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 stages of the Tour de France, and the infamous Alp d'Huez.  Tantalize your senses with local pastries, cheeses, magnificent food presentations, and wine of course!   

SEPTEMBER 15:  ARRIVAL
​​Details:  You will be greeted with a smile and a snack upon your arrival in Geneva.  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 our 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.

SEPTEMBER 16: COL DE L'ARPETTAZ

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.

  • 83 km - 1,534 m elevation gain

SEPTEMBER 17: COL DE LESCHAUX AND THEN SOME

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.

  • 52 km - 1,249 m elevation gain  
  • middle option has a shuttle up the last climb of the long route 
  • 127 km - 3,026 m elevation gain​

SEPTEMBER 18:  TELEGRAPH, GALIBIER, AND ALP D'HUEZ
Ride Description:​  Today's 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 short route will begin after the Telegraphe on the Galibier and finishing on Alp d'Huez.  

  • 94 km - 2,819 m elevation gain
  • 112 km - 3,728 m elevation gain 
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Details:  All rides begin with a shuttle to the start and a shuttle home after dinner in Bourg d'Oisan.

SEPTEMBER 19: LAC d'ANNECY AND COL DE LA FORCLAZ 
Ride Description:​  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.
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  • 40 km - 334 m elevation gain
  • 61 km - 1,107 m elevation gain 

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 can also be arranged

SEPTEMBER 20:  STAGE OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE
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.​
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  • 103 km - 1,981 m elevation gain
  • 155 km - 4,342 m elevation gain 

SEPTEMBER 21: SEMNOZ
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!

  • 55 km - 1,455 m elevation gain
  • 85 km - 2,205 m elevation gain​​​

SEPTEMBER 22: DEPARTURE
Our team will drop you off at the Geneva airport today.

INCLUDED

  • 2 support vans 
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure days in Geneva
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • Snacks and beverages in the support vans (fruit, sandwiches, local treats, chips, water, electrolyte powder, and much more)​

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare.  Only transfers to and from the Geneva airport on the first and last day of the trip are included
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal consumption: alcohol, snacks en route, souvenirs, etc.

FEES IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

  • $4,000 + room choice below + HST
  • Save your spot with a $1,000 deposit

ROOM CHOICES

Prices below are based on shared accommodation in Canadian Dollars.  Single supplement is double.

    ANNECY CYCLING TRIP REGISTRATION
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