TOUR DE FRANCE 2024
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09 - 22 July 2024 (14 Days / 13 Nights) | SOLD OUT | Waitlist WelcomeTDF 3 and TDF1 are very similar. Both start in Toulouse on 9 July and finish in Nice on 22 July. They both cater for cyclists and non-riders. Both trips spend 4 nights in the Pyrenees and 2 nights in Provence. TDF3 and TDF1 will both ride the following….
The subtle differences between TDF3 and TDF1. TDF3 has 2 nights in Serre Chevalier. TDF1 has three. TDF3 spends 2 nights in the city of Nice. TDF1 has 3 nights. TDF3 will spend a night in a beautiful chateau near Valence. TDF3 also spends a night on top of Alpe d’Huez. TDF3 will see 4 stages of the TDF. TDF1 will see up to 5 stages. TDF3 has one complete rest day. TDF1 has 2 complete rest days. |
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Join Ride Holidays for the greatest sporting event on the planet - the 2024 Tour de France. Our cycle tours are achievable for anyone who rides a road bike, not just the serious cyclist, and offers an unparalleled experience of both the race and the country. We start in Toulouse and finish in Nice. Both our first and last nights are at airport hotels. This is to make it as easy as possible for you. Our first ride is in the mighty Pyrenees - where we spend 4 nights. You can ride tick off Col du Soulor and Col d’Aubisque. The key mountain stage rides over Col du Tourmalet and you’ll be there!! It’s then on to Provence for a couple of nights where our target is the magnificent Mont Ventoux. No pressure. It’s then off to our beautiful chateau near Valence. We stayed here last year, and it really is stunning. That’s why we’re going back. The following night is spent at the top of L’Alpe d’Huez. A trip highlight for sure!! We then head to the high mountains for 2 nights. Staying in the famous ski valley of Serre Chevalier. You get the chance to ride all the favourites like Lautaret, Galibier and Col d’Izoard. Our final 2 nights are spent in Nice. History is being made as the final stage moves away from Paris. There are three rides to choose from daily - the less demanding 'cappuccino' level, then 'latte' and, for those keen on pedalling 100km or more per day, 'espresso'. There is also a non-riding 'macchiato' option, focusing more on scenery, markets, and wineries. You have your own vehicle and guide. (On TdF stages you’ll have V.I.P access. Driving on roads that are closed to the public). First held in 1903, the Tour de France has become one of the most popular sporting events in the world. For over a hundred years, spectators have been entranced by not only the drama and intrigue of the epic cycle race itself, but of the stunning mountain ranges, vineyards and sunflower fields that serve as its backdrop. For the competitors the Tour de France is a gruelling, relentless affair, but that's far from the case for those who choose to embark on a Tour de France experience with Ride Holidays. Vive le Tour. |
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Tour de France | TDF1 Details |
Tour InclusionsAccommodation
Amazing Cycling & Tour de France Race Viewing
General Cycling Tour Details
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The Tour Price Excludes
Bike Hire Options
The Tour Cost
The initial deposit is $2500.00 NZD per person. To be paid at time of booking. Full payment will be 90 days prior to departure. We suggest that have travel insurance in place when paying deposits and booking flights. ** Please note re: hire bikes. Insurance for the bike is not included. It’s simply not a thing in Europe. You are liable for any damage to the bike. Ride Holidays will offer an optional insurance kitty for all those who are hiring. It’s $150.00 (we will organise this closer to departure) per bike and you can opt in or out. For all those who opt in then we have a pool of $$ to use for any damage. Any unused $$ will be donated to our kid’s bike charity. |
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Tour de France | TDF3 Itinerary
Day 1, Tuesday 9 July 2024Welcome to Toulouse, Welcome to FranceYou'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 couple of days’ time. Feel free to arrive at any time throughout the day, our hotel is located close to the airport. (In fact, you can easily walk there, it’s that close). This afternoon we’ll put together as many of the bikes as possible. Hire bikes will be in the Pyrenees waiting for us when we get there tomorrow. If you arrive early, then we’d recommend visiting Toulouse. The fourth largest city in France. The old square is particularly beautiful. Tonight, the chef has promised a regional meal. That's French speak 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 Toulouse Airport
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Day 2, Wednesday 10 July 2024The Magnificent PyreneesAfter breakfast we pack all our bikes and bags into our luxury bus. We aim to arrive at our Pyrenees home by late morning. Waiting for you will be lunch - baguettes of course. Our base camp hotel for the next three nights is in Lourdes. We’ve stayed at the Gallia Grand Hotel Lourdes many times and I’d be surprised if there was a nicer hotel in the whole of the Pyrenees. It’s beautiful and even has its own spa. Ideal for a post ride massage. This afternoon is all about turning the legs over and making sure your bike is running smoothly. For some, it will be the first time you've cycled on the opposite side of the road. Rides will be about 50km in length. No real mountains today. Just a few false flats. (In our world - less than 7% is a false flat, 7-10% undulating, 10-14% some climbing, 14% and steeper - hills). Team Macchiato – this afternoon we’ve booked a local gastronomic guide to show walk you around Lourdes. You visit the markets in search of local produce before sitting down to a fantastic lunch. What a great way to start your holiday. Tonight, we dine together as it's time to introduce you to our French team and talk about the plan for tomorrow. / Accommodation: Gallia Grand Hotel Lourdes
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Day 3, Thursday 11 July 2024The mighty AubisqueAs guides we are often asked about our favourite rides. There are many to choose from however for me, Col d'Aubisque is the most beautiful. We like to start with a highlight. And then continue that trend for the next two weeks. After breakfast we ride the 15kms of bike path to Argeles-Gazost then 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. Team Mac - as mentioned -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 it. We'll get you up there nice and early. (Bring a torch for the tunnels). Waiting for us at the top of Aubisque is Alex, a good friend of RH and he owns the café. Would be a great place to have lunch. The views from the deck aren't too shabby. You will be joined by TDF1 today… A sea of Pink and Blue. After lunch – a 30km downhill to Argeles and then a flat 15km 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. It’s a flat 204km stage – maybe today is the day that Cav makes history. The perfect introduction to the mighty Pyrenees. Sleep well!! / Accommodation: Gallia Grand Hotel Lourdes
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Day 4, Friday 12 July 2024Hautacam and Le Tour de FranceToday’s stage finishes in Pau which is about 50km from our hotel. We don’t know exactly what time they’ll finish but it’s usually around 6pm. (everything in France works backwards from the best TV viewing times). OK, here’s the plan. This morning we ride the one and only – Hautacam. The start of the climb is again from Argeles. That’s plenty of time to warm up along the bike path. (It’s July in France – you won’t be cold). 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!! Late morning – we’ll hop in the bus and head for Pau. It's hard to describe the feeling one has when you see the Tour de France live for the first time. Our official support van will be able to take Team Mac past the road closures. Quite a treat as the road will have been closed to normal traffic for the past 48 hours. You'll quickly understand why this bike race is so important to the French - they live for it. Viva 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. It’s a long day (we won’t be back until late evening) and it offers non-stop action. You’ll remember it for the rest of your life. / Accommodation: Gallia Grand Hotel Lourdes
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Day 5, Saturday 13 July 2024Col du Tourmalet – Tour de France.We see today as being the key TdF Pyrenees stage. 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 55km, (30km uphill). We will show you our home base café on the way up. There's no pressure. Find a spot to watch the race come through. You can simply turn around when you've had enough. Latte and espresso riders - We will be encouraging you to do the 107km loop. Departing Lourdes, we ride towards Argeles and on to St Marie de Campan where we'll regroup for coffee. 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. Tomorrow is a rest day so feel free to push the boat out today. Give it all you’ve got!! Team Mac - you simply will never forget the cable car to the top of Pic du Midi de Bigorre from La Mongie (altitude 2,877m). There's a café at the summit, as well as an interesting observatory, visitor centre and museum. It's then only a short drive to the top of Tourmalet where you can watch the suffering. After the race has finished, we’ll all meet at our favourite café. You can choose to ride back to Lourdes or catch the toot toot. What a fantastic day in French paradise!! / Accommodation: Gallia Grand Hotel Lourdes
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Day 6, Sunday 14 July 2024ProvenceToday is purely a transfer day. We leave our Pyrenees paradise and head towards the mighty Alps. It's roughly 7 hours on the bus with all required stops. Rest your legs, pull up a seat and let's watch the Russian Fly-Fishing movie. (Long story). 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. 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 its fine Gothic Cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation. Stage 15 of the 2024 TdF is also a key mountain stage. That’s great because out coach has a TV. And a bar. And it’s always happy hour. Some of you are interested in logistics. Here’s some European transport rules we need to abide by. Our coach driver can only work a 12-hour shift. Driving 9 of those. He must have a 45 min rest every 3 hours. 10 hours is the compulsory rest period from turning off the engine in the evening to hitting the ignition switch in the morning. Coaches with trailers are only allowed to go 80km / hr in France. That’s really slow. He’ll also need 2 complete rest days while we are in France. All our bus drivers’ stats (hours, speed etc) are monitored by an on-board computer. If we’re pulled over by the Gendarmerie, then they’ll have instant access to exactly what we’ve been up to. Our accommodation for the next two nights is set in the heart of the charming Luberon area, the Hostellerie Notre-Dame de Lumières, Relax and enjoy unforgettable experience in this ancient convent from the 17th century. Converted into hotel and entirely renovated (with an amazing swimming pool) and only about 30km away from the mythical - Mont Ventoux. The convent is excellent and it's the outside courtyard restaurant draws us back year after year. We'll eat dinner at the hotel. Sleep well. The Giant of Provence awaits. / Accommodation: Hotellerie Notre Dame de Lumieres
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Day 7, Monday 15 July 2024Mont Ventoux
We've got one day - let's make it happen. 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 Tour de France climbs. Drugs or no drugs - Lance is right! Standing 1,600m above the Cote du Rhone countryside, it's referred to as the Giant of Provence. It's also generally very hot and windy so we'll try and get on the road early this morning. The terrain in the Cote du Rhone region is brilliant, we'll cycle in some of the famous vineyard regions and see the premier varieties of Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz) and Viognier being grown. 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. Many of us will ride all the way from our hotel to the top and back down the other side. It's 40km until you start the climb so plenty of time to warm up. Latte and Team Macchiato (e-bikes) will be dropped at the base of the great Mountain. Cappuccino cyclists and any non-riders can get a lift to Chalet Reynard (top notch hot chocolate) which sits 6km from the summit. Today is your best chance for some retail therapy. You've just biked Mont Ventoux - now you need to buy the kit. Team Mac - a few options. For the past two years we've hired e-bikes for the ride on Ventoux. We will certainly have our safety hat on if you choose this. A guide will ride with you. The other option involves visiting a couple of the beautiful towns that make this region famous. You haven't been to Provence unless you've seen the likes of Gordes, Goult and Vanasque. / Accommodation: Hotellerie Notre Dame de Lumieres
P.S., Team Mac – Monday is market day in Bedoin. Think of NZ’s biggest market and add steroids. P.P.S., it’s also a rest day for the TdF riders so there’s zero-time pressure today. |
Day 8, Tuesday 16 July 2024Notre-Dame de Sénanque and Chateau de FontagerYesterday will have been a reasonably tour day for most of you. Today is all about the Holidays part of the business name. We’ll do a short ride from our hotel early to avoid the heat. Gordes is spectacular. Think lavender, sunflowers and of course a beautiful Abbaye. (Notre-Dame de Sénanque) It’s then a 2 hour drive up the A7. We follow the Rhone the whole way. A bit about tonight’s accommodation. Chateau de Fontager offers 2000 years of history. That’s a big number. The Château de Fontager was built on Roman remains dating back to the 5th century BC. You can still clearly see 2000 years of history in the wine cellar and basement. The nobility lived there until the beginning of the 20th century. Legend has it that Pontius Pilate lived here when he was exiled to Gaul and was the governor of Vienna in the year 37 BC. It is said that the village of Ponsas was named after him. Today you can enjoy this history while staying in contemporary comfort with all the modern facilities. However, the high ceilings, the antique and unique chandeliers, the fleur-de-lys, the small lounges and the fireplaces will take you back in time. And then there’s the world’s largest swimming pool. Thousands of tourists’ flock to the Rhone Valley every year to taste the wine. (When in Rome). Tonight, with dinner we’ve organised a wine pairing from the neighboring vineyards of Saint Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Tain l’Hermitage. / Accommodation: Chateau de Fontager
P.S., Team Mac –It’s our advice that you head out early to Avignon. One of the most beautiful cities in the world. You will have plenty of time to visit the Palais des Papes - one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Avignon became the home of the Popes in 1309, who were fleeing the violent chaos of Rome. The Palais was built between 1335 and 1364 on a natural rocky outcrop at the northern edge of Avignon, overlooking the river Rhône. We’ll see you at the hotel later this afternoon. Enjoy. |
Day 9, Wednesday 17 July 2024L’Alpe d’Huez
For the first time in 15 years – we are going to stay the night on the mythical L’Alpe d’Huez. Our hotel is also a health spa so this afternoon would be a good chance to book a massage. It’s about a 2-hour drive from our chateau to Le Bourg d’Oisans. The town at the bottom of the most famous piece of dirt in the world, L’Alpe d’Huez. We really want to depart early as it’s often quite hot in this part of France. The earlier we leave, the earlier you’ll be climbing. 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. Well done, it's a great accomplishment and another milestone achieved! Team Mac – we suggest you hire e-bikes and join us on d’Huez. It’s a great opportunity for you to ride the most famous 13km on the planet. If riding a bike isn’t your thing then we’ll make you walk… (just kidding) In all seriousness – we will look at a good walk on a daily basis. But not, 13km uphill. We eat together tonight to discuss tomorrow’s 3 Col ride. (Hotel to Hotel) / Accommodation: Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa, L’Alpe d’Huez
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Day 10, Thursday 18 July 2024Off the beaten track…We will have a few different options today. The longest ride will be hotel to hotel. Let’s also look at this as your queen stage. It features not 1, not 2 but 3 significant climbs. Cappuccino and Latte cyclists can choose either 1 or 2 Cols. From our base at the top of d’Huez you ride deeper into the French Alps. Your first bump is Col de Sarenne. Which offers spectacular views of Mont Black. Serene even… (sorry). You then roll over the top of Col de Sarenne and it pops out at the base of Col du Lautaret. It's very gentle ride up to Lautaret. 20km at 3-4%. That's flat. There's coffee and more importantly - donuts at the top. You can chill out here for a while and re-group. It's then only a short wee 8km (up) to Col du Galibier. It's not that difficult until you reach the last 1km which is when the shit starts to get real. Galibier is our highest point of the tour at 2642m and is the 8th highest paved road in the Alps. From the top of Galibier it’s literally all downhill to our hotel. 30km downhill. Total distance – door to door is only 80km but that does include 2000VM. Team Mac –We’d then encourage you to join us at the top of Galibier as well. We need you to hand out the lollies. Late this afternoon we should all get together to watch the final hour of today’s TdF mountain stage. Who will be in yellow? / Accommodation: Grand Hotel, Serre Chevalier
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Day 11, Friday 19 July 2024Col d’IzoardTeam Mac - You spend your day in Briancon – the highest city in Europe. 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 and cobblestones. We’ve booked a table at Au Plaisir Ambre. The only restaurant in Briancon to be rated highly by Michelin. Your chef is Michael Chassigneux. His dishes are inspired by his worldwide travels. Enjoy!! This afternoon we’ll return to the hotel to meet up with the cyclists before heading to the thermal pools. A great day all around. Our suggestion for the riders is the spectacular Col d’Izoard. The start of the climb is only 15km from our hotel. It is however quite a long 19km incline, not as scary as some of the steeper hills with an average of just over 5%. 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”? For those who are keen on extra VM then simply roll over the top and down the other side. Stop when you’ve had enough. Turn around and rejoin the rest of us. This evening 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
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Day 12, Saturday 20 July 2024Stage 20 of the 2024 TdF
We leave Serre Chevalier and travel south. Towards the Mediterranean and our last 2 nights together. We’ve got a solid 3-hour drive ahead of us before we jump on the bikes. The 20th stage of the 2024 Tour de France features 4 climbs. The idea being that we’ll have you on either Col de Braus or Col de Turini. Which are the 2 closer climbs to Nice. After seeing the riders come through, we’ll roll back into town where we could watch the final climb (Col de La Couillole) on the big screen. Nice will no doubt have a large fan zone. This is their year to shine. The city will be pumping. Team Mac – we suspect you may be a bit over the TdF by now. Our suggestion is that you visit Antibes. A resort town between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). It’s known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts with the star-shaped Fort Carré. This overlooks luxury yachts moored at the Port Vauban marina. There are many restaurants to choose from (lunch). Tonight is the last free night on the trip. We see quite a few of you staying in Nice until late. Keep an eye on the RH App as we’ll load the exact plan for tomorrow. Enjoy your night. / Accommodation: Holiday Inn Nice – Port Saint Laurent
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Day 13, Sunday 21 July 2024Final stage of the 2024 Tour de FranceFor the first time in 110 editions, the Tour de France will not finish in Paris. Adding to that – the last time a time trial decided the yellow jersey was 35 years ago Greg LeMond). Over 2 years ago we decided that seeing the final stage in Nice was a must-do. In fact, in 2023 we visited Nice to get the lie of the land. It’s a fantastic cycling city and worthy of hosting today’s famous stage. Today’s TT is a hilly 35.2km test. Starting in Monaco and finishing in Nice. The climbs of La Turbie and Col d’Eze lie on the route. The final 15km are a long sweeping descent with the finish line being at the Place Masséna. There will be a few options. A, it’s our intention to offer V.I.P seating (at a cost). We won’t have these details until early 2024. Watch this space. B, we’ll offer a ride out to the first climb at La Turbie (8.1km at 5.6%) The atmosphere will be electric. C, roll out of our hotel, turn left when you hit the bike path. This will take you all the way to the stage finish. You can spend all day there and bike home when you’ve had enough. We’ll look after your bikes while you have fun. Whatever you choose – it will be epic. This evening we enjoy our last meal together. A few stories will be told. Champagne will be consumed. It's been a fabulous 2 weeks. Thank you. / Accommodation: Holiday Inn Nice – Port Saint Laurent
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Day 14, Monday 22 July 2024Safe travels homeOur tour finishes after breakfast. For some it's time to head home, while others will take some time in Nice 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. Let’s have a look at what we achieved.
Again, I want to reassure you that there will be shorter options each day. The list above is pretty impressive, but we are on holiday. It’s not a training camp. Thank you for joining Ride Holidays. Safe travels home. |