Day 1, Sunday 11 July

Bonjour France

TDF2 starts in Lake Annecy. The most beautiful lake on the planet, which just happens to be surrounded by some reasonably large mountains.

We suggest flying into Lyon or Geneva. There are shuttles available from both airports.  Closer to the time – we’ll marry you up so you can share.

Our hotel for the next 4 nights is perfectly positioned right on the lake, in the town of Talloires, between the mountain range we plan to explore and the city of Annecy which is only 30 minutes away by bike path.

Our accommodation has the most magnificent view and its very own private beach as well as a health spa. Damn...

Ideally, you will arrive about lunch time so we can help put all the bikes together to make sure all those renting bikes are comfortable before popping out for a short spin. (Check-in isn’t until 3pm.) We can easily book this hotel for extra nights for those arriving early.

Tonight, we’re hosting a welcome dinner while looking out over the lake. Oh, there will also be champagne.

Thank you for joining Ride Holidays. Welcome to TDF2. Bring it on!!

/ Accommodation: Beausite Talloires Lake Annecy
/ Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

Ps, today’s stage finish is a mountain top finish on Grand Colombier (not to be confused with Col de la Colombiere). Suggest we all get together to watch the final stages in the bar. It’s only 1 of 3 mountain top finishes in 2027, so should be a good watch.

Day 2, Monday 12 July

Col de la Colombiere...

It’s a rest day for the TDF which means there’s no time pressure. Let’s explore Lake Annecy and everything that it has to offer.

Cyclists – 2 choices.

Plan A - Col de la Colombiere is the region’s highest profile TDF climb. Well worthy of our first ride on tour. The most direct route from our hotel is only 36.4km to the top (1700VM). Yes, it’s Hors Category. The actual climb from Le Grand Bornand is only 12km at 6%. That’s pretty much a walk in the park. Just ask Warren Barguil and Fanny Leleu who hold the KOM and QOM’s (26min 55secs and 33min).

Plan B – close to our hotel is a surprisingly tough but stunning climb. Col de la Forclaz. It seems the TDF rides up here most years as it showcases Annecy’s sheer beauty. At the top there’s a great café which has amazing views. We roll back down the other side and finish with a lap of the lake. The total ride is only 60km but that includes 800M of climbing. A nice gentle start to your time in France.

Team Mac – our advice is to also ride bicycles. The loop around the lake is 100% bike path and it’s really the only way to see the whole lake. We’ll hire you e-bikes. The other option is to join the riders at the top of Col de la Colombiere where there are quite a few different walking options. Closer to the time, we will send you a Team Mac form which you can tell us what makes you tick... Museums, markets, walking, cycling, wineries, shopping, health spas etc, etc...  

This is without doubt the best night to check out one of Annecy’s best restaurants. Without the pressure of the Tour de France. Keep an eye open for the professional teams today. They’ll no doubt go for a short ride and then spend most of the day blobbing in and around Annecy. 

/ Accommodation: Accommodation: Beausite Talloires Lake Annecy
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 3, Tuesday 13 July

Stage 10 is classified as a mountain stage - 171km with 3750m of climbing. Because it’s quite short, we would expect it to start at 1pm and finish at about 5.30pm. It’s clear that ASO / UCI have designed the course around the 2027 UCI road worlds in Sept. It’s not a pure climber’s route and the likes of MVDP, Wout could possibly attack.      

It’s hard to describe the feeling one has when you see the Tour de France live for the first time. You’ll quickly understand why this bike race is so important to the French - they live for it. Vive le Tour!! Seeing the race is amazing, however it’s often the pre-race caravan that has everyone buzzing. You’ll see adults diving on the road (and pushing children out of the way in the process) trying to acquire one of the sponsor’s products. Sometimes you win and come away with a cycling top, sometimes you lose and find yourself with five bags of washing powder. Mind you - they may come in handy in weeks to come. The atmosphere is electric.

So, what’s the plan?

Firstly, Team Mac – Tuesday is market day in Annecy, so we suggest you start there. Nicknamed “Venice of the Alps" it is crisscrossed by canals and features a well-preserved medieval old town with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and historic structures like the Palais de l'Isle and the Chateau d'Annecy. Your van has a V.I.P. sticker attached to it, which means you can drive straight past all the road closures.

Cyclists – plenty of choices.

1, the easiest option is the race start in Annecy. We can even arrange grandstand V.I.P. tickets for you which also allow access to the teams as they sign on and warm up. 

2, Cote de Domancy is only 2.5km but at almost 10% it’s quite the challenge. In September the pro’s go over this 20 times. Today it’s just twice, but would be a great spot to ride to and park up for the day. It’s 60km in each direction so you can choose one way or return as we’ll have the vehicles there.

Some patience is required when following the TDF. It could be a late night. TDF traffic is pretty intense. For some reason, they give all the teams priority. Don’t they know who we are?

/ Accommodation: Beausite Talloires Lake Annecy
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 4, Wednesday 14 July

Bastille Day – when the French attack

Bastille Day. France’s national day. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789, a key event that symbolized the start of the French Revolution and the fight against absolute monarchy. Today, the holiday represents French values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, and is marked by celebrations across France. It is also encouraged that French riders attack. Warren Barguil (2017) was the last French rider to win on Bastille Day. Could 2027 belong to a certain Paul Seixas?

Stage 11 - another short mountain stage. 150km but has 4750m of climbing. Unlikely to have anyone but the pure climbers competing today for the lollies.  

As we only have 2 TDF stages on TDF2 in 2027 we expect today to be a repeat of yesterday. Both cyclists and Team Mac target Montee de Bisanne. (Col des Saisies.)

The plan B would be that you spend the morning at the beach (as in our private beach) and then head up Forclaz (climb right behind our hotel) as the race comes over - approx 3.30pm.

Saisies would be my recommendation though. It’s a really pretty climb and the top is only 40km away from our hotel. The majority of that is on a bike path.   

/ Accommodation: Beausite Talloires Lake Annecy
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, those wanting a massage can book in advance or wait until the day. Entry into the spa is included in our hotel deal. The hot pool is a great place to rest those weary legs at the end of the day.

Day 5, Thursday 15 July

Col de La Madeleine

Our 8-day roadie starts as we head south towards the Mediterranean Sea. Some of you will not hop in the vehicles at all. It’s very feasible that you could ride all the way to Nice.

There will certainly be support around you at all times. Please remember that this is a holiday. If you see one of the vans and want a lift, then all you have to do is tap the top of your helmet. Don’t wave because there’s a good chance, we’ll simply wave back.   

Hotel to hotel - the distance today is bang on 100km. The first 40km is on a flat bike path. The next 25km is climbing. Followed by 30km of descent to our hotel.

The climb to the Col de la Madeleine from Pussy is a classic Alpine challenge for road cyclists, winding through the beautiful Tarentaise Valley in Savoie, France. Starting from the small village of Pussy, the route climbs steadily through forests and picturesque mountain hamlets before opening onto spectacular alpine pastures with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The ascent is approximately 19 km long, gaining around 1500 metres of elevation, with an average gradient of roughly 8%. Although the lower slopes offer some respite, the sustained gradients and demanding upper section require careful pacing and good climbing legs. Reaching the summit at 2000 metres is a rewarding achievement, with breathtaking mountain scenery and the satisfaction of conquering one of the Tour de France’s legendary mountain passes.

Tonight’s hotel is 100% location, location, location. It’s certainly not up to our normal standard which is why everyone had their own room for the night. It was either stay here or make you ride another 2 Cols. Right, let’s stay here. It’s only one night and tomorrow’s hotel is nothing short of luxury.

/ Accommodation: B&B Saint Jean de Maurienne
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner is own arrangements)

Ps, Team Mac – we’ve booked a local walking guide for the medieval City of Conflans. A historic town near Albertville and heading in the same direction as the cyclists. Known for its charming old streets, traditional buildings, and rich medieval heritage. The town’s old-world atmosphere gives visitors a glimpse into the past, when towns were centres of trade, religion, and community life. You’ll then join the cyclists at the top of Col de la Madeleine for a late picnic lunch.  

Day 6, Friday 16 July

75km with 2 small blips... 

Let’s start with the important people first – Team Mac. You visit Grenoble on the way to our next hotel.  A beautiful city, surrounded by the French Alps and situated near the rivers Isère and Drac. Known as the Capital of the Alps, Grenoble has a rich history, charming old streets, historic buildings, and a lively cultural atmosphere. One of its most famous attractions is the Bastille, a historic hilltop fortress offering spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains, accessible by the famous cable cars known as Les Bulles. Grenoble is also renowned for its museums, universities, scientific research, and delicious local specialities, making it the perfect spot to visit while the cyclists huff and puff up a couple of mountain climbs.

Cyclists – there are 2 small blips scheduled for today.

Blip # 1 – Col de Glandon. Pretty much a puppy dog. A gentle warm-up.

You start climbing straight out of the hotel. 20km but only 1500VM so really – not that bad. Glandon is famous for its sweeping hairpins and breathtaking views of the Belledonne mountain range. The Col du Glandon has featured in the Tour de France 16 times. It was first crossed in 1947, then returned to the route in 1977, becoming a regular feature of some of the Alps’ toughest mountain stages. Most recently, it featured on Stage 18 of the 2025 Tour de France, on the way to the summit finish at Col de la Loze. A true legend. But still a puppy dog.

Some good news... KM 25 through to KM 60 is pretty much downhill. Pretty much.

Blip # 2 – You might have heard of it before...

L’Alpe d’Huez sends shudders down the spine. It’s one of the world’s iconic climbs. Each switchback features a past TDF stage champion (some of which have now been deleted).

The Alpe d’Huez was first climbed in the 1952 TDF. It rises 1100m vertically over 14km and has 21 legendary hairpin turns. The climb can be broken up into three stages. The first part is the steepest with gradients above 10% for the first 6 hairpins until the hamlet of La Garde. The gradient then eases a little to 8% after hairpin 6, and the turns become more spread out for the following 6km. With only 5 hairpins left, the gradient ramps up again for 1km to 11% before easing off to 9% till you reach the Alpe d’Huez village. It’s only 2km to go to the top at around 5% gradient, you can now relax a little and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work.

Our hotel is also a health spa but more importantly there’s a chef (and outside BBQ) parked up at the infinity pool. How would you like your steak? I’m not kidding. It’s that good!!

/ Accommodation: Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa, L’Alpe d’Huez
/ Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, hmmm. Total climbing today is 2800m, but we have the whole day.

Day 7, Saturday 17 July

Rest Day?

By day 7 we’ll be pretty good at reading the room. Talking to you. Asking “What do you want to do?”

Here are the suggestions...

Firstly, don’t do a lot. In the last 48 hours, you will have ridden 4 or 5 HC climbs. You could simply choose to sleep in. Go for a walk on the ski field or ride the gondola down the mountain. Catch up on emails. Do some washing. Book a massage.

The 2nd option is 50 / 50. Relaxing with a spot of exercise. Hop on your bike and roll down Alpe d’Huez to Bourg d’Oisans for a coffee. When you are ready, have a 2nd crack at the most famous 21 switchbacks on the planet. You’ll be done and dusted by midday which leaves plenty of time to relax next to the pool this afternoon.

And then there’s the loop ride. From our hotel at the top of d’Huez we ride in the opposite direction to where we came up d’Huez yesterday. Our route takes us to the top of Col de Sarenne. It’s beautiful. Serene even. (Sorry.) The Mont Blanc views from the top are staggering. We then descend Col de Sarenne to Lac du Chambon. Here you take the balcony road back to Huez.

See you in the morning,

/ Accommodation: Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa, L’Alpe d’Huez
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Ps, we do go over Col de Sarenne tomorrow, so you won’t miss out if you put the bike away today.

Day 8, Sunday 18 July

Lauteret and Col du Galibier

Whoops, forgot about the 3^rd Col – Col de Sarenne.

You’ll be well rested after yesterday. Tomorrow is also a down day so let’s push the boat out today.

Hotel to hotel is only 65km. That includes Col de Sarenne and Col du Lautaret. Climbing 1400vm. There’s also almost 40km of descent so it’s actually not a bad day at all.

It’s the optional out and back up Galibier from Lauteret which could complicate things. It’s not that difficult (as it’s mostly switchbacks) until you reach the last 1km - which is when the sh*t starts to get real. Galibier sits 2642m and is the 8th highest paved road in the Alps. You will feel the altitude for the last km.

So, if you do all 3 Cols then it’s a total of 85km and just over 2000m of climbing. Very achievable for athletes like you.

Our home for the next 2 nights is in the beautiful ski valley of Serre Chevalier. It’s one of our favourite hotels and probably the best meals you’ll have on the trip. There’s also a spa for those who want to book a massage.

/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel, Serre Chevalier
/ Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Team Mac – there’s a garden at the top of Lautaret that’s recognised throughout France as being one of the best. It’s actually funded by the local university. We’ve booked an English-speaking guide to show you around. After that, there’s an excellent valley walk that follows the river down towards our hotel. 

Day 9, Monday 19 July

Let’s go to Italy...

Today is one of those balance days. It’s an important part of our job to manage fatigue. We need to get you safely to Annecy.

There are a few choices today - #1 - Do nothing. Hang out by the pool. Tomorrow is a big day in the saddle.

#2 - In past years the need for a good coffee has meant a ride into Italy. The ski town of Bardonecchia isn’t far away and it’s yet again another beautiful ride. It’s only 75 odd km return. In Italy, that equates to 3 coffees, 2 donuts and something delicious (probably a panini) for lunch.

Team Mac - you start your day in Briançon. Europe’s highest city. The old town is called Cité Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ve booked a local guide to show you around. It’s a 2-hr walking tour so please make sure you have good shoes. This town is not flat and most of the streets are narrow with cobblestones. You then join us in Italy for coffee.

This afternoon we suggest you catch the cable car which is pretty much located at the hotel front door. Have a coffee at the top. Go for a stroll. (Please don’t leave your passport and credit card at the top like a client did a couple of years back.)

After dinner, we plan on visiting the excellent local spa and thermal pools. Time to give some love back to your weary legs. NOTE – all men need Speedos or equivalent to access the pools, no baggy board shorts allowed!! Yes, you won’t be allowed in.

/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel - Serre Chevalier
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, cyclists are very welcome to join Team Mac on days off.

Day 10, Tuesday 20 July

d’Izoard and Vars

One of the most beautiful bike rides on the planet. Again – hotel to hotel.

Let’s break today down into 3 parts. It sounds easier that way.

Stage 1 – we start with a short 10km descent into the historic town of Briançon. That’s where the Col d’Izoard climb starts. Quite long at 19km. But, not as scary as some of the steeper hills with an average of just over 5%. There are a few reasons for loving Col d’Izoard. Other than the ride, there’s a café at the start of the climb that offers the best hot chocolate in the whole entire world. And that’s a fact. No Milo powder at this joint. It is pure Swiss melted chocolate and man it tastes good.

Stage 2 – it’s then literally 30km of downhill bliss. A gorgeous valley road that has a lot of tunnels (lights please). The likes of what you see on TV and go “WOW, I’d like to ride that”.

What’s stage 3?

We ride to Vars. Not Mars. Vars. A very famous ski town that we know has coffee. That 27km (up and down) could take us a couple of hours as it certainly isn’t Singapore flat. In the fine print – it’s a Cat 1.

Those riding door to door. On the nose is exactly 97km. In the small print 2500VM.

Team Mac – by day 10, we’ll know you pretty well. Every night we’ll talk through the options for the following day. You can either say yes or no. If fact – we’re always open to your suggestions.  

/ Accommodation: Villa Morelia, Jausiers
/ MealsIncluded: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 11, Wednesday 21 July

Italy for coffee!!

5am yoga!! Just kidding.

Yesterday was challenging. Tomorrow isn’t easy. The goal for today is to keep things short. We’ll start early but not at 5am. It’s only 25km to the Italian border. Let’s go back to Italy as the coffee is always better.

Team Mac – this would be the perfect day for us to hire you e-bikes. Not compulsory but highly recommended.  

So, 50km return for those who want to spend some time by the pool this afternoon. Our target Col (we always need a target Col) being Col de la Madeleine. Located on a high mountain pass between the Cottian Alps and the Maritime Alps.

Espresso cyclists are welcome to carry on further into Italy. There’s only one road. If you get to Rome, then you’ve gone too far. In all seriousness - for anyone feeling energetic – the target is the magnificent switchbacks which are about 7km past the French / Italian border. Well worth the extra distance.

Jausiers is a really nice little town and there are a few choices for dinner, although it has become a bit of a tradition to eat (and have a wee drink) at the local brewery.

/ Accommodation: Villa Morelia, Jausiers
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 12, Thursday 22 July

The Highest Paved Road in Europe and our Queen stage

Stage 18 involves a reasonably modest 174km. The big number is the 5400. Yes, climbing metres. It’s one of the most challenging stages I can remember.

It’s also an absolute must to be in front of a TV for, as it will probably decide the 2027 Tour de France.  

Team Mac – we simply need your support today. Please bring your enthusiasm, cheering voices and possibly pom poms...

Cyclists - want the good news first? I’m picking this will be your longest ever descent, 110km of it. Yup – that’s downhill. All the way to Nice.  

What’s the bad news? Before you start riding downhill, there’s a wee bit of upwards riding.

Col de la Bonette (HC) - it’s one of my favourites. It’s actually the highest paved (driveable) road in Europe and sits 2860m above sea level.  

Col de la Bonette from Jausiers is one of the most spectacular and challenging climbs on the planet. Approximately 23 kilometres with an elevation gain of roughly 1500 metres. The road winds through dramatic alpine scenery, passing mountain streams, rocky slopes and open pastures, with the landscape becoming increasingly rugged as you climb higher. The gradients are demanding in places, but the breathtaking views and sense of achievement make every pedal stroke worthwhile.

But wait, there’s more. From the top of Bonette, there’s a short extension around the Cime de la Bonette loop, reaching approximately 2860 metres. It’s this loop that makes it the highest paved road in the Europe. A truly unforgettable ride and worthy of our last full day together.

Tonight, we finish with a marquee dinner. Let’s celebrate.  

/ Accommodation: Campanile Nice Airport
/ MealsIncluded: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, hotel to hotel is 130km with 2000m upwards and almost 3700m downwards. 

Day 13, Friday 23 July

Safe travels home or the TDF in Paris

• Col de la Colombiere – HC
• Col des Saisies – 1
• Col de la Madeleine – HC
• Col de Glandon – HC
• Alpe d’Huez – HC
• Col du Lautaret - HC
• Col du Galibier – HC
• d’Izoard – HC & Vars – 1
• Colle della Maddelena – 2
• Col de la Bonette – HC

Thank you for being such a big part of Ride Holidays.

Safe travels

Karl and the team

Paris extension…

In the past – we’ve recommended you fly to Paris CDG and stay at the Paris Marriott Charles de Gaulle Airport hotel. Rooms are approx. 180 euro per night so very reasonable.

We can organise V.I.P grandstand tickets (540 euros per person) on the Champs Elysees. Only 200m from the finish line. It's your best way of seeing the race as millions of people queue for the free seats. The riders will complete eight laps of the 6km circuit to decide who wins the final stage on the famous cobbles.

A wonderful way of finishing the 2027 Tour de France. We can certainly help to make it happen.