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With the main action of this year’s tour centered in the Alps, our own tour through this magnificent region will be a fantastic adventure, and a chance to see the Tour up close in several spectacular locations.
Sunday 17th July
Tour Stage: Limoux to Montpellier
Our tour commences on the morning of the 17th July in Montpellier, which also happens to be the venue for the stage finish that evening. With many of our guests freshly arrived, we take the opportunity in the morning to have a relaxed group introduction session, followed by bike assembly, where you will be ably assisted by our guides, whose mechanical expertise may come in handy in both assembling you bikes and throughout the tour. After a light lunch we will head out for a gentle ride, taking advantage of the only ‘coastal’ part of our tour, along mostly flat roads, allowing for jet-laged legs and minds to adjust to riding on the right hand side of the road, and providing something more of an orientation to the area and each other. Late afternoon will then see us make our way to the stage finish area in Montpellier, where a sprint finish is expected. This will be the first of five chances we have to see the race up close, meaning plenty of Tour watching and a good chance to ride some of the spectacular (and some of the gruelling!) parts of this years Tour de France. That night we will have a group dinner, and enjoy our evening in this great and historic city.
Our tour commences on the morning of the 17th July in Montpellier, which also happens to be the venue for the stage finish that evening. With many of our guests freshly arrived, we take the opportunity in the morning to have a relaxed group introduction session, followed by bike assembly, where you will be ably assisted by our guides, whose mechanical expertise may come in handy in both assembling you bikes and throughout the tour. After a light lunch we will head out for a gentle ride, taking advantage of the only ‘coastal’ part of our tour, along mostly flat roads, allowing for jet-laged legs and minds to adjust to riding on the right hand side of the road, and providing something more of an orientation to the area and each other. Late afternoon will then see us make our way to the stage finish area in Montpellier, where a sprint finish is expected. This will be the first of five chances we have to see the race up close, meaning plenty of Tour watching and a good chance to ride some of the spectacular (and some of the gruelling!) parts of this years Tour de France. That night we will have a group dinner, and enjoy our evening in this great and historic city.
Monday 18th July - to The Ventoux!
Tour Stage: Rest Day
Today, following breakfast we will make a fast trip in the cars start on the road towards Provence, to the town of Sault at the foot of the famous Mont Ventoux. An easy two and a half hour drive will see us settled in to our amazing accommodation for the next two nights, a provincial castle set in a lavender farm on the windswept plains below Mont Ventoux. We will make it the days ride to climb the easy side of the Ventoux, from Sault, still encountering the famous “lunar landscape” of the summit of the Ventoux, and hopefully making the most of the afternoon breeze to help push us up the climb. A great time to take out the cameras, stop at the Tom Simpson memorial, and savour this unique and challengin “Giant of Provence.”
Today, following breakfast we will make a fast trip in the cars start on the road towards Provence, to the town of Sault at the foot of the famous Mont Ventoux. An easy two and a half hour drive will see us settled in to our amazing accommodation for the next two nights, a provincial castle set in a lavender farm on the windswept plains below Mont Ventoux. We will make it the days ride to climb the easy side of the Ventoux, from Sault, still encountering the famous “lunar landscape” of the summit of the Ventoux, and hopefully making the most of the afternoon breeze to help push us up the climb. A great time to take out the cameras, stop at the Tom Simpson memorial, and savour this unique and challengin “Giant of Provence.”
Tuesday 19th July- The “Hard Side” of the Ventoux and Gorges de la Nesque
Tour Stage: Saint-Paul-Trois- Chateaux > Gap
There are in fact 3 paved ascents that are possible on the Ventoux, and the most famous, and commonly used in the Tour is the climb from the town of Bedoin. Rated as one of the most challenging climbs in the world, we will get another chance at reaching the instantly recognisable summit of the Ventoux. A trip to the Ventoux would not be complte without attempting the climb from this side, fully supported by your guides, and with the option of a short lift in the van for those not tempted to climb or decend the entire mountain. Again there will be more time for photographs before we head off down the long decent to a lunch stop, before finishing the day riding the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, returning towards our accomodation.
There are in fact 3 paved ascents that are possible on the Ventoux, and the most famous, and commonly used in the Tour is the climb from the town of Bedoin. Rated as one of the most challenging climbs in the world, we will get another chance at reaching the instantly recognisable summit of the Ventoux. A trip to the Ventoux would not be complte without attempting the climb from this side, fully supported by your guides, and with the option of a short lift in the van for those not tempted to climb or decend the entire mountain. Again there will be more time for photographs before we head off down the long decent to a lunch stop, before finishing the day riding the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, returning towards our accomodation.
Wednesday 20th July - Transfer from the Ventoux to the Alpes.
Tour Stage - Gap to Pinerollo.
Today we will make a post breakfast transfer from our chateau in Provence to the ski-resort of Les Deux Alpes, where we will be for the next three nights. After lunch we have several options for the afternoons ride, depending on how our legs are feeling after yesterdays challenge. The are no shortage of famous and less famous climbs in the area, and your guides will be more than happy to see that you are able to “bag some cols” as well as visit some of the fantastic smaller climbs and villages off the beaten path. Les Deux Alpes also provides plenty for those that want a day off the bike, with hiking, skiing, tennis and cinema just some of the options. Of course, with the lure of Alpe d'Huez within easy cycling distance, many of you might be tempted to take it on straight away! Your Cousins travel guides are there to support you on your rides, and make sure that everyone feels that they have experienced the type of riding, sightseeing and tour watching they came for.
Today we will make a post breakfast transfer from our chateau in Provence to the ski-resort of Les Deux Alpes, where we will be for the next three nights. After lunch we have several options for the afternoons ride, depending on how our legs are feeling after yesterdays challenge. The are no shortage of famous and less famous climbs in the area, and your guides will be more than happy to see that you are able to “bag some cols” as well as visit some of the fantastic smaller climbs and villages off the beaten path. Les Deux Alpes also provides plenty for those that want a day off the bike, with hiking, skiing, tennis and cinema just some of the options. Of course, with the lure of Alpe d'Huez within easy cycling distance, many of you might be tempted to take it on straight away! Your Cousins travel guides are there to support you on your rides, and make sure that everyone feels that they have experienced the type of riding, sightseeing and tour watching they came for.
Thursday 21st July - Les Deux Alpes
Tour Stage - Pinerolo > Galibier - Serre Chevalier
Tour stage profile
Today we will catch the race as the riders grind their way up one of the high peaks of the Alpes, the Col du Galibier. We will pack picnic lunches, warm clothes and cameras and make our way firstly in the vans, the after by bikes over the Col du Galibier, picking our point to see the riders take on what must be an incredibly difficult finish to an monsterous stage. We then continue on our ride back towards Les Deux Alpes, a spectacular long decent past glaciers and lakes, where those who are still feeling fresh can climb the hill back to the hotel, and the others can join the guides for a ride back up the mountain.
Friday 22nd July
Tour Stage - Modane > L'Alpe d'Huez
Tour stage profile
Today, after a relaxing morning, we again take to the hill sides, this time of the Alpe d'Huez to see what will no doubt be a climactic finish. Today's stage is the last hilltop finish of this years tour, and on cycling's most famous climb, we are bound to see some exciting racing. With the Alpe itself now familiar territory for guests, Cousins will set up a comfortable base, some way up the climb, where guests can relax and wait for the riders to come passed, or the more adventurous can get amongst the masses at the summit for the finish. Over 1 million people have been thought to line the roads for this stage in previous years, so seeing the Tour come past on the Alpe d'Huez is an unmissable experience, and one that will be enjoyed by all.
Saturday 23rd July - Transfer to Grenoble.
Tour Stage - Grenoble . Grenoble ITT
With the afternoons time trial in and around our next stop, Grenoble, we will make our way there mid-morning, allowing plenty of time for tired legs, and not so tired to ride as much as they wish. Upon arrival we will putting the bikes away and the time will be yours to admire the amazing circus that is the tour de france on it's second last stop. The time-trial provides a great point to get up close to the riders, talk to them, get autographs, take photos, and check out their bikes. It will also be exciting as this stage will decide or confirm the winner of the 2011 Tour de France. We will follow the time trial with a group dinner and drink, our last together before the finish of the tour, and some time to remember some of the great riding and experiences we have had.
Sunday 24th July - Transfer Grenoble to Paris
Tour Stage - Creteil . Paris Champs Elysees
An early train trip up to Paris for the finish on the Champs Elysee. This morning we will transfer you to Grenoble train station for a speedy trip to Paris aboard the TGV. Kick back and relax in the comfortable first class carriage while your Cousins Tours & Travel guides make the arduous drive back to Paris with your bikes and luggage. You will arrive in plenty of time to secure your position on the Champs Elysees to watch the final stage of the Tour. The atmosphere is electric!
After the excitement had died down it is time to enjoy the delights of Paris.
Monday 25th July
Sadly the trip comes to an end
Inclusions:
- 8 nights accommodation with daily breakfast (except in Grenoble where breakfast will be on board the TGV to Paris!)
- 5 Dinners
- Experienced French speaking cycling guides and hosts
- All transfers
- Support vehicle and transport
- Exclusive knicks and jersey
- A lot of fun and as much or little riding as you like!
- Small group tour with maximum ten cyclists
- $250 voucher to spend at your nearest Bike Force Australia shop
$6250pp twin share
*Single supplement on application
Category
Dates
From 17th Jul 11 to 25th Jul 11
This tour is no logner taking bookings!
Locations
France
Prices
$6,250 pp twin share (land only)
