Thinking about seeing the Tour
de France for the first time? These touring companies make it easy!
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France offerings listed here?Just
send us the details in an email! I ran down most of the
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This service is entirely free, with listing order determined
alphabetically, with the exception of a couple companies that I've
personally toured with (TREK Travel & Graham Baxter).
2006 was a GREAT year to see the Tour de France!
And 2007 promises to be even better, with Ivan Basso leading the
charge for Team Discovery.
Below is a listing of some of the companies I've found that offer TDF
tours, including links to the part of their websites that talk
about them.
Please note that the links go directly to their relevant TDF page,
whose location may change over time. If you get a "page not
found" error of some kind, try going to the main page for their
site, which can usually be done by simply getting rid of everything
after the .com or whatever. For example, on our site,
gets you to the diary page for my '03 trip, but if I were to change
the location of that page, or maybe combine it with another, the
link wouldn't work. In that case, you could go to
www.ChainReaction.com and
navigate to the info you need from there.
Graham
Baxter Sporting Tours [2007]was the group I did a 12-day Pyrenees to
Paris tour (for the '03 TDF) with, a subsequent shorter tour
the following year, and again in 2006. Very reasonably priced, got to
see a lot, but it's possibly not the best for someone who's never
been to France before and might want a bit more hand-holding than
they offer. Still, I've had a great time on these trips, as did most others on
the trip. Lots of info on my tour with them on my
daily diary pages from the '03 TDF.
In 2004, I chose their "premium" trip that
included staying at the top of Alpe d'Huez! Unfortunately, 2004
was such a crazy year at the TDF, with crowds even larger than
before, that I didn't have as good a time as I did the prior year
(with lesser accommodations). Or perhaps I just missed the
Pyrenees?
TREKTravel [2007]
got rave reviews from everyone I came across who was on a TDF tour
with them (we're a very large TREK dealer and have a lot of
customers interested in what they have to offer, so it made sense
to find out everything I could).
Itineraries for 2007 have been posted, and they offer several
levels of style, from $2999 to $6999. I can personally state that the quality of at least
one of their past guides is extraordinary (that would be Bruno, who's
worked with us for many years as our service manager in Redwood
City).
Agile Compass
[2007]
specializes in tours of Italy & France, and it turns out they're
led by a guy (Michael Khaw) who's one of the hard-working members
of both Western Wheelers and ACTC, two large & active local
cycling clubs (local to Chain Reaction that is). $2400 for a
one-week stay in the Pyrenees;
details on
their offerings during the 'Tour are found here.
Adventure
Travel [2007] is one of several Australian touring companies, this one with
Phil Anderson, former TDF great, riding along. I've met Phil's
(soon-to-be-ex) wife, Christine,
who
speaks glowingly of her husbands ability to entertain and take
care of their guests (I met her in Lourdes at the '03 TDF; details
on my diary page at
www.ChainReaction.com/diaryfrance2003.htm#christine).
They also feature the longest tour I've come across, the
16-day
"Roadforce." Detailed info on their tours on their site, but
unfortunately it's in "Flash" format so I can't provide a direct
link. About $4000,
making it quite reasonable for such a long trip. Very friendly
people too; I've had many email exchanges with Howard Duncan.
Backroads [2007]
generally gets high marks from our customers but seems to have cut
back a bit on their formerly-extensive offerings. 6-day trips (5
nights) run about $3500.
Beaux Voyages
[2007] sent me
this information on their tours- “Beaux Voyages offers several
high-end tours throughout France. Tours are generally at a
leisurely pace and emphasize personal service, great food and
wine, and in general an excellent TdF and “French Experience”.
6-day 5-night Alps & Pyrenees trips for $3200. They must be good people, as they've asked for (and been
given permission to use) a few photos from our website!
Breaking Away
[2007] is another popular, high-quality organization. As of
12/10/07, they only have a brief "preview" section on-line
regarding their TdF offerings.
BikePyrenees [2007]
is a bit different from most, in that they have a hotel you stay
(in Massat) from which they conduct all operations. You
won't technically be "following" the TDF, since you always come
back to the same place, but you will get to travel out to many
exciting stages. July 19th-30th, 2500 Euros.
Bikestyle
Tours [2005], an Australian touring company, has a number of
options running from about $3800-5000.
Butterfield & Robinson
[2005] (along with TREK
Travel) defines the high-end of cycle touring... their
trips run from $6000-$7000, and include one family option
(although the kid has to be 15 years or older). Less intimidating
than most for those who can't make it up the big hills; one of
their itineraries for '04 read: D3 - attempt the infamous L’Alpe
d’Huez climb. 15-60 km, hilly. Attempt???!!!
You're going to fly all the way to France and only attempt
to climb Alpe d'Huez?
Outfitter Tours
[2005], run by Dick Powell, has offered TDF tours for a number of
years. They'll have a
9-night Alps trip for $2500 as well as a
9-night Ventoux/Pyrenees/St Etienne offering for just a bit
more. Their tours come with many excellent recommendations from
our customers.
Custom
Getaways [2005],
is offering two tours,
a one-week trip in the Alps and a 10-day Pyrenees-to-Paris
offering. $3500-$4000. Almost as interesting is their package for
La
Marmotte, the French equivalent of the Deathride. 174km,
17,000 feet of climbing, including Alpe d'Huez and the Col du
Galibier on July 9th.
Cycleande [2005] is a
general-purpose French touring company offering a variety of
walking & cycling tours, but as of 11/18/04, they still don't
have information up regarding their
'05 offerings, just a request to email them for info when
available.
Cyclevents [2005] does things a
bit differently, camping out instead of staying in hotels (which
saves some money and offers a different experience than the rest).
They'll be catching the TDF
on two of their trips in '05. Cost runs
$1100-$1350 for 8 & 9-day trips.
Cycle
Ventures International [2005] was located in Madison, WI (home
of TREK Bicycles, but no connection to them) but as of 3/23/05
their website is no longer in action. Could be they're gone for
good.
Cycling
Ahead [2005] isn't running any TDF tours for '05, but we're
keeping them here to remind us to check for offerings in '06.
Cyclomundo
[2006] is running tours again for the '06 TDF, with a new
super-deluxe offering that includes the opportunity to
ride
a stage ahead of the race... on the same day! At 2850 euros,
it's not cheap, but it's definitely unique. They also feature a
bicycle
rental page that offers services separately for their tours,
with pickups in locations throughout France.
Discover France
[2005] has a
variety of offerings through France, with fairly detailed info.
For 2005, it appears they're trying to attract a more serious
rider with considerably tougher ride options. A variety of
dates & types of tours available, from about $1200 to $3600.
Dude Girl
[2005]is a cycling travel company with trips to the Tour de France
and mountain biking in Bulgaria. The Tour de France cycling
trips include the Alps and La Marmotte, July 6-15 and the
Pyrenees, which ends in Paris, July 17-25. Their pitch is "A
perfect mix of riding hard, eating well and Tour viewing!"
Du Vine
Adventures [2005] runs four separate one-week tours during the TDF,
although their Pyrenees tour is sold out as of 3/23/05. They also
have a
non-cycling tour, 10 days, for about $3600.
Experience Plus
[2005] has a variety of options, and now have
full
info & prices on their website. 6-day "Chasing the Tour" trips
for $2950, with one option for the Alps and another in the
Pyrenees. They have many other options as well, but those are
probably going to be their most-popular this year. They even have
a recommendation from another tour operator (Europed).
Erickson Cycle Tours
[2005]
offers
three
tours that intersect the TDF, and comes recommended from one
of our customers (who's gone twice to the TDF with them).
$2900 for a two-week tour, with options in both the Pyrenees and
the Alps. These tours aren't for those trying to follow the
TDF stage-by-stage, but rather will introduce you to just about
all of the famous climbs in the region. The focus is on your
own cycling, rather than trying to chase down the TDF.
EuroCycler
[2005] is a relative newcomer, recommended by the operator of
Europed (below). They're offering 7-day
Alps &
Pyrenees trips (about $3800) as well as an interesting
final-day option at a restaurant overlooking the final stage on
the Champ Elysees ($180). That final-day option looks mighty
interesting to people who've stood 6-deep for hours and hours on
the Champ Elysees, straining to see a glimpse of the racers coming
around. They'll also have an option that adds 4 days to the Pyrenees trip along with the
final stage restaurant offering for $1100 more.
Europeds [2005] In 2005,
EUROPEDS will run two trips to the TDF. 1. The Alps to Provence, July 10-17, 8 days/7 nights. View
3 stages of the TDF
4 nights exclusive accommodations in Briancon, TDF arrival and
departure town in 2005. Price: $3500.00 per person.
Small group of 14 people 2. The Pyrenees and the Massif Central. July 15-22, 8
days/7 nights. View 3 stages of the TDF. Price: ?
$3500.00 per person. Small group of 14 people. David of Europed also graciously mentions that Experience Plus (listed
above) is a family-run operation he can recommend, as well as
Eurocycler, a newcomer (2-3 years) that he came across that seemed
to be doing a good job.
Europe-By-Bike.com
[2005] doesn't follow every single stage; they'll have a central
hotel they stay in for several days, and concentrate on seeing
just a few stages while offering a bit more time to relax or ride
as you wish. Prices run about $3100, with three different tours to
choose from.
France by Bike
offers a 9-day tour that includes the opportunity to ride up
Mont Ventoux and Alpe d'Huez (neither of which are included in the
'05 TDF route, but are not to be missed by any cyclist wanting to
know what the classic Euro climbs are really like!)
and view two stages of the TDF- the final Time Trial at St.
Etienne and the finish on the Champ Elysees in Paris. Perhaps not
much in-person TDF viewing, but you'll get in a lot of great
riding. Sort of a "greatest hits" tour. Cost is $2100, making it
one of the more-reasonable offerings. (New listing, added 4/15/05)
Inside
Track Tours [2005] is another one that I'm not familiar with.
They do have an affiliation with Tyler Hamilton, so there may be
better access to the riders than with other groups. 8-9 day tours
for around $6000.
------------------------------
Marty Jemison
[2005],
former USPS rider, has his own tour company offers three different
week-long tours, running $3800-$4800.
Pathfinder Bike Tours [2005] is offering a two-week trip through the
Provence, ending in Paris where you will see the TDF finale (the only stage you will see in-person). Moderate
riding (about 40k/day) with a focus on wine & food; probably a
good choice for couples that would like to explore France by bike
but aren't hot-shot riders. Pricing includes round-trip airfare
from Chicago, but as of 11/18/04, it's still to be determined that
that pricing actually will be.
Steve Bauer [2005], former TDF racer, has another high-end touring
company, with a deluxe
trip to the Alps for about $5700 as well as a
trip to the Pyrenees.
We often hear very good reports from customers about their trips
with them.
Velo
Echappe [2005] looks interesting (they emphasize having
big-name cycling greats helping out, including Sean Kelly...
wonder if his English is easier to understand in person than on
TV?), but their site implies that all of their TDF offerings are
built around the Etape du Tour (a huge event where 7,000+ people
ride a difficult stage of the TDF... for time!). Their
detailed itinerary makes it appear that they do a lot of
riding, but don't actually see any of the TDF. Prices range from
$2550 (3 day/3 night) to $5200 (8day/7 night).
Two Bicycles and a Map
[2005]
has been doing
Loire Valley tours (very easy riding) in France and
recently added a couple days in Paris to see the end of the Tour
de France. This isn't about big mountains or riding fast; they say
it's for those favoring "easy cycling ability" and basically flat
with a few hills. Cost of their two-week trip is $2980.
VeloVacations
[2005]
(also known as VeloSport Vacations) is a group I've come across
frequently in my travels in France, and I found people generally
pretty happy with them. They'll have two riding packages, an
Alps & a Pyrenees-to-Paris, in addition to a non-riding Paris
option. Pricing for the Alps & Pyrenees-to-Paris trips run from
$4500-$6000.
VeloVista [2005]
is a general-purpose cycle touring site, with a great deal of
useful information, although most of it pertains to past tours.
However, it remains a great resource for those thinking about
going it on their own.
Viva
Travels [2005] will offer '05 TDF trips featuring better accommodations
(3 & 4-star hotels) than many, and hits the upper-mid price ranges
at $3500 for their
Pyrenees trip. I do question their ability to find a
legit 4-star hotel in Lourdes though!
Wide Open Road
[2005] is a
UK (England)-based company promoting a relatively inexpensive
three-week trip (June 25-July 16th) for about $2600. However, it's
not three weeks of the Tour de France; rather, it's a two-week
trip through the heart of France, with an additional week tacked
on at the end so you can see the race wind through the Alps.
Yellow Jersey Adventures
[2005]
looks like a great way for the more adventurous to experience
France and several TDF stages. This tour features maximum
riding and minimum frills, staying at campgrounds & schools, and
is only for the very fittest of cyclists.
Check out the
route/details page and you'll find this is like doing
back-to-back Deathrides on some days! But at under $1200,
it's one heck of a deal. Just keep in mind it's a cycling
adventure, not a pampered tour (If I could take off two-weeks
plus, I'd be very tempted to try this one).
If you know of
other tours not listed, or have something to say about those here,
please send me an email!
In past years, it seemed people weren't
all that interested in being in Paris for the finale, but that
seemed to have changed in 2002, and it was really apparent in
2003 that those who had to leave before Paris were quite
disappointed. Where Paris is going to put all those Americans I
have no idea, but it seems they've already gotten pretty good at
hiding the ice cubes! :>)
(That's a not-so-inside-joke about the fact that it's very hard to
get ice in drinks in France, and they'll generally give you just two
ice cubes; if you get three, that's reason for a very big tip!)
But the point about Paris is that many of the
tours don't include the finale, so if you want to see it, you'll
possibly be on your own and need to get your plans together sooner
than later.
One other thing I should add... if you really want to get into the
TDF action itself, it may not be practical to be cycling every
single day. Conversely, if you want to really get into cycling in
France, it may not be practical to see that much of the TDF! You'll
most likely run yourself into the ground, and possibly disappoint
yourself because things didn't work out quite as planned. The best
way to have a really enjoyable experience is to be flexible and
recognize that your original plans might need to be altered a bit,
and try to decide ahead of time if you want to do everything, in
which case you'll probably need a vacation from your vacation when
you get back (personal experience talking here!). --Mike--
Other Tour de France
pages on our website that you might find of interest-
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