Day 1, Tuesday 13 July

Welcome to France

You'll feel the excitement as soon as you hop off the plane. France is the number one tourist country on the planet and for good reason.

Amazing scenery. Unbelievable food. The best cycling roads on the globe. Oh – and the world's greatest bike race which we’ll see in a few days’ time.  

Feel free to arrive at any time throughout the day. Our hotel is located at the airport.

Lyon is a beautiful city so well worth a day or 2. We will book any extra night’s you need. (that way you don’t have to move rooms). Also… There’s a great App which you should download called European Coffee Trip. It’s important which is why we’re telling you…. (there are some really good little cafes in Lyon, and this will help you find them)  

This afternoon, we’ll put together as many of the bikes as possible. Hire bikes will be in the Annecy waiting for us when we get there tomorrow.

Tonight, the chef has promised a regional meal. That's French for using local produce to create a stunning welcoming dinner for us.

Oh, there will also be champagne. When in France!!

Welcome. It’s great to have you here.

/ Accommodation: NH Lyon Airport hotel
/ Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

PS, we recommend you arrive 1 day early if travelling all the way from NZ. This advice is particularly important if you are bringing your own bike (gives us a chance to fix any damage).

Day 2, Wednesday 14 July

Lake Annecy

We leave Lyon and head for the most beautiful lake on the planet. Which just happens to be surrounded by some reasonably large hills. (Mountains)

We aim to arrive in Annecy by late morning. Waiting for you will be lunch – baguettes. Of course!!

Cyclists – 2 choices.

A gentle 40km around the lake on the bike path. Which could possibly take all afternoon once you factor in a swim stop and 6 ice-creams each.

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, we can easily hire e-bikes for you today or you may feel like spending some time in the actual town of Annecy. It’s stunning and well worth a couple of hours. 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. The town is also known for its exceptionally clear water  and abundant flowers.

/ Accommodation:  Annecy
/ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Ps, today is Bastille Day, which usually means an epic TdF stage has been planned. It’s encouraged that the French attack early. Winning a stage on Bastille Day is the pinnacle. We’ll make sure we’re all together in a bar watching the final throws of today’s stage.   

Day 3, Thursday 15 July

Col de la Colombiere

If yesterday was the entree, today is the main course. Col de la Colombiere is the region’s highest profile TDF climb. The most direct route from our hotel is only 36.4km to the top (1700VM). Yes, it’s Hors Category. Meaning, fun but bad. 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).

For those who want more than 80km then we’ll have plan B, C and D extensions up our sleeve. That’s the beauty of having local guides. For those not wanting to ride the whole way, we’ll always have a support vehicle in and around you. Simply put up your hand when you’ve had enough.

On a sobering note, you will see quite a few war memorials on the ride. We’ll stop for a moment of reflection at the Nécropole Nationale des Glières. This honours the site where 25 French were killed in WW2. Their bodies were left on the banks of the stream, where the bike path which we will be riding now stands.

Team Mac – have the choice of

A – Visiting Geneva, Switzerland. (Where there is chocolate and knives) We’ll arrange a walking tour around the old part of town. There are then numerous local ferries we recommend catching as it’s definitely the best way of getting around.    

B – Jumping in one of the vehicles and heading to the top of Colombiere. The views are incredible. There’s also a good walk at the top. I guess you could look at your choices today as either a beautiful city or a stunning mountain range.      

Dinner is own arrangements tonight. Annecy literally has hundreds of restaurants to choose from. Please be mindful of those in our group who are travelling by themselves and maybe think about inviting them out with you. The RH App is really good for that sort of thing.

/ Accommodation:  Annecy
/ Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements) 

Day 4, Friday 16 July

Lacets, Telegraphe, Galibier and Lautaret (4 Col Day)

I know it sounds scary, but it isn’t that bad. We’ll again have plenty of options. Here’s the plan....

Our day starts with a short 1hr drive from Annecy to the bottom of Lacets de Montvernier. Probably the most famous sexy little wee climb in the whole wide world. It’s relatively short (3.5km) but incredibly scenic. (Google it.)

From there we ride to the other side of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (this is our lunch spot) and start climbing up to Col du Galibier via Col du Telegraphe. (Puppy dog)  

Galibier is the 8^th highest paved road in the Alps. Is one of the most legendary climbs in professional cycling and a frequent highlight of the Tour de France. Rising to 2,642 metres. It’s all pretty easy really, other than the demanding ascent featuring steep gradients, dramatic switchbacks, and thin mountain air.

It’s then 100% (30km) downhill to our hotel. (Via Col du Lautaret)

Team Mac – you have to see Lacets. We’ll have you at the top so you can cheer on the cyclists. After lunch you take the express route over Galibier to Lautaret. There’s a garden there that’s recognised throughout France as being one of the best. It’s actually funded by the local university. We’ve booked a walking guide to show you around as the cyclists pedal downhill towards the next hotel.

Our home for the next 2 nights is in the beautiful ski valley of Serre Chevalier. One of the largest and most scenic mountain destinations in the French Alps, stretching through the beautiful Guisane Valley near the historic town of Briançon. Known for its vast ski area in winter and spectacular alpine landscapes in summer.

We stay at the same hotel every year – because it’s excellent. It doubles as a health spa. Yes – you could arrange a massage. There’s also a great swimming pool but it’s the restaurant that keeps us coming back every year. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Ever. Enjoy.

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

Day 5, Saturday 17 July

Col d'Izoard or Italy for coffee

Let’s start with the important people first.  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 the cyclists up the top of d’Izoard.   

Cyclists - It’s really your only chance to ride the spectacular Col d’Izoard. (HC) Yes, I know yesterday was challenging but tomorrow on Alpe d’Huez shouldn’t be too taxing. Hmm.

So, let’s call Col d’Izoard as option number 1 and preferred. For us, it’s the most scenic climb in the French Alps. 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.

500m from the top of d’Izoard is a fascinating building called Napoleon’s Refuge. It transpires that the man himself left a large amount of money in his will to this particular French Provence - mainly to thank the local people for their support. It was decided that the best way of using this money was to build shelters on isolated high mountain passes. The shelter has now been turned into a café. I wonder what he would say now if he knew that a few skinny cyclists wandered in every day and ask “latte please”?

Plan B takes us back into Italy. The ski town of Bardonecchia isn’t far away and it’s yet again another beautiful ride. Only 75 odd km return. (with 1000VM though)

This evening, we plan on visiting the excellent local thermal pools. Time to give some love back to your weary legs. Note - all men need Speedos or Tri pants to access the pools, no baggy board shorts allowed! Serious.

/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel - Serre Chevalier
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch - O/A)

Day 6, Sunday 18 July

Alpe d’Huez and Provence

We leave the French Alps and head towards Provence. France’s most visited region.  

On the way – we ride.

The elephant in the room? Yes, you should be excited. Today we hit one of the world’s most iconic mountains - Alpe d’Huez. The name sends shudders down the spine. Each switchback features a past TdF stage champion. (Some of which have now been deleted)  

From our Serre Chevalier hotel it’s about a 60min drive. Please make sure you have all your cycling gear ready. Ideally, we want to have you riding by 9.30am.

The Alpe d'Huez was first climbed in the 1952 TdF, it climbs over 1,100m 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 6kms. 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.

Team Mac – we’ll have 2 vans on the hill. The road is a bit narrow for the bus. One of the vans will head straight to the top where there’s a great walk on the ski field. The other will park up halfway and set up a drinks station for the cyclists. You have the choice – either go for a walk at the top or give some support to your loved one. I’m sure they could do with the encouragement.

Getting back to my run sheet. I’m really keen to leave Le Bourg d’Oisans (town at the base of l’Alpe) by 2pm. It’s about a 3-hour drive to our next stop and another highlight!!

Undoubtedly the best restaurant I’ve eaten at in France. Located under a castle wall in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, we return here year after year. We start with a wine tasting in their wine cave, followed by dinner. The castle – named Castle of the Popes can first be accounted for as far back as 1094. Many a Pope lived here from 1316 through to 1387 at which stage it was already a well-established wine region. Another amazing day in paradise. Tomorrow, we chill.

Our accommodation for the next 3 nights is set in the heart of the charming Luberon area, the Hostellerie Notre-Dame de Lumières, so relax and enjoy an unforgettable experience in this ancient convent from the 17th century. Converted into hotel and entirely renovated (with a fantastic swimming pool) and only about 30km away from the mythical - Mont Ventoux.

See you in the pool.

/ Accommodation: Notre - Dame de Lumières
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 7, Monday 19 July

Provence - Sleep & Swim

Rest day. Even guides get sore bottoms. It’s a day to recharge. Do some washing. Catch up on emails. Tomorrow is massive.

Our hotel isn’t far away from the beautiful town of Gordes. It’s highly likely that the guides will hop on their bikes and ride there for a coffee. You would be welcome to join us.

Built on the foothills of the Monts-de-Vaucluse, facing the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most well-known hilltop villages in the region, and one of the most beautiful in France. The buildings are all white stone and sit on the edge of a cliff. Its narrow cobblestone streets are fun to explore. We will ride to Gordes early as it also attracts thousands of tourists each day. It’s best before the buses arrive.

There is a closer option. You could walk up to Goult which is only about 1500m away. Another perfect village perched on a perfect hill.

Under French law we need to have a vehicle free day and today is that day. Under French law it also says that the swimming pool must be occupied. See you there.

Just a little warning – because some have gone hungry in the past. Don’t forget to plan your lunch. There are only 3 or 4 restaurants in Goult, and they will all close at 1.59pm. If you arrive 1min after that then you will get the look. The French look!!  

Tonight, we dine outside in the wonderful hotel courtyard. There will be some nerves. The hardest ride in France has arrived.

Sleep well.

Ps, we will keep an eye on the weather. Ventoux can be closed. It’s the windiest spot in France so those from Wellington should feel at home. If we have to, then we will reverse day 7 & 8. Riding the Giant is important.

Day 8, Tuesday 20 July

Mont Ventoux - Enough said!!

Get set for the ride of your life. This is the big one. You’ll be fit by now so no excuses! A certain rider who once claimed to have won seven Yellow Jerseys, before admitting to the world that he was indeed as high as a kite, used to vouch that Mont Ventoux is the most difficult of all the TDF climbs. Drugs or no drugs - Lance is right!

The terrain in the Cote du Rhone region is beautiful. We’ll cycle in some of the famous vineyard regions and see the premier varieties of Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz) and Viognier growing. The landscape around Ventoux is interesting yet varied. You’ll cycle up through mixed agricultural farmland, past fields of beautiful lavender and through the forests of Ventoux. The last section is like cycling on the moon.

As the name might suggest (Venteux means windy in French), it can get windy at the summit, especially with the mistral; wind speeds as high as 320 km/h (200 mph) have been recorded. The wind blows at over 90 km/h (56 mph) 240 days a year.

Also known as the Bald Mountain, the top of the mountain is bare limestone without vegetation or trees, which makes the mountain’s barren peak appear from a distance to be snow-capped all year round (the snow actually only lasts from December to April). Originally forested, Mont Ventoux was systematically stripped of trees from the 12th century onwards to serve the demands of the shipbuilders of the naval port of Toulon.

Team Mac – The Gordes market is held every Tuesday. It’s one of the most famous and vibrant markets in the country. There are 50 odd stalls selling fresh local produce, regional specialties, antiques, clothing, flowers, and handcrafted goods. The air is filled with the scents of olives, herbs, lavender, and freshly baked bread, while musicians and lively crowds create a festive atmosphere. You then visit a couple of the beautiful towns that make this region famous. You haven’t been to Provence until you’ve seen the likes of Vanasque

/ Accommodation: Notre-Dame de Lumières
/ Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch - O/A)

PS, cyclists - bring your credit card as today gives you the best chance of souvenir shopping. Malaucène is 80% cycling and 20% food shops.

PPS, Team Mac – we will have a cyclist’s support vehicle on Mont Ventoux today. If that’s more your cup of tea than markets and villages then you are very welcome to join us at the top of the Giant.

Day 9, Wednesday 21 July

Pyrenees via Carcassonne

We leave Provence and head for the beautiful Pyrenees. It's roughly 6 hours on the bus plus stops. Rest your legs, pull up a seat and let's watch the Russian Fly-Fishing movie. (I bet you can’t wait.)

Lunch is at the UNESCO world heritage fortified town of Carcassonne. The earliest known occupation of the site where Carcassonne now stands dates from the 6th century BC. When a prehistoric hill fort (oppidum) was built on this rocky spur overlooking the valley of the Aude and the ancient routes linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula with the rest of Europe. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and the Gothic Cathedral.

Argelès-Gazost is our home for the next 4 nights. A charming spa town nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, known for its fresh mountain air, scenic beauty, and relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by lush valleys and close to famous natural sites like the Pyrenees National Park, it offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful retreat. With its quaint streets, local markets, and welcoming cafés, Argelès-Gazost captures the essence of a tranquil French countryside escape.

Our base camp hotel is a small family run hotel. It isn't 5 stars; however, you will be treated like royalty, and the food is amazing. (It also has a great bar.) We book this hotel every year because of its location. Look up and you can see the likes of Tourmalet, Hautacam, Col du Soulor and Aubisque. If you are scared of heights - then don’t look up.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch own arrangements)

Day 10, Thursday 22 July

The Mighty Aubisque

As guides, we are often asked which is the best ride in France. There are many to choose from. For me - Col d'Aubisque is the most stunning.

After breakfast, we ride the 20km up (yes – up) to Col du Soulor. It's not a challenging climb as it's broken up with typically beautiful French villages. It's then another 10km over to Col d'Aubisque. That 10km will make your eyes water – it’s that good!! 

The great thing about today is that there are plenty of options for every ability. Cappuccinos may decide to get a lift up Soulor and then roll over to Aubisque. Expresso riders may decide to roll down the other side of Aubisque and then climb back up. Totally up to you.

After lunch, a 30km downhill to our hotel. We'll have you firmly planted in our hotel bar, beer in hand by the time today’s stage draws to a close.

Team Mac – 2 choices today.

1, the road between Soulor and Aubisque is the most scenic 10km in the whole of France. (In our humble opinion.) We strongly encourage that you walk part of it. We'll get you up there nice and early. (Bring a torch for the tunnels.)

2, the last couple of years we’ve arranged for a Foodie walking tour in Lourdes. Your guide shows you where all the best local produce is, before you sit down to a fantastic lunch. Team Mac generally love it. But, but – Aubisque is also pretty special.

Choices, Choices!!    

/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 11, Friday 23 July

Col du Tourmalet

Let’s start with the important people first. Team Mac - early this morning we’ve booked tickets on the one and only - Pic du Midi de Bigorre from La Mongie (altitude 2,877m). It’s a must do. There's a café at the summit, as well as an interesting observatory, visitor centre and museum. We’ll time things around you being at the top of Tourmalet to see the cyclists suffer…. Or should we say celebrate getting to the top.

For anyone that follows cycling - if you say the words - Col de Tourmalet then you know it's going to be a special day. It is one of the most famous climbs in France with its highest point being 2128m. We will have plenty of options so please don't be worried.

Cappuccino riders - the shortest ride to the top of Tourmalet from our hotel is only 30km, (30km uphill). We will show you our home base café on the way up. There's no pressure. You can simply turn around when you've had enough.

Latte and espresso riders - we will be encouraging you to do the 102km loop. Departing Argelès Gazost we ride towards Luz. From the café, the road heads into the sky for 17.5km. Some riders will take just over an hour; some will take up to three. Up and over the big hill, we head down to St Marie de Campan where we'll regroup and enjoy the ride back to Argeles! Epic.

Tonight, after dinner we head into Lourdes to witness the evening candle lit procession. Even for those who aren't religiously minded the procession is a must as thousands and thousands of pilgrim’s flock to Lourdes, making Lourdes 2nd only to Paris for hotel rooms in France.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch own arrangements)

Day 12, Saturday 24 July

It's our party

20 years is quite a long time. There are a few wrinkles. I’d like to think we’re a bit wiser. In 2008 we saw 9 stages of the TDF and covered an extra 1500kms in the bus. It was a nightmare. We arrived at hotels at 11pm each night. It simply wasn’t the holiday we were looking for. Roll on 2027 and we’ll see 4 TDF stages which is about right. It’s important to offer a great riding and non-riding experience. Commonly known as a holiday.  

Today we celebrate 2 decades in France. The icing on the cake would be a TDF stage on one of our favourite climbs, but we’ve come up with a secondary plan just in case that doesn’t happen.

Our HB day to us starts with a 90min bus journey to Loudenvielle. We stayed here last year and checked it out. It’s 10 / 10. No, make it 11 / 10.

Team Mac – there are a few options. Loudenvielle has a really nice 5km walk around the lake. You could do this and then meet us at the ski station for lunch.  

Or - Les Plus Beaux Villages de France was created in 1982. As of 2026, there are 176 member villages recognized as the Most Beautiful Villages in the World. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges is one of those towns and is often referred to as the best in the Pyrenees. It’s not too far away from where we are. You could still meet us for lunch.  

Cyclists – 1 climb or 2? You start in Loudenvielle which means climbing Col de Peyresourde. 7km and 727m of vert. Or you can start in Bagnères-de-Luchon.

Superbagnères was my favourite ride for the whole year one of my top 10 rides of all time. I wouldn’t call it the most demanding climb. 17km at 6.8% but the scenery over the Spanish Pyrenees is spectacular.

The road rises steadily from the spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, winding through dense forests and quiet mountain bends as the valley slowly falls away below. Each switchback reveals wider views of the surrounding peaks, and the cool alpine air offers brief relief from the effort of the climb. As the gradient bites near the top, the landscape opens into sweeping high-mountain scenery before the road finally reaches the ski station of Superbagnères, a famous summit Tour de Francefinish. Just imagine if the stars align and we’re joined by a TDF stage today. Fingers crossed.

Yes – it’s a bit of a drive back to the hotel but it’s happy hour on the bus. Actually, it’s free. We’ll shout for our birthday. Happy birthday to us… Thank you for being part of the journey.  

/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch own arrangements)

Day 13, Sunday 25 July

Hautacam or....

It’s our last day together. Like the previous 12 days – you have a choice to make. You are either a mountain or a valley person.

The flat ride is only 40km on a beautiful, bike path (along the river) to Lourdes. There’s a great bike café called Bike & Py which is our target. They actually also have some super cool trendy kit. I know this because a client dropped 400 euros there last year. That’s about 1 gazillion NZD which is fairly hefty for a set of bibs and a cycle jersey. They were hot though.

The mountain option involves the HC Hautacam. It is the most technical of all the mountains we climb. The start of the climb is literally only about 2km from our hotel. That’s plenty of time to warm up. (It’s July in France – you won’t be cold). Some strava facts for you. Mr T Pogacar holds the current KOM at 37min 33 secs. The QOM is held by Grace Brown at 48mins 20secs.

The actual climb is only 16km. (Yes, that’s a puppy dog). It’s the inconsistency that makes it hard. On average you’re talking 7.4%, however sections of it are flat as you cycle through gorgeous villages. So, if some sections are flat and the average is 7.4% then that means that other sections must be… ahhh. Not flat!!

Check out from our hotel is 11am. No doubt Serge and Karine will be there to say goodbye. They’re part of the family. It’s a 2-hour drive to Toulouse. This afternoon we’ll help pack all the bikes.    

Also, let’s not forget the last TDF stage in Paris. It’s a must watch so we have to be in the bar by 5pm to see the last couple of hours on the Champs Elysees. Normally the last riders cross the line at about

7.30pm, followed by jersey presentations.

We’ll have our own jersey presentations over dinner. Let’s raise a glass of champagne and celebrate our achievements.

/ Accommodation: Toulouse Airport
/ Meals Included: Farewell Dinner

Day 14, Monday 26 July

Safe travels home

Our tour finishes after breakfast. For some it's time to head home, while others will take some time in Toulouse or head off to explore other parts of Europe.

Thank you for joining us on the adventure of a lifetime and the greatest sporting event in the world.

The list of our cycling achievements is pretty extensive. Again, I want to reassure you that there will be shorter options each day. It’s not a training camp.

Team Mac – We’ll make sure you have a wonderful trip. Some markets, wineries, beautiful French towns, relaxing and some hiking and walking. Closer to July, we’ll ask you what your perfect holiday looks like and we’ll put a plan in place around that.

Thank you for joining Ride Holidays.

Safe travels

Karl, Dean and Chris