Alpes 'Domestique' Cycling Tour
Itinerary Virtual Tour Tour Map
The Alpes is where the climbing starts in earnest in the 2010 Tour! The race is not even a week old before we meet up with the pro peloton at the start of the big mountains. From our start in spectacular Annecy, we continue to La Clusaz and then back to Grenoble taking in several of the key Alpine stages to the race! We even find a way to work in a trip to Alpe d'Huez on this program, because no tour in the Alpes is complete without that mythic ride!
This tour is very similar to our VIP Tour without the VIP access to the race. So, the itinerary is very interesting and the tour price more affordable. This tour is also intended for strong cyclists who want to ride the big climbs of the mountains and take in as much of the Tour as possible.
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9
Day 1-July 8: Arrival Day Arrive in Annecy, and then a short transfer to Menthon St Bernard and your very charming hotel overlooking Lake Annecy, the Palace de Menthon. We will meet in mid afternoon and start setting up bikes, do a welcome meeting. Dinner included tonight. (D)
July 9: This is a ride day, but more of a warm up day and get acquainted day. We'll ride into the mountains around Annecy and put in some good miles to prepare for upcoming climbs! Return to our hotel in Annecy; dinner open in Annecy tonight.(B, L)
July 10: Tour de France finish at Les Rousses we'll put in a long ride today with a finish at the Tour finish in the ski station of Les Rousses. Count 4-5 hours ride time and after the Tour finish depart by vehicle for La Clusaz; dinner upon arrival at our very charming hotel in this famous ski area. (B,L,D)
July 11: Tour finish at Morzine! We will ride to Morzine from La Clusaz today to see the arrival of the pro peleton and return ride part of the course back to La Clusaz, subject to time. Back at charming hotel we have dinner waiting. (B,L,D)
July 12: Tour Rest Day: With the Tour off today, we can take our choice of rides around the Lake Annecy and the Col de la Forclaz, Col du Marais, or another route toward Megeve. We'll incorporate several hours riding before returning to La Clusaz and dinner tonight. (B,L,D)
July 13: Tour stage Morzine to St Jean en Maurienne: Today the stage actually passes right through our town of La Clusaz. So, we can take our choice of viewing spots; either moving up the road to ride the Col des Aravis and Saisies or preferably going all the way to Col de la Madaleine to see the race. After the passage of the race, we'll pack it up and head toward Grenoble to a new hotel in the center of town. Dinner open. (B,L)
July 14: Bastille Day! The Tour departs from nearby Chambery and according to the race route, we'll watch the peloton pass and then make our way to Alpe d'Huez area to conquer this famous route. Return to Grenoble to celebrate Bastille day, open night to party! (B,L)
July 15: Tour finish in Bourg Les Valence! Ride to Valence to catch the arrival the Tour in Bourg les Valence. 4-5 hours riding today; return to Grenoble for a farewell dinner tonight! (B,L,D)
July 16: Departure Day. After breakfast, we will transfer to the Grenoble rail station for departures to Lyon or Paris, or other destination. End of services. (B)
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Tour Map
Tours Details
Alpes Domestique Cycling Tour
DATES:
July 8-16, 2010
8 nights & 9 days
PRICE:
2230 Euros, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement: please contact us
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
All lodging in superior 2/3 star hotels and rooms, (see below), all breakfasts, 7 picnic lunches, 5 dinners according to the itinerary, 2 professional cycling guides, minivan transportation throughout, souvenir Discover France TDF jersey, energy kit including gels, bars, and drink mix, route book for rides, and Pre-Travel documentation. We also provide Pre & Post tour travel services such as help with trains, Paris hotels, rental cars and other services.
HOTELS:
Annecy/Menthon = Le Palace de Menthon***
La Clusaz= Carlina & Beaulieu**
Grenoble = Grand Hotel President***
Note: rooms are mostly 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 a challenging cycling tour. Participants should be strong cyclists capable of riding big mountain climbs and putting in 4-6 hours in the saddle on any ride day. Mileage/Kilometres will vary from 50-110km; saddle time is more important as climbing is slow.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:
Annecy is Arrival City - accessible by TGV from Paris, nearest airport is either Lyon or Geneva. Grenoble is the departure city with TGV trains to Paris and connections to Lyon and Lyon Airport.
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: Annecy before the trip start, or in Grenoble or other city after the tour are possible. Contact us for quotes. We can also book Paris hotels.
Non-cycling spouse: there is no reduction for non-cycling participants as all the same services are needed for all group members. Non-riders are welcome to come along but separate activities are not provided for apart from the ride itinerary described on this page. For a more moderate cycling option and other activities, we recommend our Provence-Pyrenees VIP Tour.
OTHER DETAILS:
Guides - 2 guides will cover this group which has space for 16 participants. All guides are professional licensed cycling guides.
Meals: buffet breakfasts are included daily. Substantial picnic lunches will also be provided on 7 days. Dinners, where included, will be gastronomic in nature with multiple courses; wine is not always included.
Watching the Tour: we will position ourselves to see the race each time we 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