Self Guided / Self Contained Pyrenees Cycling Tour
Itinerary Virtual Tour Tour Map
This offer is available to anyone wanting to see the stages of the Tour de France during the days in the Pyrenees; it is a perfect add on for Etape du Tour participants.
See our Etape program here
Go where the action is in 2010! The Pyrenees are celebrating 100 years with the Tour de France and from this key location in Argeles, you can ride your bike as much or as little as you want?! If you are the independent type, then this is a perfect trip for you! We have offered self guided trips for more than a 15 years throughout France but this program is even more 'bare bones' than our usual self guided programs. Therefore, it is very affordable, and on this program we offer you access to see some key Tour de France stages with our suggested ride routes and the convenience of excellent lodging that is perfectly positioned to do everything you want!
Below is a description of our program. The main purpose of this program was to give Etape du Tour participants a place to stay after Etape and enjoy the coming Tour stages without moving. However, anyone can join this program. For more info on our Etape Program, visit this link, or see the official site at www.letapedutour.com
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5
Day 1: July 19, 2010 arrive on your own at your hotel in Argeles sur Gazost, just 12km from Lourdes and in the heart of the mountains close to the rides of Hautacam, Aubisque, Tourmalet, Luz Ardiden, and others! For Etape cyclists, this is just a continuation of the previous few days, except now you continue on your own. The Tour de France finishes at Bagneres de Luchon today which is a long ride round trip. For those seeking a recovery ride; we will suggest some rides in the area of Argeles. Take time to set up your bike and review riding routes we provide. Dinner included tonight. (D)
July 20: Tour de France goes to Pau: You are in perfect position to enjoy the Tour today; either from the col d'Aubisque, in Pau, or back on the Tourmalet. This is a great way to get in a few more climbs and see an important stage. Return to same hotel, dinner included. (B,D)
July 21: Tour de France is on a rest day. Here is the perfect chance to ride either Luz Ardiden or Hautacam, both could be done today with return to our hotel in Argeles for a complete dinner and recovery. (B,D)
July 22: Tour Finishes on the Tourmalet. This is the Etape du Tour stage, so some of you may know this well; but all can get to know the route up the Tourmalet through Campan and La Mongie. Last night in Argeles, so return down the Tourmalet after the race finishes. Same hotel and dinner and the time celebrate!(B,D)
July 23 - Departure Day! After breakfast you are free to depart on your own. Trains from Lourdes go back to Toulouse where you can connect to other parts of France get a flight.
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Tour Map - Profile Etape du Tour 2010
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Other Notes for Etape Du Tour:
Early reconaissance by Velo 101 of the route gave us the following notes: First part is obviously rolling to flat, a great way to go out with large numbers of riders. At km 58 the climbing starts on the Col de Marie Blanque which starts gradual at 2, 3, 4% and then goes up over 10%. The route is currently not in perfect condition, but the last few KM are very nicely done and help cover the steepest sections. The climb isn't so long but is very steep. The descent is long and fast with a few technical turns.
Later, the next difficulty comes at km 118 on the way up the Soulor. This way up Soulor isn't as hard as the other side, but still a tough climb - especially in mid July with summer sun pounding down without protection. The descent will also be very fast; care needs to be made around Arras where speed bumps might shake loose a few water bottles!
Next its on to the start of the Tourmalet in the village of Luz St Sauveur, km 154. Then its all up through the town of Bareges to the summit of the Tourmalet. The good part of climbing this side of the Tourmalet is that you almost always have the summit in view; though it will take some time to reach it! Once on the top, the ride is over but limited space makes room only for a picture and moment of reflection on the monuments to the Tour de France and then descend to La Mongie for the post event village!
Tours Details
Self Guided & Self Contained Post Etape du Tour
DATES:
July 19-23, 2010
4 nights & 5 days
PRICE:
499 Euros, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement: please contact us
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
All lodging in superior 2 star hotel and rooms, (see below), all breakfasts, 4 dinners - each night according to the itinerary, route book for rides including maps and cue sheets, pre-travel documentation, and telephone emergency support during the program. Additional services and items available for a supplement include: Souvenir Discover France jerseys; energy package including gels, bars, drink mix; bike rentals, GPS rental.
HOTELS:
Argeles sur Gazost = Hotel Les Cimes**
Note: rooms are twin rooms - meaning 2 single beds. These can be pushed together to make a double. Changes to room category will be made when possible. Room categories are usually all the same, but some variations may be required for large groups.
LEVEL:
This tour is suggested as a challenging cycling tour in order to participate in Etape du Tour. However non-riders can join and do their own thing. The suggested rides that go with the itinerary description will vary from 50-130km; but saddle time is more important as climbing is slow and this can mean up to 8 hours saddle time on Etape day.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:
Toulouse is the Arrival and Departure City - accessible by TGV from Paris, and air from Paris or other European airports. Car rentals can be had at any of these locations.
OPTIONS:
Bike rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. We offer Look 566 carbon road bikes and also new Scott CR1 carbon road bikes. See the links above or click on our Rental Page link to know more.
Added Nights: In Argeles before the trip start, or in any other city before or after the tour are possible. Contact us for quotes. We can also book Paris hotels.
Non-cycling spouses are welcome to come along but separate activities are not provided for apart from the ride itinerary described on this page.
OTHER DETAILS:
Guides - this program is NOT guided or supported except by telephone call to our France office. Our Etape program is guided with professional bilingual French/English guides will see to all the needs of that group. Our guides are always certified with a diplome d'etat in cyclism.
Space is available
for 12 participants.
Meals: buffet breakfasts and dinner are included daily. Dinners will be hardy regional meals with multiple courses; wine is not included.
Watching the Tour: you will have to position yourselves to see the race each time you go to watch the Tour but no special access is included in this offer. If some participants wish to add a helicopter flight or other VIP service, please contact us to know what is possible.
Tour de France Tours - Booking Terms