Who is this trip for?
This tour offers the best and all of the Tour de France from the Grand Depart in Monaco through to the excitement of the mountain stages in the Pyrenees, transferring on the rest day up to Bourges to see the two flat stages just below the beautiful Loire and then through the final two weeks from the rolling hills of Burgundy and Alsace, the high peaks of the Alpes, the excitement of the much anticipated stage on Mont Ventoux and the final stage on the Champs Elysees.

As with all of our tours you’ll be guided by our expert team of ride leaders, drivers and guides. You will experience the Tour de France and see stage starts, finishes, time trials and of course get to cheer the riders up close on the cols. You’ll get a chance to ride some of the famous cols of the Tour de France including Mont Ventoux, Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet, Colombiere and other Alpine mountains. Each day we’ll have options for rides to suit people of all abilities so no matter if you feel like a challenge, or an easy day enjoying the scenery, you will find yourself catered for.

The trip is geared to suit anyone with an interest in Cycling who wants to see the biggest of the Grand Tours, the Tour de France. This is our main focus for the trip. We cater for cyclists of all abilities by providing riding options each day. On most days we offer two rides. All of our rides are escorted and they vary from serious to relaxed. We ride on quiet scenic roads and where possible we ride on the race course ahead of the race. This trip does involve some days in the mountains so there will be the opportunity to challenge yourself. We also cater for people who do not ride bikes with visits to the race and other attractions but an interest in seeing the Tour de France is important as it is the main focus of the trip. On some days in the mountains it may be possible to use one of our smaller vans to take non riders onto the major mountains so they can really sample the race on the climbs.

TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 25 days (24 nights)
Dates: Friday 03 July to Monday 27 July
Start: Nice Finish: Paris
Accommodation: Selected quality hotels
Group Size: Maximum 30 people (3 Staff)
Cost: AUD$12,500 – Reserve your place now.

Optional Extras:
Grand Depart Exclusive Access Package
Bike Rental $1200 (Cannondale Synapse carbon fibre)
Upgrade to the Burgundy Alpes and Ventoux to Paris: AUD$600
Pre or post tour accommodation to extend your stay
Travel Insurance and Car Rental.
Paris VIP Seating (Final day)
Email us for details

How do I get to Nice?

You’ll stay in some lovely accommodation during the tour including:

• 2 nights in Vence in the hills above the Cote d’Azur.
• 1 night in Provence in the typical village of St Didier close to Mont Ventoux.
• 3 nights stay in a small “relais” on the coast of the Mediterranean in Port Camargue.
• 3 nights in a traditional hotel in the small village of Oust, right on the Tour de France route in the Pyrenees.
• 1 night in one of Lourde’s newest boutique hotels close to all the big cols of the Pyrenees.
• 2 night Bourges area with Chateaux to explore.
• 2 nights in Montbard in Burgundy close to the race stages and beautiful medieval villages.
• 2 nights in Alsace in the village of Baldersheim close to the race route.
• 4 nights in a traditional hotel in the Alpes at the resort town of Chamonix.
• 3 night stay in the Roman town of Nyons in Provence.
• 1 night in our modern hotel in central Paris.

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DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Friday, 3 July 2009
Our tour starts today with our staff meeting you as you arrive in Nice, with a transfer to our hotel in the lovely hilltop town of Vence just above the famous Cote d’Azur. Nice is easily reached by train from Paris, or by flights from many international and European airports. Once we’ve got you settled into the hotel we will assemble bikes and take a short local ride to make sure you and your bike are all in good working order after your long journey. For those that arrive in time and want a slightly longer ride there is the option of a beautiful ride of about 65 km from Vence via the Gorges du Loup. This can be an easy ride with a stop in the village of Pont du Loup for coffee, or a harder ride passing over the 960 meter Col de Vence if you really want to test yourself. Our short local ride is an easy one and will take us to the neighbouring village of St Paul de Vence, a picture postcard hilltop village with fabulous views over the Mediterranean coast. Tonight we will have a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow travellers and our staff, who will answer all your questions on your upcoming adventure.

Overnight: Vence
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Saturday, 4 July 2009
Today is the first day’s racing for the Tour de France with an opening time trial of 15 km deciding who will have the honour of being the first rider to wear the yellow jersey. The start will be launched from boulevard Albert 1er in Monaco on the same roads used for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix before leaving the tiny principality and heading into France along the spectacular cliff road of the Moyenne Corniche. This undulating course then winds its way back to Monaco with a finish along the famous seafront. Time trials are a great place to see the riders close up and to marvel at the speed and endurance of the professional athletes. We will ride to the time trial course via the coastal city of Nice and the famous Promenade des Anglais, or for the fitter riders a hilly route through the hills of Provence Cote d’Azur. Tonight is free to explore the charming town of Vence and dine in one of the many restaurants on the fresh Provencal cuisine.

Overnight: Vence
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 Sunday, 5 July 2009
The race leaves from Monaco this morning and heads west through Provence to the town of Brignoles, a distance of some 182 kms over terrain that although not mountainous is challenging and will test the riders at this early stage of the race. We will take the opportunity to ride to see the race as it passes through the countryside not far from our base in Vence early this afternoon, with the exact route of our ride to be decided once we know the roads the race will use. This is lovely cycling country with dramatic gorges and small hilltop towns making our ride today even more interesting.

After we’ve experienced the race and of course the fun of the caravan publicitaire we’ll jump in the coach and head off to our overnight stop in St Didier, a small Provencal village near the base of Mont Ventoux. St Didier is in the area of Provence known as the Luberon, made famous by authors Marcel Pagnon (Jean de Florette) and more recently Peter Mayle with his “Year in Provence” series. It is an area of contrasts with croweded towns full of well to do Parisians escaping the city for the simple country life, as well as isolated and rugged gorges and forests with the never ending chirping of the cigales (cicadas) a familiar background noise during the summer heat.

On arrival at the hotel enjoy a dip in the pool before a buffet dinner in the hotel’s popular restaurant. Like many small hotels in France the emphasis is on the food above all else and our hotel’s restaurant is often booked out with locals enjoying a night out.

Overnight: St Didier
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Monday, 6 July 2009
The Tour de France stage for today is from Marseilles to La Grande Motte, close to where we stay for the next 3 nights at Port Camargue. As much of this stage is over some of the less interesting country of the race we will take the opportunity to ride one of the most famous cols of the Tour where the penultimate battle for the race will take place in 2009, Mont Ventoux. We’ll ride from our hotel to the village of Bedoin where the traditional route of the Tour de France winds its way up through the forest to Chalet Reynard where the well known moonscape of Mont Ventoux comes into view. Over the last 6kms the bare landscape allows you magnificent views over the plains of the Luberon as you pass by the monument to Tom Simpson, who died tragically on the slopes of the mountain in the 1967 Tour de France. After the compulsory photographs at the summit we’ll head back down via the thrilling descent to Malaucene where our coach will be waiting to take us to our next stop in the coastal resort of Port Camargue. For those not wanting to tackle the difficult climb that is Mont Ventoux we’ll offer an alternative easy ride visiting some of the local villages of the Luberon. If all goes to plan we will be able to leave Malaucene just in time to catch the race as it makes it way to La Grande Motte this afternoon.

Overnight: Port Camargue
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Tuesday, 7 July 2009
This morning we can have a nice relaxed start to the day as the stage for the day is quite close to our hotel in Port Camargue with a 38 km team time trial from Montpellier. This year sees the return of the team time trial and it’s bound to be a fast time today for the riders as the roads around here are generally flat. Today’s options will include a short and a longer route from Port Camargue into the historic centre of Montpellier to watch the teams prepare for and take off on the race against the clock. Depending on the final route of the time trial it is also possible we will run a ride to a village along the time trial route where you can join in with the locals in cheering on your favourite team. Tonight is free to dine in one of the many quayside restaurants in Port Camargue

Overnight: Port Camargue
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Today the Tour de France stage takes the race south from Montpellier to the city of Perpignan, close to the Spanish border. This morning we’ll head off on our bikes from the hotel and travel to Montpellier along the flat coastal roads to the south of Montpellier which take us on to the race route where will follow the roads used in today’s stage. It’s an easy 80 km ride over quiet roads with interesting coastal scenery that we don’t often get the chance to experience during the Tour de France. We’ll enjoy lunch in the pretty Herault village of Montagnac where we’ll wait for the race to come to us and join in with the locals as they welcome Le Tour to their small town.
After we’ve seen the race we’ll head back to Port Camargue arriving in time for us to explore the waterfront area before dinner and a restful night before tomorrow’s trip to Spain.

Overnight: Port Camargue
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Thursday, 9 July 2009
As the race heads south into Spain today we will head east for the Pyrenees where we will base ourselves for the next three nights to put us in the perfect position to see the race as it enters the Pyrenees. Along the way we will stop for lunch and some sightseeing in the amazing walled medieval cite of Carcassonne, a UNESCO world heritage site that has to be seen to be believed. From a distance it looks like a mirage, or a giant movie set, and has in fact been used for many films over the years. Wandering around inside the cite is just as interesting with it’s tiny alleways and massive fortifications. It gets crowded as it is one of France’s most popular historic sites but well worth the visit if only to have a hearty meal of the local speciality cassoulet in one of the many restaurants.

From Carcassonne we will drive to the town of St Girons, where will be able to choose from a couple of very scenic cycling routes to our hotel in the pretty riverside village of Oust. The riding in this part of the Pyrenees is superb with a variety of rides from challenging cols to quiet river valley roads so there is bound to be something to suit everyone. Tonight we will dine in the restaurant of our traditional small hotel and enjoy the fresh regional cuisine of France.
Overnight: Oust
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Friday, 10 July 2009
This morning we will ride from our hotel through the nearby town of St Girons onto a route made famous by the Tour de France over Col de Portet d’Aspet and Col de Mente, a beautiful route through the Ariege region of the Pyrenean Mountains. For those wanting an easier route we’ll offer an option to join the riders on the flatter sections of the ride following the river Garrone. Our ride will finish this afternoon in the town of St Gaudens, from where the Tour de France will depart in a couple of day’s time. Our ride will finish in time for us to spend some time in the town, which will be decorated in anticipation of the arrival of Le Tour, and watch the end of today’s stage from Barcelona to Andorra with the locals on television in a cafe before heading home to our hotel in Oust.
Overnight: Oust
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Saturday, 11 July 2009
Today’s 176km stage for the Tour de France from Andorra to Saint Girons passes through our base in Oust, passing over nearby Col d’Agnes and Col de Port, leaving us with many great ride options. For those wanting to see the race in comfort as it passes by our hotel late this afternoon we will run a morning ride along the race route to the 1250m Col de Port, returning to Oust to see the race pass by the hotel. For those wanting a longer and more challenging ride we will travel first over Col de Port, then up the winding mountain road leading to the 1570m summit of Col d’Agnes where we will see the race on the final climb of the day. This is the first time that Col d’Agnes has been used in the Tour de France, although it passes through this region of Ariege regularly. This is going to be a superb viewing point for the race as the small mountain roads will bring the riders up close to us. There is also the option of travelling on to the finish in St Girons, a mere 17 km from our hotel in Oust to see the race leaders enter the town at the end of this important mountain stage. For those wanting an easy day this will be a good option as you can watch the race pass over the mountains on television on a bar in town before heading out on the route to cheer on riders as they approach the finish.

Overnight: Oust
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Sunday, 12 July 2009
The final stage in the Pyrenees will take the race from Saint Gaudens to Tarbes, just to the north of Lourdes. Along the way it will climb two legendary cols ,Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet, at 2115 metres the highest point for the tour in the Pyrenees. From Oust we will travel this morning to the town of Bagneres de Biggore, situated in a valley in between Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet. As this is one of the most popular stages of the tour the crowds will be huge, adding to the atmosphere and excitement. From Bagneres it is a gentle climb to the village of Saint Marie de Campan where it’s a right turn for Tourmalet or a left turn for Col d’Aspin. Col du Tourmalet is one of the toughest climbs of the tour, but achievable if you allow time to give the mountain the respect it deserves! The ascent of Col d’Aspin is gentler and very scenic and is a good option for those wanting an easier day. Those that choose Col d’Aspin have the option of returning to the coach in Bagneres after the race has passed, or riding all the way back to our hotel in Lourdes. Riders that are seeing the race on Col du Tourmalet will descend down the winding western side of the mountain along the race route with a downhill run all the way back to our hotel in Lourdes. Tonight we will have a dinner at a restaurant in Lourdes where we can celebrate a great tour in France with the unfortunate people who will be leaving us here.

Overnight: Lourdes
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Monday, 13 July 2009
Today is a rest day so it’s a perfect opportunity for us to hear north with the rest of the Tour de France entourage.We will leave Lourdes and spend the day travelling to Bourges where we will spend the next two nights. Our base here will allow us to have a nice ride to see the stage finish tomorrow in Issoudun which should result in a sprint finish. If all goes well we should be able to have a nice ride to the hotel later this afternoon.

Overnight: Bourges
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Today is Tuesday, July 14. A date that is circled in every Frenchman’s calendar and every Tour de France follower for that matter! It is Bastille Day as we know it but the the French simply know it as “Quatorze Juillet” (Fourteenth of July in French), the French national holiday celebrating the Fete de la Federation in 1790 during the French Revolution.

For us it is Stage 10 of the Tour de France from Limoges to Issoudun. This morning we can have a little sleep in and breakfast before we head across to see the race finish at Issoudun. The crowds should be pretty big today so we will get there a little earlier than usual. The French riders will be out in force today. Traditionally this stage is won in a breakaway….we will see.

Overnight: Bourges
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Wednesday, 15 July 2009
This morning and head east into the hills of Burgundy following part of the race route towards the finish in Saint Fargue. This is a great area to ride in with undulating hills, great scenery and interesting medieval villages. Our ride will take us along the top edge of the hilly Morvan area and follow some quiet local roads to near the beautiful village of Vezelay where we think the race will pass nearby. Known primarily for its impressive abbey and as a starting point for pilgrims on the well known route to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, it is the ideal place to combine viewing the tour with a bit of sightseeing! After viewing the race we’ll travel by coach to our home for the next two nights in the small port town of Montbard on the Burgundy Canal. This is a very historic area with attractions such as the Abbay de Fontenay and many small medieval villages that we will visit as we ride through the area over the next two days.

Tonight we will enjoy the delicious cuisine of Burgundy in our hotel’s restaurant, which has been run by the familyof our hosts Gerard for over four generations. Our hotel is situated in the town centre on the Burgundy Canal and is a former relais de poste that would have welcomed coaches of a different kind in the 19th century.

Overnight: Montbard
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 Thursday, 16 July 2009
Today the race will depart from the town of Tonerre and head north east to Vittel, a spa town like many in France made famous by its eau minerale. As Vittel is a major sponsor of the Tour de France the town is likely to be well prepared for the arrival of the race. As today’s stage start from Tonnerre is quite close to our base in Montbard, we will travel to Tonnerre arriving with plenty of time for the late morning sign on of riders and the departure of the peloton. This afternoon after the race has departed and we’ve enjoyed lunch in Tonnerre we will ride back to Montbard with a couple of ride options. Our longer ride of about 90 km is a favourite route via well known wine town of Chablis and the walled medieval village of Noyers sur Surein back to the hotel in Montbard. Our other option is a shorter route back to Montbard with the option of a fascinating guided visit to the Abbaye de Fontenay, one of the largest and oldest Cisternian monasteries in Europe that dates back to 1118. Well worth a visit as the Abbaye is not just an historic monument but still functions as a monastery where the monks go about their daily lives. We will again dine in the hotel restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Montbard
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 Friday, 17 July 2009
The Tour de France stage for today is from Vittel to Colmar close to the German border in the area of France known as Alsace, which was formerly a part of Germany. Colmar is a beautiful town of half timbered buildings on flower lined canals and is well worth a visit. Our home for the next two nights is in the small town of Baldersheim on the edge of Alsace and Haut Rhin and close to the city of Munster. This morning we will leave our hotel in Montbard and travel to Alsace where we will head out on to the race route to see the riders tackle the final climb of the day up the 722 meter Col du Firstlan, 20km from the finish. Amongst the first riders we see come over the col will be the stage winner today as it’s a fast 20km descent from the summit to the finish in Colmar. Although not as famous as the cols of the Alpes and Pyrenees the mountains of Alsace offer some of the most rewarding cycling in France and this will be a great area to see the race without the massive crowds that appear on the more famous peaks. After the race we will ride back to our traditional hotel in Baldersheim where we will enjoy a hearty meal of the local cuisine and a chance to try some of the very good local vin blanc.

Overnight: Baldersheim
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 Saturday, 18 July 2009
Today’s stage is from nearby Colmar to Besancon on the edge of the Jura Mountains. Today will be a fairly relaxing day and after breakfast we will ride out from the hotel through the villages along the race route where the race will pass by early this afternoon followed by a pleasant ride back to our hotel, perhaps with an excursion along the Rhine river on the German border, or maybe a ride to some of the villages on the wine route. Our final plans will become clearer once we know the exact race route for the day. For those wanting to visit the city of Colmar there is the option of an 80km return ride to Colmar to see the stage start early and then spend some time exploring Colmar before riding back to the hotel in Baldersheim. Tonight it’s a well earned meal at our hotel and perhaps a swim in the pool to relax before dinner.

Overnight: Baldersheim
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17 Sunday, 19 July 2009
We leave Alsace behind today and travel south to the Alpes and the famous ski resort town of Chamonix, dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc, which at 4810 metres is the highest peak in Europe. Situated in a valley and surrounded by mountains, Chamonix is a lively town full of adventurers enjoying the beauty of the Alpes during the summer months. The long 207 km stage for today is from Pontarlier in France to Verbier in Switzerland. On our drive today we’ll make a stop for a ride along the race route in Switzerland as it makes its way up the gradual climb towards the summit of Col des Mosses, a bit over half way into today’s stage. After our ride we will continue on our journey to Chamonix with dinner tonight in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 Monday, 20 July 2009
It is a rest day for the Tour de France so we will have a leisurely start today before heading off to Annecy, a beautiful city in a spectacular location on the edge of a Lake Annecy. On arrival in Annecy we will offer a couple of ride options taking in the mountain and lake scenery, including the chance to ride on the time trial course the race will follow in a few days time. The ride along the lake is flat and easy, with the option of a fast and wide bike path that runs along the western shore. For those in search of some hills the peaks around Annecy offer a challenge with the attraction of fabulous views over the lake. As Annecy is such a beautiful city it’s best to keep your ride short today to allow plenty of time to explore shop and relax. Late this afternoon we’ll return to Chamonix by coach. For those that would like to stay in Chamonix and relax there is plenty to do, including a trip on the cable car to the 3840 metre summit of Aigulle du Midi and the Mont Blanc glacier.

Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast

Day 19 Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Stage 15 of the Tour de France is bound to be a crucial stage for the overall lead of the race as it travels via 3 countries from Martigny in Switzerland to Bourge Saint Maurice in France via Italy! The 2 climbs of the day are the mighty Col du Grand-Saint-Bernand at 2473 metres and the slightly smaller 2184 metre Col du Petit-Saint-Bernand to Bourg St Maurice. We will travel from Chamonix via the Mont Blanc Tunnel into Italy and resort town of Courmayer where we will ride up to the summit of the Col du Petit – Saint- Bernard on the border of Italy and France for a close up view of the race as the riders up close as they grind their way up to the mountain summits. It’s a long steady climb with great views from the summit and there are bound to be some challenges to the leadership of the race before the riders pass by us before the fast descent to the finish in Bourg Saint Maurice. Tonight you are again free to dine in one of the town’s restaurants.

Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast

Day 20 Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Today’s stage is another mountainous route from yesterdays stage finish town of Bourg Saint Maurice over no less than 5 cols before finishing at the ski village of Le Grand Bornand. On our way to Chambery we will take in today’s stage which is from Bourg St Maurice to the ski resort Le Grand Bornand. For those wanting to ride from Chamonix all the way we are close enough to take the race in at a number of points including Col des Saisies, the easier climb of Cote d’Araches or even the final summit just before the finish of Col de la Colombiere. For those choosing one of the earlier climbs in the race or the Cote d’Araches you can descend after the race has passed to the town of Cluses to view the race finish live on TV before travelling back to Chamonix in the coach.

Another memorable day for us at Le Tour and with such a tough day for the race we will certainly witness a great battle for the overall leadership. This is our last night in Chamonix and you are free to dine in one of the towns restaurants.

Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21 Thursday, 23 July 2009
We leave Chamonix today and travel from the lush green Alpes to the Mediterranean climate and subtle hues of Provence where we will witness the final days of the Tour de France. Our hotel in Provence is the historic Hotel Colombet, which is ideally situated on the main town square and has been operating as a hotel for nearly 500 years. Today you will have the chance of having a ride later this afternoon along the Tour de France route from Montelimar to our hotel in Nyons, where the race passes by in two days time. This is an easy ride over gently undulating country passing through some interesting towns such as Grignan, dominated by its imposing Renaissance chateau.

To make sure we know the outcome of today’s individual time trial in Annecy we’ll catch the top riders on television either before our ride, or at the hotel on arrival. Tonight we’ll have dinner in the hotels restaurant, which is well regarded locally and specialises in Provencale dishes with the local olives which the area is known for. For an authentic local meal why not try a glass or two of the local red wine, Cotes du Ventoux.

Overnight: Nyons
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 22 Friday, 24 July 2009
As the race enters its final stages it travels from Bourgoin Jallieu to the town of Aubenas just to our north. It’s an undulating stage that takes in the rugged Vercours mountain range, but is unlikely to be one that affects the overall standings as the top riders save their strength for tomorrow’s ordeal on Mont Ventoux. Today there will be a few options as the choices are many. One option for us is a 90 km undulating ride from the hotel to witness the stage finish at Aubenas, with the journey back to Nyons by coach in plenty of time for dinner at the hotel. If you want to save a bit of energy there will also be a shorter ride option available by travelling some of the way to Aubenas by coach. Some people may like to tackle Mont Ventoux without the race crowds and at their own pace, so today would be a good day to ride to the summit, leaving tomorrow free to enjoy the race at another point on the route. Tonight it’s dinner in the hotel restaurant again to fuel up for tomorrow’s big day.

Overnight: Nyons
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 23 Saturday, 25 July 2009
The penultimate stage of the Tour de France is a controversial one being such a tough stage only one day before the final day in Paris. The route is from Montelimar to the summit of Mont Ventoux and if the leadership is close then this will be the stage that determines the winner of the 2009 Tour de France. Of all the mountains in the Tour de France it’s possibly Ventoux that is the most feared with its combination of summer heat, altitude gain from the plains below and unrelenting climbs making it a true challenge. Mont Ventoux has appeared in the Tour de France 13 times since 1951, the last time in 2002 when the winner was French favourite Richard Virenque. From our hotel in Nyons we have the option of riding along the race route and up Mont Ventoux, waiting for the arrival of the race late in the afternoon. Or as the race passes virtually by our hotel some may choose to miss the crowds and have a ride on the route this morning, returning to Nyons to see the race and watch the drama unfold on television. After the race we will return to the hotel in Nyons where we will enjoy another great meal at the hotel and get ready for tomorrows trip by high speed TGV train to Paris. Tonight is our final dinner together so we will celebrate the last two weeks with a special farewell dinner so you can have tomorrow evening to enjoy Paris.

Overnight: Nyons
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 24 Sunday, 26 July 2009
The Champs Elysees is the setting for the final stage of the Tour de France and its 750 km from Nyons to Paris, so we’ll make use of the high speed TGV train from Valence, travelling in comfort back to the French capital in a bit over two and a half hours at speeds in excess of 300kmh. On arrival in Paris Gare de Lyon rail station late this morning we’ll transfer to our modern hotel in the Bercy area of Paris, close to the centre and all of it’s attractions. After we have checked in it is off to the Champs Elysees where we will be able to experience up close the excitement of the final stage. For those with tickets for the Grand Palais stand (optional) you will have a great view of the peloton as they make their multiple laps of the grand boulevards of Paris. Although the battle for the yellow jersey is decided the final stage is a great spectacle and to win the final stage on the Champs Elysees is a great honour.

Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

Day 25 Monday, 27 July 2009
Its farewell to your new friends as our tour comes to an end this morning. For those flying out today from Paris CDG airport our staff and coaches will be available to help you on your way. For others why not stay on at our hotel in Paris for a day or two more and enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour cost: AUD$12,500 per person twin share and includes:

• Transport throughout by private luxury coach with custom bike trailer.
• Services of 3 experienced tour guides and our coach driver.
• Transfers on Friday 03 July from Nice airport or Train station to hotel
• Transfers on 27 July from Paris hotel to Paris CDG airport
• TGV Train from Valence or Avignon to Paris on 25 July
• 24 nights accommodation in selected quality hotels with private facilities.
• Buffet breakfast daily
• 3 course evening meals on 14 nights
• Mechanical assistance with your bike
• Sightseeing as listed
• Maps and Bikestyle guide to the Tour de France
• Bikestyle cycling jersey