to see the riders as they climb to the summit only 9kms further on.
Ride options approx 95kms – 4.5hrs, 120kms – 5.5hrs.

Friday 22nd July
The tour finishes at the top of Alpe d’Huez after first climbing Col Du Galibier and passing through La Grave. Some may wish to ride the Alp d’Huez again, just because we can and some may wish to remain in La Grave and enjoy the party atmosphere.

Saturday 23rd July
Today we leave for our final destination on Lake Annecy in the quaint village of Talloires. Once we arrive there is an opportunity to ride around the lake and perhaps climb the nearby col de la Forclaz which is relatively steep but by now, the legs are well and truly accustomed. The views from the top are fabulous and well worth the effort.
Approx 50 or 85kms

Sunday 24th July
Another day in paradise as we ride out towards St.Jean de Sixt and follow the picturesque route to Col De Aravis, another regular climb of the tour de France. Once we descend to Flumet, its back to our hotel for a swim in the refreshing water of Lake Annecy. We will then watch the final stage of the Tour in Paris
Approx 120kms – 5hrs

Monday 25th July
Our last day in the Alpes and certainly the longest. We will retrace our route from yesterday and do a loop up and over the Col De Colombiere which has been used 16 times in the tour since 1960. Once we reach the summit, its mostly down hill to Talloires where a well earned beverage awaits.
Approx 140kms – 6hrs

Tuesday 26th July
Unfortunately all good things come to an end and it’s time to exchange addresses and phone numbers to new friends as we pack our bags and say good-bye. We will transport you to Annecy where numerous TGV trains depart regularly to take you to your final destination.

Includes:

  1. Twin share accommodation
  2. All breakfasts
  3. All transfers in our air conditioned mini bus
  4. 7 dinners with selected wines
  5. Logistical support
  6. Maps and guide
  7. Montcyclingtours kit

Cost: AUD $6,900.00*
* Does not include airfares or insurance

Deposit: AUD $1,000 to secure a position

Size: 10 – 12