Day 1, Tuesday 14 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.

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.

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.   

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: Toulouse Airport
/ 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). Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France. The old square is particularly beautiful. Well worth the extra time. We will book any extra accommodation 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 Toulouse, and this will help you find them)  

Day 2, Wednesday 15 July

The Magnificent Pyrenees

After breakfast we pack all our bikes and bags onto our luxury bus. We aim to arrive in Argeles by late morning. Waiting for you will be lunch – baguettes. Of course!!

Our base camp hotel for the next three nights 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’re scared of heights, then don’t look up.

Team Macchiato – this afternoon (while we are riding) you hop back in the van and head out to Gavarnie. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fantastic introduction to this part of the world. Prepare to be wowed. Please make sure you have good walking shoes as you have two choices… 1, donkey or 2, by foot. Up to you!!  

2 choices for the cyclists… As your tour leader will say. Option 1 if you are a valley person. Option 2 if you are a mountain person.

Le Valley people - 40km on a beautiful, bike path to Lourdes and back along the river.  It’s 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 // path.

Le Mountain people - It’s your only opportunity to ride Hautacam. The start of the climb is literally only about 5km from our hotel. That’s plenty of time to warm up. (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!!

Tonight, we dine together as it's time to introduce you to our French team and talk through the plan for the next couple of days.

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

Day 3, Thursday 16 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 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 loves it. But, but – Aubisque is also pretty special.

Choices, Choices!!    

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

Day 4, Friday 17 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.

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

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.

Day 5, Saturday 18 July

Carcassonne and Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Today is purely a transfer day. (Non-ride day.) We leave our Pyrenees paradise and head for the beautiful Provence. 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.

What’s for dinner?

It’s on the way to the hotel.  

We start with a wine tasting in their Roman wine cave, followed by an early dinner. Undoubtedly the best restaurant I've eaten at in France. Located under a castle wall in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and we return here year after year. 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.

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 an amazing 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 at Carcassonne)

Day 6, Sunday 19 July

Today we ride the Giant

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 will 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 We have a big day planned. Monday is market day in Bedoin. Think of NZ’s biggest market and add steroids. You will 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 Gordes, Goult and Vanasque.

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

PS, we will see TDF2 today on Ventoux.

Day 7, Monday 20 July

Lake Annecy – Paradise

We leave Provence and head for the most beautiful lake on the planet. Which just happens to be surrounded by some reasonably large mountains.

Lake Annecy is our home for the next 3 nights. It's about a 4-hour drive. Yes, we’ll stop for coffee and a wee.

We pride ourselves on flexibility. For both cyclists as well as Team Mac. By day 7, we’ll know more about you and what you like. Yes, we’ll always have a plan, but we won’t be scared to change it. (And are certainly open to suggestions)     

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 and actually pretty good coffee.  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 Annecy.

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, clean environment, and abundant flowers.

Annecy literally has hundreds of restaurants to choose from. So, while we are in Annecy – you are free to eat as you choose. Please keep an eye on the RH App for tomorrow’s plans. Enjoy your night.

/ Accommodation –Annecy
/ Meals included – Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner is own arrangements)

Day 8, Tuesday 21 July

Le Tour de France Time Trial

You will have the opportunity to see the TDF 4 times in the next 5 days. TT’s are an acquired taste. It’s totally up to you if you see the stage or decide to ride local. Chris will talk you through the negatives and positives.

Stage 16 is a 26km individual time-trial on the French, Swiss border. By chance, I rode around this region earlier this year. Lake Geneva is beautiful, and I know you’d have a cracking day.

Here’s how Christian Prudhomme describes the ITT course. “Once the lessons of the weekend have been digested during the rest day, the resumption of racing provides those who lost ground in the Vosges and Alps with an opportunity to regain some of it between these two spa resorts. However, the profile’s far from being a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva. One third uphill, one third downhill and one third flat, only the most complete rouleurs will be able handle this explosive cocktail.”

The TDF day consists of departing the hotel early and riding 90km to finish line at Thonon-les-Bains. (Just beside Evian, where there is beautiful water) You’ll spend most of the day here as the riders come through every minute or so. We won’t make you ride home afterwards but it would be a late return. (Think like 8pm approx.)

The local ride - Col de la Colombiere is the region’s highest profile TDF climb. The most direct route from our hotel is only 40km to the top (1700VM). Yes, it’s Hors Category. Meaning, fun but bad. The actual climb from Le Grand Bornard 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).

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 – The TDF ITT

B – Visiting Geneva, Switzerland. (Where there is chocolate and knives)

C – Jumping in one of the vehicles and heading to the top of Colombiere. The views are incredible.    

/ Accommodation –Annecy
/ Meals included – Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner is own arrangements)

Day 9, Wednesday 22 July

Tour de France race start…

We always make an effort to see at least one start. They’re a hive of activity as you see riders warming up and signing on.  Today’s stage is reasonably flat (175km) so it will probably start at about 1pm. Our goal is to have you there by 11am. It’s also the best chance you have of buying official TDF merchandise.

Chambery is where everything kicks off. It’s only 54km away from our hotel. We’ll have the vans near the start for those who only want to ride one-way. Otherwise, we see a lot of you riding out and back.

The elephant in the room? Yes – that’s Semnoz. It’s a regular mountain we climb in the Annecy region luckily for you, it just so happens to be enroute. Boom. Semnoz (1700m) is part of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and dominates the western shore of Lake Annecy. Offering outstanding views.

Anyway, regardless, we’ll have a solid plan for the climbers as well as those more comfortable on the flat. It’s important you are at the start early to soak in the festivities.  

Team Mac – we see you being at the start with us. This afternoon you visit Aix-les-Bains. A thermal spa town on Lake Bourget. Theres a great lunch cafe at the top of the hill, overlooking the lake. Perhaps a stroll in the Aix town centre, or a walk lake side! Options.  We know it well as we stay here every year on our Annecy tour.

/ Accommodation –Annecy
/ Meals included – Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner is own arrangements)

Day 10, Thursday 23 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 drive from Annecy to the bottom of Lacets de Montvernier. Probably the most famous 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. It’s then 100% (30km) downhill to our hotel. (Via Col du Lautaret)

I know what you are thinking... that’s a big day... but no, it’s actually not too bad. Total distance is only 90km. 2600m up and a whopping 1900m down. Which in my world pretty much says that the whole day is only a 700m climb. Pretty much flat. 

** On that note – for those who need more time on the climb we will simply start you earlier. We don’t want you to feel pressure to keep up with the whippets.

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. Like on all days – there will also be a good walk planned. ** Also – like in Annecy, there’s a good opportunity here for you to hire an e-bike if you’d like to join us for the odd ride.

Our home for the next 3 nights is in the beautiful ski valley of Serre Chevalier. We stay at the same hotel every year. Tonight, we’ll be joined by TDF2. It will be a sea of Pink and Blue.

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

Day 11, Friday 24 July

Alpe d’Huez TdF stage 19

A once in life opportunity to see the Tour de France on Alpe d’Huez. Simple as that. Let’s make the most of it.

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 won’t see this at the TT or at the race start.

You see grown men diving on the road trying to acquire one 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 at this stage of the trip.

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!

There will be a few riding options. The Espressos can ride from the hotel. Cappuccino and Latte riders will be dropped at the bottom of the world’s most famous hill.

Team Mac – we’ll get you up the climb as far as possible. You won’t get lost as you’ll be joined by about 200000 others. Look out for the Dutch. They’re the loudest and provide the most entertainment.    

The stage finish is usually just after 5pm. It’s then a short 1hr drive back to our hotel. A long day. But one you will never forget. Enjoy.

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

Day 12, Saturday 25 July

TDF Stage 20 – Col du Galibier ascent from the other side!

Without doubt – the Queen (King) stage of the 2026 Tour de France. Today’s stage is only (he said) 171km but climbs 5600m. Seriously – What? That’s insane. 

You saw the stage up d’Huez yesterday. Our target for today is none other than Col du Galibier and the highest point of this year’s TDF.

It's very gentle ride up to Col du Lautaret from our hotel. 20km at 3-4%. That's flat. There are donuts at the top. You can chill out here for a while and re-group.

** On that note – for those who need more time on the climb we will simply start you earlier. We don’t want you to feel pressure to keep up with the whippets.

After donuts - It's a short little wee 8km (up) to Col du Galibier. It's not that difficult until you reach the last 1km which is when the ‘hill’ starts to get real. Galibier is the 8^th highest paved road in the Alps. You’ve already done 2 in the top 10 so this should be easy peasy.

We need to be on top of Galibier by midday at the latest. The caravan will come through at about 1pm and the riders at about 3.30pm. Team Mac – we’ll get you to the top as well.

The idea being that after the last of the riders comes through, we shoot back down to Lautaret where we expect there will be a large outdoor screen. The goal is to be there to watch the last hour of drama unfold on Col de Sarenne and the Alpe d Huez!

It’s then a gentle 20km back down the valley to our hotel. What time is dinner?

Now… See you at the bar.

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

Day 13, Sunday 26 July

Coffee ride... Or the munta!

Our last chance for a bike ride before we leave the French Alps and head towards Lyon and the end of our journey together. From our Serre Chevalier hotel it’s about a 2 hour drive.

Let’s talk about the Munta option first. Col du Granon.

The munta option... Remember stage 11 of the 2022 TdF, when Pogacar cracked and lost over 2 mins to the eventual yellow jersey winner? Well!! Col du Granon is literally across the road from our hotel. It can only be described as a Munta. 10km and 10%. The view from the top is awesome and there's the added bonus of a really remote café at the top. So, only a 20km ride today. In the small print – 1000 VM.

The coffee option? Ahh, less than the munta option. We’ll ride into Briancon for a coffee and cake. Followed by more cake as the coffee in France isn’t great. 

Our goal is to be at our hotel by 4pm. Our Lyon hotel is situated at the airport. Making it easy for tomorrow. 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.

There will be some admin to work through this afternoon as we help pack bikes into bike bags. It’s then time for our farewell dinner.

/ Accommodation: NH Lyon
/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 14, Monday 27 July

Safe travels home

Our tour finishes after breakfast. For some it's time to head home, while others will take some time in Lyon 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.

• Col du Soulor – 1
• Col d’Aubisque - HC
• Hautacam – HC
• Col du Tourmalet – HC
• Mont Ventoux – HC
• Col du Lautaret - 2
• Col du Galibier – HC
• Col de la Colombiere - HC
• Alpe d’Huez – HC                 
• Col du Granon - HC

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.

Team Mac – We will 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. There will also be the opportunity to hire e-bikes on occasion.   

Thank you for joining Ride Holidays.

Safe travels

Karl, Dean and Chris