This trip is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room. It can be modified to accommodate singles, as well as three, four or any number of people traveling together.

The trip starts in Geneva airport where you will pick-up your rental car. We can arrange for other pick-up locations (Lyon, Annecy, Chambery, etc...). Simply let us know.

You will then head for your first hotel which is located near tomorrow's stage arrival.

Today the peloton will face one stage and three countries; start in Switzerland, ride through Italy and finish in France. All this over "just" 100 miles.

 There are a few viewing options, however the most obvious given your hotel's location is at the arrival in Bourg Saint Maurice.

- July 22nd -

With 5 categorized climbs this stage is going to create havoc in the peloton.

The Col de la Colombiere is usually quite difficult from the North side, but the Tour Organizers have decided to add the col de Romme which presents a great challenge with

8.8km at an average grade of 8.9%!!!

(Alpe d'Huez averages 7.7%).

Viewing from either one of the final climbs or at the arrival in le Grand Bornand is recommended.

- July 23rd -

Hotel location: Grenoble area

Tour Stage 18  /   Annecy - Annecy  /  Time Trial / 40km (25 miles)

With the Tour de France end nearing, all the the stages become more important. Today's individual effort around Lake Annecy will be a great opportunity for the Yellow Jersey contenders to gain time on their rivals.

This time trial also includes a short but steep climb up the col de Buffy which has the potential of creating substantial time losses.

Once the stage is over you will start heading south for an overnight near Grenoble which will cut the drive time to get to the Ventoux region tomorrow.

cote de Bluffy

- July 24th -

Hotel location: Provence

Tour Stage 19  /   Bourgoin Jalieu  -  Aubenas  /  195km (121 miles)

Lavender field with Ventoux in background

As the Tour leaves the Alps, so will you.

You will have the choice of either catching up with the Peloton along the stage itinerary (perhaps a sprint or feedzone for a change?) or bypassing the Tour completely to spend a bit more time sightseeing in Provence.

The Lavender fields are beautiful at this time of the year!

Roman Theater in Orange

- July 25th -

Hotel location: Provence

Tour Stage 20  /   Montelimar  -  Mont Ventoux  /  167km (104 miles)

This is THE stage! The one everyone is talking about! There are so many scenarios possible on the day. Regardless of who is wearing the Yellow Jersey, it will not be safe until this final climb is completed.

 The last time the Tour de France went up Mont Ventoux was in 2002. At the time, Virenque had won the stage followed by russian Botcharov and Armstrong fished 3rd. Lance Armstrong has always said that he would like to win atop Mont Ventoux. This very well could  be his final opportunity!!!

The only place to be today will, of course, be in the final climb to see the stage unfold.

Ventoux Profile

Armstrong in 2002

- July 26th -

Hotel location: Paris, near Champs Elysees

Tour Stage 21  /   Montereau Fault Yonne  -  Paris Champs-Elysees   /  160km (100 miles)

This is what every professional cyclist aspires to; the arrival of the Tour de France on the Champs-Elysees!

Who will be wearing yellow on the Champs Elysees tonight? Will Sastre repeat? Will Contador wear Yellow again? Could it be Lance Armstrong for an 8th title? You will find out today as you watch the arrival from the side of the "World's most beautiful Avenue".

First however; getting to Paris!

You will return your rental vehicle early this morning to take a bullet train to Paris. The timing of today's stage is still something the organizers are working on. Because of the distance between Mont Ventoux and Paris, the stage may be starting/ending later than usual (or the Ventoux stage could be a "Matinee"). Regardless you will be on site to experience it all!

Once the Tour festivities are over, you will get ready for a great dining experience. This year again we will be renting an entire boat for our sunset dinner-cruise along the Seine river. Great food and unbelievable sight-seeing of Paris by night will end our “sensory overloaded day”!!!

Our hotel is located within walking distance of the Champs Elysees, the Grand stands and the dinner cruise.

Our position as Official Tour Operators for the Tour de France, allows us to offer seating in the Official Grand Stands alongside the Champs-Elysees as an option.

July 27th

Departure!

RATE

$1795 / PERSON

(based on double occupancy)

- Breakfast every morning

- 3 Dinners

- Dinner Cruise on the 26th

- Car rental with A/C from 07/20 to 07/26 with unlimited mileage

- TGV Bullet Train to Paris on the 26th

- Maps, Tips, directions for Tour viewing

- General interest and recommendations for restaurants, places to visit or drive through.

- Emergency local contact number to someone bilingual.

- a TDF gift

OPTIONAL

- Reserved Grand Stand seating at the arrival in Paris = $225

- Preferred viewing of the Time Trial in Annecy (07/23) = tbd

- Preferred viewing on Mont Ventoux (07/25) = tbd

- Luggage transfer from Provence to Paris on 26th = tbd

(To avoid having to shuffle luggage on train and in Metro in Paris)

- Private transfer to Paris Airport or Train Station on 27th  = tbd

- Trip Insurance