"the Pyrenees" Package

July 9th to July 15th

When we ask some of our guests who have traveled in both the Alps and the Pyrenees, which of the 2 mountain ranges they enjoyed the most, the answer is almost invariably; the Pyrenees. In fact the Pyrenees have less "infrastructure" (highways, industry, etc...) making for a more "raw" experience.

You will be able to relax in a single Hotel throughout this entire trip. This means, no packing and unpacking. The hotel is located in a very small village in the heart of all the action. Because of the Hotel's location we will be able to ride from and/or to the hotel directly and reduce just as much as possible the amount of time spent in the touring coach.

While we will be staying in just one place, you can still expect to catch up with the Tour on 4 Stages!

Because France uses the metric system and all the markings will be in km, we too, use the metric system when referring to distances.

- July 9th -

Hotel location: Beaudean

We have chosen this hotel for its convenient  location to the Tour route, as well as its central location to many of the great climbs of the Pyrenees.

We will setup bikes and if time allows go for a short test ride.

- July 10th -

Hotel location: Beaudean

Tour Stage : REST DAY

Lunch will be served picnic style atop the col de Soulor and will feature breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Options will be available to ride shorter than the 36 miles or longer than the 47.5 miles and ride back to the hotel

- July 11th -

Hotel location: Beaudean

Tour Stage 9  /   Bordeaux  - Dax  /  170km (106 miles)

Today's ride will be determined once the exact itinerary has been released, we will take a break from the mountains though and tentative plans call to ride the flat to rolling final portion of the days Tour route into Dax where we will catch the arrival of the stage.

The last time the Tour arrived into Dax, the famous Italian Paolo Bettini won the stage.

Hotel location: Beaudean

Tour Stage 10  /   Cambo les Bains  - Pau  /  193km (20.5 miles)

We'll be riding from the Hotel to the final climb of the day; the very difficult col de Marie Blanque.

The col de Marie Blanque is regularly featured in the Tour. In 1990 Gilbert Duclos Lasalle was in the lead alone when he learned that teamate Greg Lemond, wearing the yellow jersey, was in difficulty in the climb. Instead of continuing toward a likely victory he actually turned around and rode the race in the opposite direction to help Lemond maintain his yellow jersey and win the Tour!

Hotel location: Beaudean

Those riding the longer distance will be able to ride around the mountain and up on the same side as the Tour, the others can simply ride from the hotel and up the climb from the East. Regardless, this is a "bus-free" day.

- July 14th -

We will see the start of the stage and the sign-in,  in Luchon today. Starts offer great opportunities for pictures and to mingle with the teams and racers warming up (autographs as well?).

We will then return to our hotel in Beaudean for the final evening of this trip.

This is Bastille day, and those who wish will be able to go to Pau to catch the fireworks.

Col d'Aspin

Col de Peyresourde

- July 15th -

DEPARTURE

Tour Stage 13  /   Beziers  -  Montelimar  /  231km (144 miles)

We will transfer you back to Pau airport and train station.... unless of course you are extending your trip and doing our Alps and arrival  package!!!