Ride the roads made famous by the Tour de France!
Stay at a chic boutique hotel on the startlingly turquoise Lac d'Annecy, surrounded by views of the mountains. Explore one of the most beautiful places in France on a wide variety of cycling routes, everything from a flat bike path around the lake, to the stage 10 route of the 2018 Tour de France. Tantalize your senses with local pastries, cheeses, magnificent food presentations, and, of course, wine.
Stay at a chic boutique hotel on the startlingly turquoise Lac d'Annecy, surrounded by views of the mountains. Explore one of the most beautiful places in France on a wide variety of cycling routes, everything from a flat bike path around the lake, to the stage 10 route of the 2018 Tour de France. Tantalize your senses with local pastries, cheeses, magnificent food presentations, and, of course, wine.
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Details: Cycling Centre staff will greet you with a smile and a snack upon your arrival. It is a 45 minute drive to the Hotel Clos Marcel. Linking urban loft design with the charm of tradition, the hotel is a mix of luxury and sophistication. Enjoy a beverage and scenic views of Europe's cleanest lake as you assemble your bike with assistance from the Cycling Centre team.
Depending on arrival times, we will go for an easy spin, or swim in the clear blue waters of Lac d'Annecy, just steps away on the hotel's private beach. Dinner will be at the award winning restaurant, Comptoir du Lac, located in our hotel. Known for their high quality and impressive presentation, the set menus will be sure to inspire and realize a culinary delight. |
DAY TWO: COL DE L'ARPETTAZ
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Ride Description: Be sure to look around on this ride! Our week begins with a relaxing ride along a flat bike path before heading up the quiet and charming switchbacks to Col de l'Arpettaz, a 16 km climb with grades of 7-10%, 40 switchbacks, and one of the most unknown and beautiful climbs in the area. There is a refuge at the top with views so stunning you will be reluctant to leave this piece of paradise.
Details: Enjoy a massage by the lake before departing for our evening meal into the charming town of Annecy. The group will dine at one of the quaint restaurants offering local flavours and flare. Shuttle times will be posted if you want to explore this beautiful old town, or you can take the water taxi for a different perspective of the stunning surroundings. |
DAY THREE: COL DE LESCHAUX AND THEN SOME
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Ride Description: The three ride options all begin up the Col de Leschaux, a 12 km ride up, but with gradients averaging 4%. The twists and turns take you up into the forest and through landscapes rich in wealth and beauty.
Details: Post-ride massages are scheduled. Relax under the shade of the tree and listen to the lapping water, while a sport massage therapist kneads away any aches and pains. We will dine at the hotel and relish in local delicacies. |
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Ride Description: There are 3 route options: epic, more epic, and even more epic! All routes include Cols that have touched our hearts and enriched our souls, including some of the biggest Tour de France mountains, the Galibier, and the king of climbs Alp d'Huez. You will experience forest green pastures, cascading waterfalls, stone bridges, too many switchbacks to count, and salt encrusted shorts to be worn as a badge of honour. The medium route will begin on the Telegraphe, long route will begin with the Col de la Madeleine before adding on the Galibier and finishing on Alp d'Huez.
Details: All rides begin with a shuttle to the start and a shuttle home after dinner in Bourg d'Oisan. |
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Ride Description: Clara Hughes has picked the ride around Lac d'Annecy as one of her favourites. This flat ride around the gorgeous lake is a recovery ride. Mostly bike paths, or quiet roads, it offers many opportunities to enjoy the diversity of the towns along the shore. Looking for a bit of a challenge? Then enjoy the optional 11 km climb up the Col de la Forclaz for some really spectacular views of Lac d'Annecy. We will rest at one of courtyards in Talloires, overlooking the intoxication blue waters.
Details: There are several afternoon options: relax on the beach, go paragliding, or explore the town of Annecy or one of the smaller hamlets on the lake. Afternoon massage is also on the itinerary before having dinner at a local restaurant. |
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Ride Description: Choose one of two loops: the first is half of the Stage 10 route of the 2018 Tour de France; the second is the full route. Here is a video of what to expect, as well as a great article. Riders on the long route will finish in Le Grand-Bornand and be shuttled 60 min back to the hotel. Riders on the shorter route will coast through Annecy with a recommendation to stop and enjoy a rest at one of the beautiful patios before finishing back at the hotel.
Details: Dinner will be at a local restaurant, a short walk from the hotel. |
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Ride Description: Sporting some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and Lac d'Annecy, the climb up le Semnoz offers many rewards. We will tackle this friendly giant, featured as the penultimate finish of the Tour de France in 2013, and enjoy the twists and turns through the forest before the panoramic views reveal Mont Blanc. After descending into Annecy, you can choose a flat ride back to the hotel or continue around the lake and up the Forclaz, which sports the best views of the lake and where you can spot the top of the Semnoz and relish in your accomplishments from the week!
Details: Off the bike options include summer luge on the Semnoz, a swim in the lake, relaxing in the hot tub and sauna, and socializing with riding mates. Post ride, pack your bike and luggage before celebratory dinner at the hotel as we recount our adventures from the week. |
DAY EIGHT: DEPARTURE |
The Cycling Centre team will drop you off at the Geneva airport today.
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INCLUDED
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NOT INCLUDED
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FEES IN CANADIAN DOLLARS
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