All of our hotels are 3 star or better, and are located in prime locations for race viewing. All breakfasts and most dinners are included. The food is amazing and the views stunning. See below for more details.
2013 will be OBT’s 13th year of leading Tour de France bike tours, so come join us for another year of amazing riding and racing!
Click HERE to return to the main TdF page.
Itinerary:
Day 1: July 13th – Saturday – Arrive in Avignon
We pick you up at the train station or airport in Avignon and take you to our hotel in Bedoin. Plan on taking the TGV from Paris or fly into the Avignon airport. We will have tools and work stands for you to build up your bikes. If you get in early enough we will suggest a warm-up ride for you. Dinner is at the hotel.
Ventoux
Day 2: July 14th – Sunday – Bedoin
Bastille Day! And Mt. Ventoux! Will a Frenchman attack and win today on “Giant of Provence”? Today you could ride the entire mountain (23km up!) in the morning and then settle in to watch the stage on the slope. Dinner is at the hotel, which is conveniently located VERY close to the race course at the bottom of the mountain.
Ventoux
Day 3: July 15th – Monday – Bedoin
Today the pros have a rest day, but we won’t! You will have another chance to ride Mt. Ventoux, plus have the unique opportunity to catch the pros on a rest day. They will be staying in nearby hotels, so you will have a chance to see them on their short rest day spin. Dinner is at the hotel.
Day 4: July 16th – Tuesday – Alps/La Grave
Today we transfer into the heart of the Alps. Our hotel is nestled in a glacier lined valley between the Galibier and Alp d’Huez. Along the way we may have a chance to see today’s stage between Vaison La Romaine to Gap. Rest up because you will have an epic day of riding tomorrow. Dinner is at the hotel.
Day 5: July 17th – Wednesday – Alps/La Grave
Today is your day to conquer Alpe d’Huez. A nice warmup ride down the valley, you will have a chance to make a time going up the 21 switchbacks. On your way up scope out a good spot to watch tomorrow’s stage. The mountain should already be a zoo with fans camping along the road. We will help you van back to the hotel in time to watch the time-trial on TV. It is a short distance, but your legs will probably be tired. Dinner is at the hotel.
View of la Meije from the terrace at our hotel in La Grave
Day 6: July 18th – Thursday – Alps/La Grave
TWO TIMES up Alpe d’Huez! An absolute epic day for the pros as well as you. Get up the mountain early, party with the campers and fans from around the world, and then cheer your favorite pros. We will coordinate transport back the short distance to the hotel from the base of the mountain. Dinner is at the hotel.
Dutch Corner on Alpe d’Huez
Day 7: July 19th – Friday – Alps/Aix Les Bains
Today we will be transferring to Aix Les Bains, but before we get there we will watch the stage start at Bourg d’Oisans. Bourg d’Oisans is the town that is at the base of Alpe d’Huez, and a perfect place enjoy the rider sign-in and roll out. It is a unique opportunity to see the riders up close and personal. Depending on the time we get to Aix Les Bains we could have time to go out for a ride around the beautiful lake – Lac du Bourget. Dinner is at the hotel.
Day 8: July 20th – Saturday – Alps/Aix Les Bains
Today stage will pass close to our hotel, and the stage includes a beautiful ride up to finish atop Semnoz – the first time in TdF history that a stage has finished there. Many great viewing opportunities! Another beautiful day to get out there and cheer the pros. Today could a a very decisive stage of who wins the TdF! Our farewell dinner is at the hotel.
Day 9: July 21st – Sunday – Paris
Today we transfer to Paris by TGV train – the train ticket is included in your fee. A morning departure will put you on the Champs Elysees in enough time to see the pros ride into town for the final stage finish! This year the finish will be at night and the route will go around the Arc de Triomphe! Both are firsts, and will be very special to see in person. Make sure you wait for the parade of teams and podium ceremony after the stage finish. Afterwards walk past the Arc de Triomphe to our hotel. We transfer your luggage separately so you will find it waiting for you at the end of your long and satisfying day. Dinner is on your own in Paris.
Day 10: July 22nd
Departure day! Transportation to the airport is easy from our hotel on one of the Air France buses. Or stay in Paris for a few days. Bon route! We hope you enjoyed your tour with Outfitter Bicycle Tours!
What is included:
- All hotel accommodations – mostly 3 star but also some 2, depending on the tour and location.
- Luggage transfers
- Meals as explained in the tour detail pages. Usually this means all breakfasts, no lunches, and some dinners.
- Detailed route notes, maps, and tourist information
- On the road support. We have a vehicle on the road with a mechanic, and carrying your food and extra water.
- GPS courses to upload to your GPS device.
What is not included:
- Transportation to and from the start and finish locations
- Bikes, but ask if you want to rent a bike.
- Travel and Health Insurance
- Admission to site-seeing venues, unless explicitly mentioned as included
Click HERE to return to the main TdF page.
Come join us on the best – Tour de France Bike Tours
