Ride the most dramatic climbs of the most famous cycling race in the world, the Tour de France, on our 9-day adventure which spans the French Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux and the Alps. Surrounded by scenic views and the most rewarding alpine passes in France, we'll greet each day with challenging climbs like Col d'Aubisque, Col du Télégraphe, and the mythic Ventoux. Feel like a legend as you take in the scenery from the seat of a Trek bike. You can even test yourself with the harrowing ascent of Alpe d'Huez. This Classic Climbs trip emphasizes scenic beauty and spectacular riding in classic Trek Travel style.
Trip Wow’s
- Surrounded by scenic views and the most rewarding alpine passes in France, we’ll greet each day with challenging climbs
- Fuel yourself with traditional alpine favorites: tartiflette, raclette, and fondue!
- Marvel at the stunning vistas along the way
- Imagine yourself leading the peloton as you ride over the names of your favorite riders painted on the road.
- Explore the intimate villages that come alive with dedicated fans during cycling’s grandest race.
Day 1 | Lourdes
Stay at Grand Hotel & Gallia Londres
Discover the classic climbs of the Pyrenees including Col d' Aubisque, Soulor, Hautacam, | Indulge in seasonal cuisine and savor regional wines
Day 2 | The Pyrenees
Stay at Acta Luchon
Ascend over the legendary cols of Tourmalet, Aspin, and Peyresourde | Savor epic vistas as you enjoy cycling on French routes without the crowds of the Tour
Days 3 & 4 | Provence
Stay at Les Geraniums
Cycle through Provence | Challenge yourself to pedal to the summit of the epic Ventoux | Enjoy the Provençal way of life as you rest up for the second set of famous cols in the Alps
Days 5 & 6 | La Grave
Stay at Auberge Edelweiss
Imagine yourself leading the peloton as you ride over the names of your favorite riders painted on the road | Pedal up Col d'Izoard | Experience Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier
Days 7 – 9 | Alpe d'Huez
Stay at Chamois d'or
Climb the historic Alpe d'Huez | Climb Col du Glandon | Secure your bragging rights for conquering the Classic Climbs of France
Grand Hotel & Gallia Londres | Lourdes, France
Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres is a 4-star hotel that enjoys an excellent location near the Sanctuaries in Lourdes. The guestrooms feature modern comforts such as en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite channels, phone and balconies. Guests will enjoy free WiFi and high-speed internet connection during their stay at the hotel. The attentive, professional multilingual staff of the Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres will provide the utmost quality of service to make every stay a memorable moment.
Acta Luchon | Bagneres du Luchon, France
The Hotel Acta Luchon is a four star hotel in Bagnáres de Luchon, the oldest resort in the Pyrenees. Offering first class facilities, designed and created for guests who want quality and prestige, you'll find everything you need to have an unforgettable vacation.
Les Geraniums | Le Barroux, France
Located in a small medieval village of Le Barroux, this lovely hotel offers 20 charming and comfortable rooms. Surrounded by olive orchards, vineyards and offering breathtaking views of Provence it is the perfect hotel for cyclists.
Auberge Edelweiss | Le Grave, France
Located along the route between the Col du Lautaret and Alpe d'Huez, the charming Auberge Edelweiss is run by a family passionate about cycling. Accustomed to housing cyclists - even a stage winner or two - this hotel knows how to cater to active travelers and has the appropriate facilities, including a whirlpool and sauna. Additionally, the hotel's terrace offers the ideal setting to enjoy a cold beverage and spectacular views of the Meije glacier after a great day of cycling.
Chamois d'or | Alpe d'Huez, France
A spectacular mountainside retreat. The cozy duvets, the soothing wood, the warm fabrics and the patina of the furniture will prolong the magic of the mountains even in your dreams. Admire the magnificent panorama of the Oisans glaciers, huddled up in a deckchair on the sunny balcony of your room.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 8 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 2 social hours, 6 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Domane 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane 5.9 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 FX hybrid bike
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Domane or Madone, or Project One purchased at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
The summer months can bring warm days, ranging from the mid 60s to low 80s, with evenings dropping to the mid 50s to mid 60s. When traveling in the mountainous regions of France, it is best to be prepared for variable conditions, as weather can change very quickly. There is always the chance of snow and rain. We recommend always traveling with rain gear, as well as plenty of breathable layers to provide warmth when the temperature drops.
What are the daily rides like?
| Rider Type | 4 |
Average Daily Mileage | 60 |
| Terrain | Mountainous |
Average Daily Elevation | 7,500 |
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Classic Climbs of the Tour is best suited for our Type 4 Riders. Type 4+ Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is Mountainous See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Because of the terrain and/or remoteness of the hotels and riding routes, there are few, if any, non-riding options available. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van and/or at the hotels on the trip. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination.
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
| Trip | Dates | Price (USD) |
Classic Climbs of the Tour 2013
|
Aug 5-13, 2013
|
Guaranteed Date* |
$4,999 per person | $850 single occ. |
|
Aug 15-23, 2013 |
Guaranteed Date* |
$4,999 per person | $850 single occ. |
| Classic Climbs of the Tour 2014 |
Aug 9-17, 2014 |
|
$4,999 per person | $850 single occ. |
Want to travel with your with friends, family, or colleagues? We can make any trip private. More»
Our dates don't fit your schedule? Use Travel Match and suggest your own date. More»
*Our 2013 trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangments for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Guaranteed trips do not include Cross Country, Santa Barbara to Taos, Pyrenees Sea to Sea, or any Race trips.
Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW's were from their Classic Climbs of the Tour bike vacations, here is what they said…
Conquer the most famous climbs of the Tour de France without the crowds. Test your own skill on dozens of challenging cols in the Alps and Pyrenees. Ventoux, Izoard, Télegraphe, Alpe d’Huez, Tourmalet!–Penny
