Self Guided Alpes - La Clusaz
Itinerary Virtual Tour Tour Map
You want to go to France to see some of the Tour de France and 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 and on this program we offer you access to see some key Tour de France stages and we include the use of GPS and the convenience of excellent lodging that is perfectly positioned to do everything you want!
La Clusaz is a charming ski town located next to Grand Bornand in heart of the Haute Savoie, at the foot of last year's dramatic stage of the tour that saw Alberto Contador break away from his own team mates but ultimately lose to the Schleck brothers. The Col de Colombiere is just 12 km away. Morzine is roughly 65km away, and the route from Morzine will actually pass through La Clusaz on July 13. Annecy, Albertville, and Megeve are all ride distance away. With an optional car rental you can even cover more ground! Below is our suggested itinerary; but you can do it in any manner you wish - it is self guided and you are in charge!
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6
Day 1: Arrival Day July 10, 2010 To reach La Clusaz we recommend coming to Annecy by TGV/train, or via transfer from Geneva airport. If you want a car rental, from Geneva arrange it on the 'French Side' of the border, or pickup a car in Annecy or Lyon airports. Car rental is not required - just gives you added freedom to go further along to see stages beyond cycling distance. Arrival at the hotel for checkin after 3pm. Dinner included at your very charming 3 star hotel. (D)
July 11: Make it happen - Off to Morzine! The Tour de France stage finishes in Morzine today. This can be cycled round trip but you will return late. Count 130 km round trip. As a first cycling day, this might be better done with some support by car rental if you get one. Return to La Clusaz, your charming hotel, and a hardy Alpine dinner. (B,D)
July 12: Tour Rest Day As the Tour is on a rest day, today is a great day to cycle toward Annecy and do a tour over the Col de la Forclaz which looks down over the lake. Continue on to the Col du Marais and back. Or consider another itinerary toward Megeve or Albertville incorporating some of the Tour's climbs on the next stage: Aravis and Saisies. Night and dinner in La Clusaz. (B,D)
July 13: Stage of the Tour passes La Clusaz You could watch the Tour pass through the town today or you can get on your bike and ride back to the Colombiere to see the first major climb of the day or go on ahead to Aravis, Saisies. If you have a car rental and the legs you can go all the way to the Madaleine. Return to La Clusaz hotel and dinner.(B,D)
July 14 - Bastille Day! With a car rental, you could drive to Chambery for the stage depart and then return for an afternoon ride from La Clusaz. Or, take another of our suggested rides and come back to your hotel to catch the stage finish in Gap on your TV. Last night and dinner in La Clusaz - party with the French to celebrate Bastille Day! (B,D)
July 15 - Departure Day! After breakfast you are free to depart. If you want to squeeze in another ride - no problem. Ask us for suggestions on what to do after your tour! (B) End of tour services. Note, we can arrange arrival and departure transfers for a supplement.
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Tour Map
Tours Details
Alpes Self Guided - La Clusaz
DATES:
July 10-15, 2010
5 nights & 6 days
PRICE:
990 Euros, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement: please contact us
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
All lodging in superior 2/3 star hotel and rooms, (see below), all breakfasts, 5 dinners - each night according to the itinerary, souvenir Discover France TDF jersey, energy pack with drrink mix, gels and bars, route book for rides and 1 GPS for 2 persons, arrival orientation at the hotel, telephone support/assistance throughout the trip to our France office. Also included are Pre-Travel documentation. We also provide Pre & Post tour travel services such as help with trains, Paris hotels, rental cars and other services.
HOTELS:
La Clusaz= Carlina*** & Beaulieu**
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 suggested as a challenging cycling tour in order to watch the TDF, however non-riders can join and do their own thing. Participants are not requierd to ride a lot, so a moderate amount of riding is possible too and with a car rental you can travel to see the Tour instead of cycling long distances. 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 6 hours saddle time.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:
Annecy is suggested Arrival and Departure City - accessible by TGV from Paris, nearest airport is either Lyon or Geneva. 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 La Clusaz or Annecy 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 spouse:a very slight reduction is possible for the jersey & energy pack. 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 for couples, we recommend our Provence-Pyrenees VIP Tour.
OTHER DETAILS:
Self Guided - see our description at this link; note that we are available to help, but you are on your own for cycling each day.
Space is available
for 16 participants.
Meals: buffet breakfasts are included daily. Dinners, where included, will be hardy Alpine meals with multiple courses; wine is not always 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
