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Particulars

Trip Dates:

Alps: July 8-15, 2010

Pyrenees to Paris: July 19-26, 2010

Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

Total Days:

8 days/ 7 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Bagneres de Bigorre/ Paris

Activity Level:

Daily Options:
Moderate: 40-60 km
Intermediate: 60-80 km
Advanced: 80-100+ km

Cost:

Land Cost per person (current year):

Yellow Jersey: US$3650

Green Jersey:
US$3450

Polka Dot Jersey: US$3250

7B/ 1L/ 5D

Single Supplement:
US$800

Bike Rental Options:
Racing:

Van Nicholas Mistral with shimano 105- $390

Cannondale CAAD 5- US$290

Hybrid:

Cannondale

US$210

 

Our Pyrenees, Bordeaux and Paris trip sold out in 2010 and it was an incredible adventure with wonderful mix of riders including several who have traveled with us previously. Reviews were quick to come in from guests many of whom claimed it was their best trip ever exceeding expectations. Thank you to all that came! Look for a slide show here soon with photos that will show you how much fun we had...

We already have bookings for 2011 and if you wish to reserve your place for either the Pyrenees trip or Alps to Paris trip in 2011, it is not too early to reserve your place.

For now, we are leaving our 2010 itinerary up (click on pdf version) so you will see what we offered in this year; the 2011 itinerary will be up as soon as the race details are made public in November.

In 2010 we promised live viewing of 4 stages; all participants were able to see 5 stages including the most exciting in the Pyrenees, access at the stage start in Salies-de-Bearn, access at the time trial finish in Bordeaux and of course, the exciting finish stage in Paris where our private viewing suites overlooked the Champs route, a Great Explorations exclusive.

Great Explorations is recognized as one of two certified official operators of the Tour de France and our partnership level included access at the departure and technical zone visit (with media, broadcasters etc.) at a stage start and finish; these credentials provided unparalleled access to see teams up close and have the chance to meet your favorite riders (this area is fenced off from all except those with credentials).

In 2010, Great Explorations trips stayed in 3, 4 & 5 star hotels (we had the only 5-star hotel in Bordeaux and in Paris stayed at the same hotel as the pros). The yellow jersey trip had guaranteed access privileges at a stage start and at a stage finish, but in fact all of our participants on all of our trips got access.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• meeting Laurent Fignon, Miguel Indurain and Bernard Hinault at our trip hotel on the morning of Day 2
• In Paris, watching the finale and then mixing with the pros afterwards
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks (we ate at famed Restaurant Tupina in Bordeaux among others).
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Itinerary

July 19: Bagneres de Bigorre
Our Pyrenees trip started in Bagneres de Bigorre, which is a cyclists’ dream village surrounded by lush rolling farmland, forests and just south, the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees (col Tourmalet is less than 30 km away); pro teams often base here to train and Tour de France legend Laurent Fignon (yellow in ’83 & ’84), operates a cycling center here (we met him with Miguel Indurain and Bernard Hinault on Day 2 of the trip). There are over 20 cycling routes to choose between ranging from moderate routes of 30 km/ grades of 2.5% to 100+ km with challenging grades including those the pros will ride on this year’s Tour. There are also thermal baths here and a swank spa (we included a complimentary pass). Most people arrived at 1:53 from Paris with bike fit between 2-6. There was time for a warm-up ride (27.5 km/easy grades; 53 km/moderate grades) while some explored the town center and relaxed. We met for a welcome reception at 7:00 and then enjoyed dinner at a local bistrot.

July 20: Bagneres de Bigorre
Stage 16: Bagneres-de-Luchon to Pau (196 km)
On this day, the peleton made its way into the Pyrenees from the east and this stage included Col de Peyresourde (11 km at 7.4%), Col d’Aspin (12.3 km at 6.3%), Col du Tourmalet (19 km at 5.3%) and Col d’Aubisque (5.4 km at 6%). Our long route followed rolling roads east to the Valley D’Aure to connect with Aspin from the west. En-route we passed the ancient cistercian Abbey at Escaladieu and the 14th castle at Mauvezin, before reaching Arreau and the beginning of the climb to Col d’Aspin, 12 km away. By the time we made it back to Bagneres, we rode 83 km and climbed 1355 m. This was one of the most exciting days to watch the peleton and we watched from a tented area with television, food and beer on col Aspin. Our moderate ride option was from Bagnere to Ste. Marie de Campan, an easy 14 km away, and then climbing Aspin from the west.

July 21: Bagneres de Bigorre
Rest day for pros
On this day, we took advantage of the day off for the pros and offered two alternative routes; 40 km moderate option with 358 m of climbing and a 100 km loop with 1590 m of climbing. The longer loop circumnavigated Lourdes and we provided a surprise picnin along the Gave de Pau outside of Lourdes. Many said it was one of the most beautiful rides of their lives.

July 22: Bagneres de Bigorre
Stage 17: Pau to Tourmalet (174 km)
We awoke to rain on this day, and so most rode directly up Tourmalet from the east, a distance of 30 km up and 30 km back. Watching at the finish was certainly festive and even in intermittent rain, no one seemed to mind. The longer option was via Lourdes to Argeles-Gazost where a tented pavilion awaited with large screen tv. Climbing up Tourmalet from the west just hours ahead of the pros was a thrill to remember and we watched as Contador and Schleck had their duel.

July 23: Bordeaux
Stage 18:Salies-de-Bearn to Bordeaux 190 km
After coming out of the Pyrenees, the peleton had a flat stage one day before the time trial. We transfered from Bagneres to Salies de Bearn on this day in time to watch the pre-race festivities and start and then transfered to Langon to ride into Paris along the stage route. Dinner was at the famed La Tupina Restaurant, where we had secured a private dining room for guests.

July 24: Bordeaux
Stage 19: Bordeaux to Paulliac time trial 51 km
This was one of the most exciting stages of this year’s Tour and staying in Bordeaux put us in an ideal position (we could walk from our hotel to the start). The race route started inBordeaux and weaved to Paulliac though the heart of the Medoc, one of the most prestigious wine regions of France (and the world!). The cycling is ideal here, as you glide past vineyards and chateaux. Some of our group rode the time trial route and others took the train or shuttled to Paulliac to cycling the vineyards north before returning to watch the finish.

July 25: Paris
Stage 20: Longiumeau to Paris 105 km
We boarded an early morning train in Bordeaux bound for Paris and transfered straight to our 4-star hotel to check in and then to watch the final stage. The peleton makes 8 laps of the Champs D’Elyssees and we had a great view of this final day with photo opportunities. We finished with a festive dinner at a local bistrot (a favourite of a prominent food writer Rosa Jackson) where we toasted memories to last a lifetime.

On our Tour de France trips, we generally try to provide options to cycle 60 km, 80 km or 100 km on each cycling day. Although anyone of moderate cycling level may enjoy this tour, it is ideally suited to those with intermediate to advanced fitness levels. By this we mean you should be able to cycle 60 km at a minimum with some hills. If you have any questions about this trip, please consult our Travel Advisors.