Tour de France 2012
We're thrilled to announce our Tour with the Pros- Tour de France trips for 2012. We have an Alps trip starting in Beaune, Burgundy and finishing in Grenoble; a Pyrenees trip that will begin in Toulouse and finish in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, a Paris finishers trip, and finally, for those up to the challenge, Etape du Tour trips (Albertville to La Toussuire and Pau to Bagneres-de-Luchon). The 2012 official route was announced on October 18. In past years, we have been in Paris at the live presentation, but this year, it was streamed live around the world and we had the benefit of being at our offices (3 am our time), ready and eager to make hotel bookings as soon as we had confirmed the stage starts and finishes. Truth be told, the route had been leaked out a week earlier and based on our decade of experience at the Tour, we had a pretty good idea of where we wanted to be for each day of the Tour. We became an official tour operator for the Tour de France in 2009 and while we enjoy benefits from this affiliation, we think some of the hyperbole used (and prices charged) by companies using 'VIP status' a little much. Although the start and finish zones can be a great place to watch the race, on certain days, it makes more sense to watch along the route where the spectacle is just as exciting (and easier to exit afterwards). Benefit from our experience at the Tour and we'll have the logistics planned. Hotels? We've secured superbly located hotels, and each of these is a distinctive property with amenities you'll appreciate after a day on your bike. Food and wine? We have planned this year's trips to ensure we dine in the best and most atmospheric restaurants in the regions. Some you may of heard of such as Cave Madeleine in Beaune; others are precious finds we share with you, such as an atmospheric auberge outside Bagnere-de-Bigorre where the chef and owner are friends of ours. Cycling? This is where we excel the most. We have been leading, and operating trips in France for 27 years. Enough said. Bicycles? We own a large fleet of Cannondale and Van Nicholas titanium bikes which will be ready with your name on it. Trip prices? We are often 30-40% less than companies with much less experience. How do we do this? We love what we do and are comfortable with modest margins; it's as simple as that. On our trips, everyone is a VIP. Questions- call Robbin McKinney, founder and still guiding 28 years later. I'll be there this July, eager as I was on the first. |
Tour de France Alps- July 8-15, '12 Our 2012 Alps itinerary will start in Beaune, in one of the most prestigious wine regions in France (and the world)! We're staying at Hotel Le Cedre, a 4-star luxurious hotel in the historical center. From Beaune, we head to the Alps, staying in mountain auberges in St. Francois Longchamp, and in La Grave. In Uriage Les Bains, we stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Uriage. For riding, you'll have a choice of rolling terrain through vineyareds to epic climbs over many cols from the Tour de France, including Alpe D'Huez and others. Ride. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. US$2650* (7 days/ 6 nights) US$2950* (yellow jersey- with access) Prices increase by $300 January 1 Click here for more information | 
| Tour de France Pyrenees- July 15-21, '12 This trip will begin in Toulouse and chase the maillot jaune through the Pyrenees over cols Aspin, Tourmalet and others finishing in one of our favourite villages in France. We've designed this itinerary to minimize transfers and maximize the time riding. We've already scoped out our viewing locations and planned our rides in detail. We're staying in Toulouse (Hotel Garonne); Bagneres-de-Luchon (Le Majestic) and in Bagneres-de-Bigorre (Residence des Thermes) so you'll be staying in the lap of luxury in distinctive hotel properties.. You'll see 4 stages of the Tour live and experience the race like you never have before.
US$2650* (7 days/ 6 nights)
US$2950* (yellow jersey- with access) Prices increase by $300 January 1. Click here for more information | 
| Tour de France Paris July 21-23, '12 We are sometimes able to combine this trip with the one preceding, but this year's logistics are such that is makes sense to offer it separately. If you are doing the Pyrenees trip, or want to just experience the last two stages (time trial in Chartre and the finish in Paris), this will be quite a year to do it. We have private viewing (2nd floor balcony, with indoor facilities, gourmet lunch and an open bar). Now that's a way to experience Paris! Did we mention we are staying at the same 4-star hotel as the Pros? Price includes 2 nights, breakfast, lunch and dinner both days, (transfers between Tarbes for those on Pyrenees trip), champagne on the Champs, wine with evening meals. US $ 950 ( 3 days/ 2 nights)C Price increases by $200 January 1. Click here for more information | 
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Etape du Tour 2012 Etape du Tour is a cycling event similar to a Gran Fondo that is an actual stage of the Tour de France, held before the pro stage. If you have ever wanted to participate in one of the classic cycling events in Europe, this is your chance. Our trips include 4 nights hotels, breakfast and dinner each day, race entry, transfers and guide support.  Etape trips in 2012 : click on links below for info
July 5-9, 2012- Albertville- La Toussuire July 11-15, 2012- Pau to Bagneres-de-Luchon US $1950 (before Dec 31) US $2450 (after Dec 31) | 
| Our Etape du Tour Alps trip will start in Annecy, a beautiful lake-side village surrounded by amazing cycling routes. It's just 40 km to Albertville, the start of the Etape on July 8. | 
| Our Etape du Tour Pyrenees trip will start in Tarbes, where we'll stay at the 4-star Rex Hotel. Cycling routes abound to the south and we are in the perfect position to reach Pau for the start.Bon courage! |
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