Tour de France Pyrenees, Provence and Annecy

Join RIDE Holidays for the greatest sporting event on the planet - the Tour de France.

TDF1 is our traditional trip. We’ve been running this exact trip for well over a decade. It’s been tinkered with in time - to make it easier on you. We no longer drive all the way to Paris for example. And we prefer multiple nights in the same hotel. 1-night stays aren’t fun.

RIDE Holidays cycle tours are achievable for anyone who rides a road bike, not just the serious cyclist, and offers an unparalleled experience of both the race and the country. There are three rides to choose from daily - the less demanding 'cappuccino' level, then 'latte' and, for those keen on pedalling 100km or more per day, 'espresso'. All include the famous French mountains.

First held in 1903, the Tour de France has become one of the most popular sporting events in the world. For over a hundred years, spectators have been entranced by not only the drama and intrigue of the epic cycle race itself, but of the stunning mountain ranges, vineyards and sunflower fields that serve as its backdrop. For the competitors the Tour de France is a gruelling, relentless affair, but that's far from the case for those who choose to embark on a Tour de France experience with Ride Holidays.

There is also a non-riding 'macchiato' option, focusing more on scenery, markets, and wineries. You have your own vehicle and guide.

We start in Toulouse and finish in Lyon. Both our first and last nights are at airport hotels. Again, to make it as easy as possible for you.

Our first ride is in the mighty Pyrenees where we spend 3 nights. You have the opportunity to tick off Tourmalet, Soulor, Aubisque. Some of you may also want to climb Hautacam although that would be a big day.

It’s then on to Provence for a couple of nights where our target is the magnificent Mont Ventoux. No pressure.

The majority of this trip is spent in the French Alps. We spend 6 nights here and see up to 4 Tour de France stages. At the same time, you get the chance to ride all the favourites like Col de la Loze, Alpe d’Huez, Galibier and Les Lacets de Montvernier amongst others.

Our daily ride through France's incomparable countryside is only broken up for the compulsory morning coffee and croissants and then continental fare offered in the villages and towns.

Look forward to seeing you in France. Tick tock.