Day 1, Monday 12 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 tomorrow.   

Feel free to arrive at any time throughout the day. Our hotel is located at the airport. It’s literally 100m from the arrivals gate.

Lyon is a beautiful city so well worth a day or 2. We will book any extra nights 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 build all bikes and make sure the hire bikes fit properly. As we’re at the airport we can’t go for a descent ride, but we can ride around the carpark.   

Tonight, we are hosting a welcome dinner (and champagne) where we’ll discuss the days ahead. Time to meet your travel buddies and settle into a great night of socializing. We’ll introduce the team and run through the first few days.  

Welcome to France. 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, Tuesday 13 July

Lake Annecy

We leave Lyon and head for the most beautiful lake in France. Which just happens to be surrounded by some reasonably large hills. Mountains!!

We aim to arrive in Annecy by mid-morning. Today’s TDF stage starts in Annecy and finishes in Sallanches.

Our plan is simple, park the bus as close as we can and walk to the start.

TDF stage starts are a hive of activity as you see riders warming up and signing on.  Today’s stage is lumpy (171km) and will probably start at about 1pm. Our goal is to have you there by 10.30am. It’s also the best chance you have of buying official TDF merchandise.

After the pros roll out, head back to the bus and climb into your lycra for a gentle 40km around the lake on the bike path. A really nice way of starting our trip together. You can even factor in a swim and ice-cream. Why not!!  

Team Mac - is encouraged to hire bikes and join the cyclists. Otherwise, you spend the afternoon in the actual town of Annecy which is nicknamed “Venice of the Alps". It is crisscrossed by canals and features a well-preserved medieval old town with cobblestone streets.

Once we’re all done, it’s a short 30min drive to our hotel.

Massage? Wellness & Spa?

Well, our home for the next 3 nights is exactly that. Perfectly located on the shores of Lake Bourget which is the next lake over from Annecy. Downtown Aix-les-Bains is only minutes away. The spa has 3 indoor pools, a sauna, a Jacuzzi and a sports wellness area. Annecy is very very busy which is why we prefer Aix. We can drive you to the door, and it has a big conference room for our bikes.

/ Accommodation: Marina Adelphia Spa Hotel, Aix-Les-Bains
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 3, Wednesday 14 July

Bastille Day – When the French Attack

It’s hard to describe the feeling one has when you see the Tour de France live on a mountain 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.

Double that when a key stage falls on 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?

We drive and setup a local base in Albertville. Team Mac – your van has a V.I.P. sticker attached to it which means you can drive straight past all the road closures. We’ll see you up the mountain. Please save us a seat... 

Cyclists - load up with food and water and climb the race route to the top of Mont Bisanne to enjoy the atmosphere. We will head to the start of the climb in Villard-sur-Doron. From there we will tackle the 11.9km ascent with an average gradient of 10.1%. The good news, we don’t have to race it at 500watts per kg, we will leave that up to Pogacar, Vingegaard and Seixas. The plan is to get as far as we can and find the best place to watch. Before riding back to Albertville.  

Dinner – TDF tour traffic is like striking Auckland at about 5pm. For that reason, we’ve booked a restaurant in Albertville. That will give the roads a chance to settle down before we head back to Aix.

/ Accommodation:  Marina Adelphia Spa Hotel - Aix-Les-Bains
/ Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 4, Thursday 15 July

TDF start or ride Grand Colombier

Today’s stage is a reasonably short 162km and flat so it’s not a bad idea to skip the stage, but we will have options for everyone. Having 8 staff means we can be flexible.   

Option 1: Chambery is where everything kicks off and it’s only 20km away from our hotel via a bike path. We will setup a base where you can leave your bike, watch the riders sign on and be part of the festivities. Once the riders roll out, we will head back to Lac du Bourget to explore more scenic roads.

Option 2: We skip the stage and head to Grand Colombier. This region’s most famous climb. Debuting back in 2012 and used 5 times since, it’s a17.7km long climb that bridges 1260m of vertical ascent with an average gradient of 7.1%.

Anyway, regardless, we’ll have a solid plan for the climbers as well as those more comfortable on the undulating lake ride.

Team Mac – our guess is that you will have had enough of the Tour de France. Let’s start our day with a nice 20km run around the lake. Actually – let’s not do that.

But a lake front walk and coffee sounds like a good idea. You then visit Abbaye d’Hautecombe, a beautiful historic monastery situated on the western shore of Lac du Bourget. Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, the abbey became the burial place of many members of the House of Savoy, including several princes and dukes. Its impressive Gothic architecture, ornate sculptures and elaborate tombs reflect its rich religious and historical heritage. Surrounded by wooded hills and overlooking the tranquil waters of the lake.

We’ve then booked lunch for you at Le Belvédère d’Ontex. A charming restaurant perched high above Lac du Bourget, offering spectacular panoramic views of the lake. The restaurant serves generous, home-cooked French dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, alongside homemade desserts, artisanal ice creams and regional specialities. Struth – you may need another walk this afternoon...

Dinner is own arrangements. There are quite a few restaurants to choose from only a couple of hundred meters away from our hotel. All offer outside dining with lake views. Sounds terrible.

/ Accommodation: Marina Adelphia Spa Hotel - Aix-Les-Bains
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

PS, lunch is included for Team Mac. Also, cyclists are welcome to join Team Mac on any of these days – if there’s room in the vehicle.

Day 5, 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 2hr drive from Aix-Les-Bains 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.)

Espresso’s can ride from our lunch spot at Saint Jean de Maurienne all the way to our hotel. We’ll have a shorter (more sensible) option for Latte and Cappuccino cyclists.

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.

The last 30km is all 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.  

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, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6, 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 2hr 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. Hmmm.

So, let’s call Col d’Izoard as 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”?

Option 2 takes us 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 and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 7, 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 hotel it’s about a 90min 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 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.

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. Our accommodation for the next 2 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.

Day 8, Monday 19 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.

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 Bédoin market is a vibrant market that takes place every Monday morning. This is the same town where the cyclists depart from at the foot of Mont Ventoux. You then visit 2 or 3 of the villages that make this part of France famous. Known for being the most beautiful in France. Gordes is my favourite and we’ll also see Venasque amongst others.     

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

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, Tuesday 20 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 and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 10, Wednesday 21 July

The Mighty Aubisque

As guides, we are often asked which is the best ride in France. There are many to choose from, however for me, Col d’Aubisque is the most beautiful.

After breakfast, we ride 20km up to Col du Soulor (yes – up). It’s not a challenging climb as it’s broken up with typically beautiful French villages. Most of these villages have natural springs for you to fill up your drink bottle. Important – if there’s a sign that says “Eau Potable” then drink away. However, if the sign says “Eau Non-Potable” then

don’t go near it. Think Delhi. The consequences are bad.

From the top of Soulor, it’s 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. The Josh Nelson (whippets) option involves riding down the other side of Aubisque and then riding back up again (for fun).

TDF stage finish in Pau - it’s a flat sprint finish so certainly an acquired taste. But if you want to do this then we’ll make it happen. You wouldn’t get back until 10pm and would also have to have dinner in the city (about 3 hours driving round trip). You are seeing the TDF tomorrow and the next day.

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 pilgrims flock to Lourdes, making Lourdes 2nd only to Paris for hotel rooms in France.

/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes
/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Team Mac – as mentioned, the road between Soulor and Aubisque is the most scenic 10km in the whole of France. (In our humble opinion.) Guillaume will park the van on the mountain road, you can walk as far as you like, turning around when you’ve had enough. (Bring a torch for the tunnels – or use your phone.)

This afternoon – if anyone is keen then we’ll head to the local thermal pools.

Day 11, Thursday 22 July

Col du Tourmalet & Stage 18

174km and a staggering 5400m of climbing. I can’t remember a recent stage like it. I’m sure the sprinters can’t wait!!

There are 4 categorized climbs including Col du Soulor, Col du Tourmalet, Hourquette d’Ancizan before finishing on Col du Portet.

Our target is Tourmalet as it’s also your only chance to ride it. We expect the riders to cross over the top at about 3.30pm. Let’s work backwards from then.

Firstly - Team Mac. Before the race comes through, you visit Gavarnie. A UNESCO World Heritage Pyrenees site. Please make sure you have good walking shoes as you have two choices... 1 - donkey or 2 - by foot. Up to you!! We’ll then have you on Tourmalet for the festivities.

Cappuccino cyclists - we leave Argelès-Gazost and gently climb 15km to the town of Luz Saint Sauveur, which is at the bottom of Col du Tourmalet. Luz Saint Sauveur has a reputation for offering some of France’s best (it’s a low bar) coffee. Don’t forget to try ordering in French - “Un café au lait, sil vous plait”.

You then ride as far up Tourmalet as you like. It’s 19km to the top however there’s certainly no pressure to go all the way. Ride as far as you want, turn around and meet us back in the village of Luz or simply park and wait for the tour to come to you.

Latte and Espresso – after breakfast, we’ll leave the hotel for the 102km Col de Tourmalet loop. Departing Argelès-Gazost we ride towards Luz, where we’ll regroup for a quick coffee. From the café the road heads into the sky for 17.5km, passing villages, big and small. Some riders will take just over an hour; some will take up to three. From the base of the climb to the summit of Tourmalet, the view is simply breath taking. We then descend the eastern side, past La Mongie, to St Marie de Campan, then we ride the back roads towards Lourdes and then a bike path home. A great day on the bike!!

The whole goal here is that we’re all back at the hotel by the time the final climb happens. Our plan B is to watch it in a bar in Luz.

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

PS, for Team Mac who don’t want to see the race - 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. We will have to book this in advance.

Day 12, Friday 23 July

TDF Final Mountain Stage

Stage 19 is really the last chance for the GC riders.

Personally – I think it’s more designed for the breakaway. 160km and 4300VM with 3 categorized climbs. The finish is flat in the town of Laruns, which is actually at the base of Aubisque – a mountain we’ve already conquered.   

It’s our last chance for us to see the 2027 Tour de France so let’s make it a goodie.

Right’o... Le plan.

Team Mac - by day 12 we’ll presume you’ve had enough of cycling (you are of course welcome to join us though). We’ve booked tickets on the one and only - Pic du Midi de Bigorre from La Mongie (altitude 2877m). It’s a must do. There’s a café at the summit, as well as an interesting observatory, visitor centre and museum. Guillaume will also have a good walk planned.

Cyclists – single shot Latte and Cappuccino riders take the bus and setup base in the town of Louvie-Juzon. You then ride up Col de Marie Blanque and wait for the professionals to come through before rolling back down the hill to homebase and your ticket back to the hotel.   

Espresso and double shot Latte - yes, we ride from the hotel. It does involve Col de Soulor and Aubisque again. Still – it’s a pretty good option as it is one of the world’s most beautiful bike rides. From our hotel to the top of Marie-Blanque is a very doable 67km (and in the small print – 2132m of climbing).

The Double Triple Espresso shot option involves riding both ways. If you do this then you’ll be publicly drug tested. 120km and some undulations.

So, lots of options. Please remember that this is a holiday. Not a training camp.

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

Day 13, Saturday 24 July

Valley or Mountains….

Two options for our last ride together. You can choose to be a valley person or a mountain person.

Le Valley – 40km on a beautiful, bike path (along the river) to Lourdes. There’s a great bike café called Bike & Py, which is our target for a coffee stop. 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!!

Team Mac usually wander into town for a coffee as the cyclists won’t be long. 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 then a 2-hour drive to Toulouse. This afternoon we’ll help pack all the bikes.    

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

/ Accommodation: NH Toulouse Airport Hotel
/ Meals Included: Farewell Dinner

Day 14, Sunday 25 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.

The other option is the Champs Elysees Paris Stage 21 extension we’ve outlined below.

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 the RH 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.