Trip Details
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Dates: Saturday 19th July to Saturday 26th July
Start-Finish: Grenoble Airport or Train Station
Accommodation: 3* Chalet at Alpe d’Huez
Group Size: Maximum 20 people (3 Staff)
Deposit: USD* $938 - Secure your spot now.
Cost: USD* $1866
A Week in the Alpes
Who Is This Trip For?
This 8 day, 7 night trip is for anyone who wants to combine the fantastic atmosphere and excitement of Tour de France 2008 stage visits with some big days out cycling in the Alpe D’Huez area, which is a mecca for all Tour fans. A real cycling enthusiasts holiday, the non-stage visit days will give you the opportunity to ride many of the famous climbs in the Southern Alps, such as Col du Galibier, Col de Telegraph, Col de Lautret, Col de le Croix de Fer and Col de Glandon. We can also accommodate non-cycling partners, as there is plenty of sightseeing and walking to be done in the area, as well as watching the Tour of course!
Why are we different?
With Bikestyle Tours and alpcycles.com you get the best of both worlds! As well as stage visits and big rides, you stay in a luxury chalet, which is your base for the whole trip, a real home away from home. The team of guides and hosts are devoted to making your stay unforgettable and because we keep our group sizes under 25 people, you are not just a number, you are our guest!
Our chalet this year has been picked for its great location in Alpe d’Huez, fantastic home-cooked cuisine and is a great place to relax and socialise in the evenings (as well as keeping tabs on the Tour with Sky TV). After all, you are on holiday!
Daily Itinerary
Saturday 19th July
Collections from Grenoble Airport or Train Station.
Arrive at our chalet in the mountains, relax and meet the team. Maybe take a spin or a stroll before a fabulous evening meal where you are welcomed to the start of your packed week.
Sunday 20th July
A really early start today, after breakfast we will drive to the Italian border to watch the riders head over the col de Larche and across the border into Italy for this 216km stage. You will have the opportunity to ride the col and find a good spot to cheer on your favourites, then we will rendezvous after to head back to base.
Dinner at the chalet.
Monday 21st July
Today the TDF competitors enjoy a much needed rest day, but not for you guys! Enjoy a local ride with the team, giving you a chance to get acclimatised, take in the awesome scenery and begin to build up to those famous local climbs. Our guides will support you in your cycling goals, with advice and encouragement to get you where you want to go.
Dinner out at a local restaurant this evening* (Not Included)
Tuesday 22nd July
Stage 16, Cuneo - Jausiers
We will not see the race live today but instead we will provide the opportunity to see what a stage in the mountains really looks and feels like. We will depart from the chalet in the vans which will give us a lift to the top of the Col de Lauteret where we join the route of tomorrow’s stage back to Alpe D’Huez. From here it is 140km back to the hotel and 3200 metres of climbing over the Col du Galibier, Col du Telegraphe and Col de la Croix-de-Fer before the final climb up Alpe D’Huez to the finish and the hotel. For those wanting an easier day there will be shorter route options and a lift available back to the chalet.
Dinner at the chalet this evening and catch up on today’s stage.
Wednesday 23rd July
Stage 17, Embrun – Alpe d’Huez
Today, the final mountain stage, is the pinnacle of the 2008 Tour and should prove to be the most exciting yet! Alpe d’Huez is one of the most famous climbs and every rider dreams of a win on this ascent. The action will be non-stop and Pantani’s 1997 record of 37 min 35 secs is still to be challenged.
We will ride out from the chalet and hit the 21 switchbacks to the top of d’Huez. Once at the top find a spot, enjoy the atmosphere and watch the riders fight it out.
Dinner at the chalet.
Thursday 24th July
Stage 18, Bourg d’Oisans – Saint Etienne
On our final stage visit day we will descend to Bourg d’Oisans to watch the riders (and cheer them off) as they begin their route out of the Alps and to Paris. After this you can take some time to chill, explore and sightsee or go for a spin with the team.
Dinner in the chalet.
Friday 25th July
It’s the final big ride day with the Bikestyle Tours and alpcycles.com team, so enjoy the challenges before you leave us and we will make sure you go home with some great memories (and tired legs).
This evening will be a farewell dinner at the chalet, so relax and enjoy.
Saturday 26th July
Transfers to Grenoble Airport or Train Station.
Trip Inclusions
What’s included:
- Return transfers from/to Grenoble airport.
- 3 stage visit days to the Tour de France 2008
- 3 big guided ride days with the Bikestyle Tours and alpcycles.com team (or the option to do your own thing)
- 7 days at a luxury catered chalet in the heart of the Southern Alps.
- Half board including breakfast, afternoon tea and fantastic home-cooked evening meals* (except Tuesday eve)
- Wine included.
- Cereal bars and energy drink to keep you fuelled-up.
- Secure storage for your bikes (we know how much you love them).
What’s not:
- Flights
- Laundry facilities (a small extra charge payable in resort)
A client’s impression:
I thoroughly enjoyed my week with the good folks at Alpcycles. Shelley, Dave and Ade were most congenial hosts and the accommodations and food were terrific. My compliments to you for selecting them. I have been on other tours costing twice as much, but I didn’t enjoy them as much as I did my Bikestyle experience. I had thought about returning to the Pyrenees on my next trip to the Tour, but I would hate to miss a week at Chalet Richard. By the way, my Aussie traveling companions were great fun. Wherever I go next year, I’ll have to book with Bikestyle Tours. - Scott, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Cost of holiday per person: USD* $1866 (based on room share), deposit: USD* $938 - Secure your spot now.
