TOUR DE FRANCE - ALPS TO NICE

Itinerary

July 15: Welcome to the French Alps and Les Deux Alps
Welcome to the legendary French Alps! We will meet you at 12 noon at the Lyon Airport and transfer you to our favorite hotel in the alpine village of Les Deux Alps, the four-star Chalet Mounier! Soak up the amazing views of the French Alps as our professional mechanics assist you in building up your bike or adjust your rental bike. This evening, you’ll enjoy our “Welcome Meeting and Dinner” at the Chalet!

July 16: L’Alpe d’Huez with option for climb to Les Deux Alpes
Enjoy one of the finest breakfast spreads in the region before getting ready to ride up the most famous 21-hairpins turns in all of cycling, L’Alpe d’Huez! Your ride will begin with a relaxing warm-up along the valley floor before you begin your ascent up to the summit. Following your arrival, savor your accomplishment with a delicious lunch overlooking the Alps! This afternoon, choose to climb up to Les Deux Alpes or take the funicular straight up to town. Afterwards, watch the live finish of Stage 16 on TV or relax with a dip in the pool. This evening, explore the local restaurants and brasseries in town for dinner on your own. We’ve been coming here for over 20 years and can guide you to the best ones.

July 17: Col du Lautaret and the Col de Galibier
Following breakfast, ride as much or as little as you like on today’s stunning route through the Alps as we climb the Col du Lautaret and the “beyond category” Col de Galibier! Savor your accomplishment with lunch on the summit of the Lautaret before a fun descent into Briancon, the highest city in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following check-in to our three-star hotel in the center of town for two nights, refuel with dinner on your own at the local restaurants.

July 18: TDF Stage 18 / Col d’Izoard
Enjoy an early breakfast before we transfer to Gap to witness the “Grand Depart” for Stage 18! Bring your sharpie pen for autographs as all of your favorites sign-in with all of the traditional Tour pageantry. Afterwards, we’ll have a short transfer where we’ll begin the days ride up the “beyond category” Col d’Izoard! This famous climb has been featured on the Tour de France a total of 34 times and has been the scene of some of cycling’s most memorable battles involving such legends as Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi! This evening, we’ll celebrate your adventure in the Alps with a group dinner in Briancon!

July 19 - Briancon to Mougins / French Riveria Ride, Beach, and Swim
Savor your final breakfast in the French Alps before transferring to the South of France and our four-star hotel in charming Mougins! Following check-in for the next three nights, we’ll enjoy a “coffee ride” down to the Riviera and enjoy some relaxing time on the beach and swim in the Mediterranean! This evening, explore the local restaurants in Mougins for dinner on your own.