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TOTAL: 3492 km

This will be the first Grand Départ in Italy and the 26th that’s taken place abroad  First finale in Nice. Due to the Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Paris, the race will not finish in the French capital for the first time.

Two time trials. 25 + 34 = 59km in total, the second of them taking place on the final Monaco>Nice stage. This will be the first time the race has seen a finale of this type for 35 years, the last occasion being the famous Fignon - LeMond duel in 1989.

Apennines (Italy), the Italian and French Alps, Massif Central and Pyrenees will be the mountain ranges on the 2024 Tour route.

The number of countries visited in 2024: Italy, San Marino, Monaco and France. Within France, the race will pass through 7 Regions and 30 departments.

The number of bonus points 8, 5 and 2 bonus seconds go to the first three classified riders, featuring at strategic points along the route (subject to approval by the International Cycling Union)these will have no effect on the points classification. Bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds will be awarded to the first three classified riders at road stage finishes.

Out of a total of 39, the locations or stage towns that are appearing on the Tour map for the first time . In order of appearance: Florence, Rimini, Cesenatico, Bologna, Piacenza, Saint-Vulbas, Gevrey-Chambertin, Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, Évaux-les-Bains, Gruissan, Superdévoluy, Col de la Couillole.

The number of sectors on white roads during stage nine, amounting to 32km in total .

The number of stages: 8 flat, 4 hilly, 7 mountain (with 4 summit finishes at Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet, Plateau de Beille, Isola 2000, Col de la Couillole), 2 time trials and 2 rest days.

The number of riders who will line up at the start of the Tour, divided into 22 teams of 8 riders each.

The height of the summit of the Bonette pass in the Alps, the highest tarmac road in France, which will be the “roof” of the 2024 Tour.

The total vertical gain during the 2024 Tour de France.

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A total of 2,3 million euros will be awarded to the teams and riders including € 500,000 to the final winner of the overall individual classification .

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Alpe d'Huez: A classic climb for Tour de France 2022

The alpine climb of Alpe d'Huez has regularly shaped the outcome of the Tour de France winner

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The iconic Alpe d'Huez returns to the Tour de France for stage 12 in 2022, which is set to be its 31st appearance on the Tour since its first introduction in 1952. 

Instantly recognisable from the air, riders have to navigate 13.8 kilometres and 21 hairpin bends as it slithers from Bourg d’Oisans to the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps. 

First included in the Tour de France in 1952, Alpe d'Huez provided the location of the Tour's first ever summit finish. Now a regular and popular feature of the French Grand Tour, it's hard to believe that in 1952 the climb up the mountain didn't prove a success for race organisers - the sea of spectators spilling onto the road that we are used to seeing now did not exist.

It took 24 years before organisers used Alpe d'Huez again, though, when in 1976 both the sport and the resort had rapidly developed. Since then, the climb has made Tour champions, and broken the hearts and bodies of many others - and not just racers. The climb has become a ‘must do’ ascent for cyclists, and is a mecca for bike-bound pilgrims every year when the snow melts away.

All 21 hairpins are named after the winners of stages, and by 2001 all 21 hairpins had been named. Consequently, naming restarted at the bottom of the mountain, with Lance Armstrong's name replacing the race's first winner in 1952, Fausto Coppi.

The stage last featured on the Grand Tour in 2018, where Geraint Thomas took the stage win.

Alpe d'Huez stats

Location: Alps, France

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Distance: 13.8km

Average gradient: 8.1 per cent, with the steepest part 11.5 per cent

Maximum elevation: 1850 metres

Fastest recorded ascent: 37 minutes and 35 seconds by Marco Pantani during 1997 Tour de France

Tour de France stages on Alpe d'Huez

Spectators line the hairpin bends on stage 19 of the 2011 Tour de France

There are more cameras now, but the scene on Alpe d'Huez remains the same: fans grabbing a glimpse of their favourite riders and a party atmosphere.

It is estimated hundreds of thousands of fans often gather on Alpe d'Huez during the race, offering encouragement and support up the painful climbs and hairpins. However, this sometimes isn't without controversy, with heavy police intervention required on occasions.

At the 1986 Tour de France, Bernard Hinault said he would help Greg LeMond to win the Tour, however, his actions suggested otherwise throughout the race. In an apparent sign of truce, the pair crossed the finish line arm in arm, making it one of the most iconic photographs in Tour history. 

For pedants sake, Hinault crossed the line fractionally earlier and won the race, though LeMond eventually secured the overall victory. 

Marco Pantani climbing Alpe d'Huez at the 1997 Tour de France

Marco Pantani, Richard Virenque and Jan Ullrich fought it out on stage 13 of the 1997 Tour, but it was Pantani would win the stage. Meanwhile, Ullrich went on to win the GC for the first and only time in his career, with Virenque claiming the King of the Mountains title. 

Pantani won on the Alpe for the second time in his career with this 97 win, attacking three times with only Ullrich able to match him. The German lasted until 10km were left, before the Italian rode alone to win the stage and climb the mountain with a record speed.

In 1999, Giuseppe Guerini led the Alpe d'Huez stage comfortably and was only a few hundred metres from the finish line when he collided with a spectator who had stepped into his path to take a photograph.

Unperturbed, Guerini managed to get back on his bike and finish 21 seconds ahead of second-placed Pavel Tonkov, in what is perhaps one of the most bizarre Tour de France moments.

Christophe Riblon winning the Alpe d'Huez stage in the 2013 Tour de France

Stage 18 of the 2013 Tour de France, the 100th edition of the race, included a double ascent of the Alpe d'Huez climb for the first time ever. Riders reached 1,765m on the first passage, climbed Col de Sarenne in between, before continuing to the traditional finish on the second climb in what proved an especially gruelling stage. 

Christophe Riblon prevailed in 2013, having chased down Tejay van Garderen over the second ascent before winning the stage by over a minute.

Geraint Thomas became the first, and to date, only rider to win the Alpe d'Huez stage of the Tour de France while in the yellow jersey when he crossed the line first in 2018. 

Steve Kruijswijk had been on a 70km solo attack, but Thomas, along with Tom Dumoulin, Chris Froome, Romain Bardet and Mikel Landa, was able catch him two-thirds into the climb. With around half a kilometre left of the race, Thomas dropped the remaining riders to create history, setting himself up for an extended lead in the GC. 

Tour de France stage winners on Alpe d'Huez

1952, Stage 10, Fausto Coppi 1976, Stage 9, Joop Zoetemelk 1977, Stage 17, Hennie Kuiper 1978, Stage 16, Hennie Kuiper 1979, Stage 17, Joaquim Agostinho 1979, Stage 18, Joop Zoetemelk 1981, Stage 17, Peter Winnen 1982, Stage 16, Beat Breu 1983, Stage 17, Peter Winnen 1984, Stage 17, Luis Herrera 1986, Stage 18, Bernard Hinault 1987, Stage 20, Federico Echave 1988, Stage 12, Steven Rooks 1989, Stage 17, Gert-Jan Theunisse 1990, Stage 11, Gianni Bugno 1991, Stage 17, Gianni Bugno 1992, Stage 14, Andrew Hampsten 1994, Stage 16, Roberto Conti 1995, Stage 10, Marco Pantani 1997, Stage 13, Marco Pantani 1999, Stage 10, Giuseppe Guerini 2001, Stage 10, [Lance Armstrong]* 2003, Stage 8, Iban Mayo 2004, Stage 16, [Lance Armstrong]* 2006, Stage 15, Frank Schleck 2008, Stage 17, Carlos Sastre 2011, Stage 19, Pierre Rolland 2013, Stage 18, Christophe Riblon 2015, Stage 20, Thibaut Pinot 2018, Stage 12, Geraint Thomas

* result annulled due to doping conviction

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Tour de France Provence & Cote D'Azur Premium VIP Spectator Tour

2024 Tour de France VIP Spectator Tour – Alps & Nice

The Premium package 'Full bells and whistles' experience!

Embark on the ultimate Luxury experience during our final week, with deluxe accommodations, expert guides, top notch meals and wine, culminating in an exclusive Premium VIP viewing of the thrilling finale Time Trial on the last day

Live Race Viewing

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July 16th 2024

USD $ 8,995

7 days / 6 nights

Join us for the last 7 adrenalin filled days, seeing 4 stages in the Provence Haute Alpes & the French Riviera! Stunning viewings in the Provence region, a visit to Monte Carlo in Monaco and the Grand Finale weekend for VIP viewing of the final 2 stages in the Cote D’Azur. A final Coup could be possible on the final day in Nice!

Discover the area and stages with minimal travel time. Your first Hotel is ideally located in the beautiful region of Jausiers, rounded off with our luxury 5 Star Hotel in the centre of Nice.

Official Premium Tour Operator – Thomson Bike Tours is one of only 3 Official Tour Operators awarded “Premium” status to the Tour de France. Our partnership with the race organizers allows us to provide the ultimate insider Tour de France experience, complete with exclusive VIP hospitality and unprecedented race viewing opportunities.

Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux > Superdévoluy

Gap > barcelonnette, nice > col de la couillole, monaco > nice.

Not advised for Non-Riders

Anne Leigh Kerr, USA — 2019

Mike Madison, USA — 2023

Tour de France VIP Spectator Tour - Alps

There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how amazing our trip was! From the moment we got on the bus with the hand-picked playlist from Jacinta to the moment we were popping champagne with our new friends, and every moment in between, this trip made all of my dreams come true. Just an amazing, unforgettable trip that I can’t wait to do again!

Kevin & Eileen Prufer, USA — 2018

Exclusive VIP Access

You can’t get closer to the race unless you join a World Tour team

Insider Access

Meet the riders and Tour celebrities before the race start at the Departure Village and mix and mingle in the team area with Team Paddock access — a Spectator favorite!

Relais-Etape VIP

A great view of the race and more. Start with an aperitif at the bar and a seated lunch before watching the peloton race by in the company of an ex pro.

Izoard VIP Tribune

The Izoard VIP Tribune, situated opposite the Finish Line, offers VIP hospitality and unparalleled viewing of the stage finish.

A Passionate Team

Our passionate and knowledgable Spectator team are dedicated to providing you with a truly exceptional time at major Pro Tour bike races. The infectious personality of our team add an extra dimension to an unrivalled VIP experience. Simply the most fun you can have at a bike race.

ASO Premium Status

As the number one Official Premium Tour de France Tour Operater we can offer the ultimate in race access and exclusive goodies, such as the Tour de France Roadbook – the Holy Grail - given only to teams, media & Official Tour Operators (in digital form) and a special 25% discount card for Official Tour de France stores.

Our guide has relationships with the commentators, teams and an extensive network of insider contacts, that means on the rest days you will be treated to a backstage pass experience

Itinerary Detail

Bienvenue en France!

Our staff will meet you at Avignon TGV Station. From here we’ll transfer you in our private shuttle to our hotel in Jausiers.  In a century-old park, the “Castle” of Jausiers has been turned into a Luxury Hotel. We’ll have a late lunch where you’ll get a chance to meet your fellow Tour de France fans. Then it’s a short orientation meeting where we’ll run through the plans for the upcoming week. After lunch we will give you chance to check in and enjoy the surroundings, recharge your batteries and get ready for an action packed week!

LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Izoard Super Dévoluy

The return of Super Dévoluy making it 5 times in the Tour! Today we have a mountain to climb! That’s right, our VIP status means we can take our private shuttle up to our VIP viewing area. Even the journey on the closed road, through the hordes of fans, is a unique experience!  The atmosphere on a mountain day is a real buzz with fans galore, so you can lap up the energy and excitement, as we always arrive a few hours before. Early afternoon we will head to the VIP Izoard, a 3 tiered VIP viewing area, premium roadside location, free drinks, canapes and live coverage!  Today is where you will see who has strong legs as the riders struggle up the steep road, gasping for any seconds they can…

LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Finish Line Tribune in Barcelonnette

Today is on our doorstep and we make the short journey to Barcelonnette. Capital of the Ubaye Valley, it has a character that is both Southern and Mountainous, with an altitude of 1135m. Pretty colourful facades and pedestrian streets dotted with shops, will welcome us, in this beautiful village. We plan to get there early, as the VIP area is also home to the Zone Technique, where we can often catch the commentators pre race!  Early afternoon we will return to the VIP Izoard, our 3 tiered VIP viewing area, to watch another spectacular finish, with a different atmosphere in the Provence Haute Alpes.

Gruissan > Nimes

The sprinters may be heavily tipped for success when the race heads away from the coast near Narbonne, and maybe even when the riders pass over the Pic Saint-Loup. But the Mistral can blow fiercely at this time of year and could well upset the plans of the sprinters if those teams that feel at home when it’s windy end up scattering the peloton.

As the race homes in on the southern Alps, there will be no significant obstacles crossing the Drôme. The tests beyond that, though, are likely to encourage the formation of a large breakaway group, whose members will have a chance to shine, assuming they can deal with the climbs in the final 40 kilometres. We’ll get a clearer idea of this on the ascent of the Col Bayard, although the final selection should be made on the Col du Noyer (7.5km at 8.4%), with the final decision coming on the approach to the Superdévoluy ski station.

The altimeter drops temporarily, although the sprinters will still have to go right to their limits in order to claim the final bouquet within their grasp. That’s down to the fact that once the peloton has admired Lake Serre-Ponçon, the day’s attackers will have a few hills to exploit as they seek to maintain their lead. A strong puncheur might be able to go clear on the Côte de Saint-Apollinaire, and they’ll even more opportunity to do so on the Côte des Demoiselles Coiffées.

Embrun > Isola 2000

The menu for this ultra-mountain stage could well make you dizzy, but it’ll also whet the appetite of the very best climbers. Although the stage is less than 150km long, the riders will climb above 2,000 metres on three occasions, the biggest test the climb to the summit of La Bonette, the highest road in France at an altitude of 2,802 metres. Its 360-degree panorama is breath-taking.

The Paris-Nice regulars will be racing over familiar terrain, but that won’t make things any easier if the contest for the Yellow Jersey is still raging, particularly over such a short distance. Battle could commence as early as the climb to the Col de Braus. There will then be no respite on the climbs of the Cols de Turini, de la Colmiane and finally de la Couillole, the final ascent extending for 15.7km at an average gradient of 7.1%. We’ll all be holding our breath!

Everyone remembers the last occasion the Tour finished with a time trial, when Greg LeMond stripped the yellow jersey from the shoulders of Laurent Fignon on the Champs-Élysées in 1989, by just eight seconds. Thirty-five years on, we can but dream of a similar duel, involving two or three riders, an authentic athletic confrontation whose outcome would determine the final podium of the 111th edition, and the first to finish far from its familiar Parisian setting, the ultimate finale destined for Place Masséna, just a few pedal-strokes from the Promenade des Anglais.

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Olympic Torch Relay: a sporting and cultural epic to be experienced throughout France

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Reading time: 0 min Published on 15 April 2024, updated on 22 April 2024

From 8 May to 26 July 2024, the Olympic Flame will embark on an incredible cultural and festive journey across mainland France and its overseas territories: the Olympic Torch Relay. Along the way, it will be highlighting France's heritage, the diversity of its landscapes, its know-how, its talents and its innovations. And, of course, sport! There will be more than 60 stops along the way, all of which will be opportunities to get together and celebrate the values of Olympism before the big event gets under way. Let's find out more about the stages of this incredible relay that you won't want to miss!

It all begins in the port of Marseille on 8 May 2024. After a long crossing aboard the Belem from Piraeus in Greece, the Olympic flame will set foot on French soil for the first time in the Cité Phocéenne, which was once a Greek colony. The flame, which embodies an ideal of peace and friendship between peoples and refers to the Games of Antiquity, will then head for Toulon via the splendid Almanarre beach and the salt route at Hyères .

The Relais de la Flamme will then head for Manosque, with a stopover in Sisteron and its famous citadel, as well as the Verdon regional nature park , famous for its Sainte-Croix lake and its famous gorges.

From Provence to Occitania via Corsica

The flame will then make a stopover in Arles before crossing the Mediterranean again, this time heading for Corsica, not forgetting to admire the impressive Aiguilles de Bavella along the way. Back on the mainland, the Relais will take on the famous Millau Viaduct , a true architectural feat, before climbing Mont Canigou in the Pyrenees. After a well-earned break in the medieval city of Carcassonne and a stopover in Toulouse , the flame will strap on the crampons again, heading for the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Then it's off for a well-deserved rest on the beaches of Biarritz , in the Basque country.

On 22 May, the Torch Relay will explore the Lascaux Cave , in the Dordogne Valley, before heading for Bordeaux, its wine city and the vineyards of Saint-Emilion.

Châteaux, vineyards, beaches and monuments

After a stopover in Cognac , the flame will set off again for Angers, determined to discover the Château de Montsoreau and the Coteaux-du-Layon vineyards in the Pays de la Loire . Then it's on to Normandy, Honfleur and the D-Day landing beaches before tackling the sacred monster: Mont-Saint-Michel.

The Flame tour kicks off in June in Brittany, in the Brocéliande forest , with its fairytales and legends. Rendezvous on 5 June in the bay of La Baule, on the Atlantic coast , before heading for the aptly named Pointe de la Torche in Brest, Brittany, from where the Flame will embark on the Relais des Océans across the French Overseas Territories.

First stop: Cayenne and the Kourou space centre in French Guiana . Then on to Reunion Island, where the Plaine des sables, the Cité du volcan and the pointe de Langevin are on the programme. In Tahiti, the flame will pay a visit to the famous Teahupo'o wave, well known to surfers, which will be the setting for the surfing competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The torch tour will then head to the Guadeloupe Islands and in particular Pointe-à-Pitre to visit the Act Memorial. This Relais des Océans will finish in Martinique where the flame will admire Mount Pelée before setting sail again for the Côte d'Azur.

From the Mediterranean to the Alps

On 18 June, she will be performing in Nice, Antibes and at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes . Then on to Avignon, the ancient theatre of Orange and the Mont Ventoux, well known to Tour de France fans. On 21 June, the flame will be in Vichy , in the Auvergne, before moving on to the Alps, on the shores of Lake Annecy and the Mont-Blanc Valley.

The Château de Versailles, the Place de la Concorde and the Alexandre III bridge, as well as the legendary Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, the Marina de Marseille and the latest-generation aquatic centre in Saint-Denis... From Paris to Tahiti, via the regions, 39 Olympic venues will be hosting the competitions of the Paris 2024 Games in France. From the most legendary to the most eco-responsible, follow the guide!

There's a change of scenery, with the torch arriving in Strasbourg, Alsace, on 26 June. After a stopover at the Meisenthal glassworks and the Verdun memorial, it's off to Champagne, where the flame will be strolling down the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, famous for its famous wine cellars . On 2 July, the route heads for the Hauts-de-France region, with a stopover in Lille and at the Louvre-Lens . Then on to the coast and the Baie de Somme.

On 5 July, back in Normandy, the flame will visit Rouen Cathedral before heading for Chambord Castle in the Loire Valley. After passing through Orléans, it's off to Burgundy! Vézelay, the vineyards of Chablis, Dijon, the Clos de Vougeot ... that's a promise!

Ten days in and around Paris

On 14 and 15 July, as part of the bank holidays, the flame will make its first stop in Paris, with the Place de la Bastille, the Hôtel de Ville and the Assemblée Nationale on the programme. That's it! The flame will then travel to the Cité Internationale de la langue française in Villers-Cotterêts, before visiting the châteaux of Chantilly, Fontainebleau and, of course, Versailles! On 25 July, for its final stopover, the flame will be in Seine-Saint-Denis. Make your way to the canal de l'Ourcq, the Olympic aquatic centre in Saint-Denis and the Parc Georges Valbon in La Courneuve, which will host a large area for celebrations during the Games.

The Torch Relay will end in Paris on 26 July. There, the flame will light the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony , which will finally mark the launch of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Find out more: More information on the route of the Olympic flame

Also read: - Discover our special report on the Paris Games - The Games in Paris: 6 good reasons to make the trip in 2024 - Paris 2024 Games: everything you need to know for a successful trip to France

By Redaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

The Paris Olympics: on track for 2024!

Paris Olympic Games 2024: Everything you need to know to enjoy your trip to France

Destination: Etretat

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The Italian and French Alps stages with the Premier Official Tour Operator

LIVE race-viewing of the key Alpine stages in Italy and France during the first week of the Tour de France. Witness the Tour LIVE on the Col du Galibier and enjoy VIP access to the Stage Finish in Turin. Ride the Colle del Nivolet – and of course Alpe d’Huez!

Thomson Tour de France K/QOM Challenges are the trips of choice for avid cyclists of all abilities looking for a unique blend of LIVE race-viewing and challenging riding.

Ride Alpe d’Huez , the Col du Galibier (from both sides), the Col de la Croix de Fer, the spectacular Lacets de Montvernier and one of our favorite climbs, the little-known Col du Sabot. You’ll also conquer what is generally considered the most beautiful climb in Europe (and one of the most challenging) – the mighty Colle del Nivolet in Piedmont!

Be there on the Col du Galibier to experience the Tour de France LIVE on this iconic climb. Mingle with pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village and Team Paddock at the start of Stage 5 in St Jean de Maurienne. E xperience a memorable day in Turin with an official ride across the Finish Line before the peloton, a photo shoot on the Official Podium, then w itness the Finish of Stage 3, LIVE from the Official VIP Lounge.

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June 29th 2024

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Rachel Dubois, Singapore — 2019

Tour de France

Diane Kelly, USA — 2023

The experience exceeding my expectations, especially as it concerned watching the TDF stages in person. The level of support Thomson provided was extraordinary.

shelly kott, USA — 2017

Daily itineraries

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Your partner doesn’t ride but is a Tour de France fan: no problem, our Non-riding Companion program features daily activities and Tour de France viewing for those who prefer not to ride.

Check out our Sport, Performance, Epic and Non-Riding Companion itineraries below.

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Itinerary Detail

Benvenuto a Torino!

Your trip starts at Milan Malpensa Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Romano Canavese.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride, a beautiful ride through the Canavese hills.

Your trip starts at Milan Malpensa Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Romano Canavese. In the afternoon we’ll organise a visit to the Basilica Superga which sits high on a hill overlooking the city of Turin. Superga is one of the key symbols of the city and actually hosts the finish of the annual Milano-Torino bike race.

Colle del Nivolet - the most beautiful climb in the Alps?

Our destination today is generally rated as the most beautiful paved climb in the Alps: the Colle de Nivolet! Not often do we get the oppotunity to ride this majestic climb but with the Tour de France finishing in nearby Turin tomorrow, we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ride this gem of a climb.

From our hotel we’ll have a short transfer to Ceresole Reale where we’ll jump on the bikes and head out on this beautiful climb. This will be your biggest challenge of the week but well woth the effort. Enjoy!

From our hotel we’ll have a short transfer to Pont Canavese where we’ll jump on the bikes and head out on this beautiful ride. The Nivolet summit lies 52km up the road with the final 18km being absolutely spectacular. Enjoy!

Riding from the hotel,  in the town of Strambino we take a little detour off the main road to include the magnificent Pian del Lupo climb which we last rode in 2019 during Stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia. The descent from Pian del Lupo brings you back to the main Nivolet route, 52 km from the summit, with the final 18km being absolutely spectacular. Enjoy!

Turin visit

Our cycling group head up to the high mountains to take on one of the most challenging rides in Europe, the Colle de Nivolet! If you’d like to see this spectacular part of the Alps you’re welcome to jump in one of our support vans and encourage your partner to the top of this magnificent climb. Alternatively join your non-riding host on an organised tour of the many attractions the city of Turin has to offer, including the Egizio Museum, a wonderful museum dedicated to Egyption art and culture, the National Cinema Museum, and for you car-lovers, there’s the National Automobile Museum, recognised as one of the world’s top tech and science museums.

Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish

A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Turin.

Our cycling group will be riding across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton where you’ll be invited to join them for a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Turin.

LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to the Col du Galibier

The first big mountain stage today with the riders facing the mighty Col du Galibier before dropping down to Valloire for the stage finish. You’ll have a short transfer to Serre Chevalier where you’ll start the ride on the actual Tour de France race route. Join the groups of passionate cycling fans as they climb to the Col de Lautaret and on to the legendary Col de Galibier. Riding this legendary climb on race day will be an experience you’re unlikely to forget. Enjoy!

Our Logistics Team will have set up our Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee on the climb to the Galibier which will be buzzing with thousands of passionate fans excited to see the stage finish on this legendary climb. Enjoy the atmosphere from the comfort of our Private Hospitality Marquee. Food, drinks, and satellite TV race coverage will keep you entertained as you wait for the peloton to approach.

The first big mountain stage today with the riders facing the mighty Col du Galibier before dropping down to Valloire for the stage finish. You’ll have a short transfer to Montgenevre where you’ll start the ride on the actual Tour de France race route. A fantastic descent takes you to Briançon and the start of the long climb to the Col de Lautaret and the legendary Col de Galibier. Riding this legendary climb on race day will be an experience you’re unlikely to forget. Enjoy!

The first big mountain stage today with the riders facing the mighty Col du Galibier before dropping down to Valloire for the stage finish. You’ll have a short transfer to Bardonnechia where you’ll start the ride with the magnificent climb to the Colle della Scala and the French border. The descent takes you to Briançon where you’ll join the Tour de France race route and the start of the long climb to the Col de Lautaret and the legendary Col de Galibier. Riding this legendary climb on race day will be an experience you’re unlikely to forget. Enjoy!

The first big mountain stage today with the riders facing the mighty Col du Galibier before dropping down to Valloire for the stage finish. Our staff will drive you to the Col du Galibier where our Logistics Team will have set up our Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee where you’ll join thousands of passionate fans excited to see the stage finish on this legendary climb. Enjoy the atmosphere from the comfort of our Private Hospitality Marquee. Food, drinks, and satellite TV race coverage will keep you entertained as you wait for the peloton to approach.

LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access - OR - Ride the Col du Sabot

Today the Tour de France heads out of the Alps with a flat stage from St Jean de Maurienne to Saint Vulbas. You’ll have a couple of options to choose from:

Option 1: head over to St Jean de Maurienne to experience the start of the Tour de France stage. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the teams and individual riders as they prepare for the start of the stage.

Option 2: join our ride leaders for a fantastic ride to the quaint mountain village of Vaujany.

Option 2: join our ride leaders for a fantastic ride to the Col du Sabot, a magnificent, little-known climb, high above Alpe d’Huez.

LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access

Today the Tour de France heads out of the Alps with a flat stage from St Jean de Maurienne to Saint Vulbas. We’ll head over to St Jean de Maurienne to experience the start of the Tour de France stage. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the teams and individual riders as they prepare for the start of the stage.

21 switchbacks to Alpe d'Huez

Today is your opportunity to test yourself on the most famous of all climbs – the 21 switchbacks that lead to Alpe d’Huez!

You’ll start the day by descending the famous 21 switchbacks to Bourg d’Oisans. Stop in Bourg d’Oisans to visit the local bike shop which has a great range of Alpe d’Huez cycling clothes and merchandise. Enjoy a coffee in the main square of this cycling-passionate town then head out to conquer this most famous of all cycling climbs.

The ride starts with a long descent and after 28km you’ll reach the town of Bourg d’Oisans, the start ot the climb to Alpe d’Huez. This time round you’ll only climb the first 3km of the climb before turning off in La Garde onto one of the most spectacular roads in the Alps: the panoramic road to Le Freney.

From Le Freney, you’ll ride back down the valley to Bourg d’Oisans.This time you’ll climb all of the iconic 21 switchbacks to Alpe d’Huez.

The ride starts with a long descent and after 28km you’ll reach the town of Bourg d’Oisans, the start ot the climb to Alpe d’Huez. On reaching the summit, the ride continues with “the balcony”, an incredible route perched high on a ridge with some of the most impressive views in the Alps. Your final climb of the day takes you back to Alpe d’Huez over the stunning Col de Sarenne, a remote, narrow road that climbs to 2000m before dropping down into Alpe d’Huez.

Alpe d'Huez

A day in Alpe d’Huez and your host will lead you on a hike around the many mountain trails that surround the town.

Croix de Fer, Telegraphe and Galibier!

A challenging ride today in the mountains around Alpe d’Huez, with a total distance of 42 km and 1310m of elevation gain. The ride starts easy enough with the 14km descent to Bourg d’Oisans. However, this time you won’t stop in Bourg d’Oisans – you’ll continue along the valley floor for a further 8km to Rochetaillée.

In Rochetaillée you’ll take a right turn and start the beautiful climb to Pas de la Confession, the back-way into Alpe d’Huez. Enjoy the spectacular views of the valley floor, 800m below the panoramic road that leads to Pas de la Confession.

The iconic Col de la Croix de Fer

Your most challenging ride of the week with 2 major climbs to conquer: the iconic Col de la Croix de Fer and the Pas de la Confession climb through Vilard-Reculas and up to Alpe d’Huez.

You’ll start the ride with a long descent to Rochetaillée. From Rochetaillée, the Col de la Croix de Fer lies 31km up the road at an average grade of almost 6% so be careful to pace yourself on this long and challenging cimb. You’ll turn around at the summit and head back down to Allemond where you’ll start the incredibly scenic climb to Pas de la Confession, the back-way into Alpe d’Huez.

A major challenge today with the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de Telegraphe and the iconic Col du Galibier on the agenda. All 3 climbs are classified as “Hors-Categorie” meaning they’re above category, a French way of saying they’re damn hard.

One of the most remarkable climbs in the Alps is the Lacets de Montvernier, with it’s 18 switchbacks crammed into just 3km. It lies between the Croix de Fer and the Telegraphe so you’ll also have the opportunity to experience this incredible climb. From Les Lacets, a short ride along the valley will bring you to St Michel de Maurienne, the start of the iconic Col du Galibier. The summit lies 35km ahead at 2645m (8678ft), the highest elevation you’ll reach during the trip.

Grenoble visit

As your cycling partner takes on the biggest ride of the trip, you’ll join your host on a day-trip to nearby Grenoble. You’ll take the spectacular cable-car to the Bastille Fort where you can enjoy some of the best views in the Alps, visit the fort and enjoy some fantastic crepes. In the evening, we’ll meet up in the Hotel Bar to toast a sensational week with a few celebratory drinks before dinner.

Sadly, your Tour de France trip in the Alps has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lyon St Exupery Airport.

Map & Profile

Florence > Rimini

It’s rare for the Tour de France to start with more than 3,600 metres of climbing – in fact it’s never happened before! – and it’s also the first time that the race has visited the home city of Gino Bartali. The succession of hills in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna are likely to be the setting for an immediate and testing confrontation between the contenders for the title, particularly the climb into San Marino (7.1km at 4.8%), where the race will add a 13th name to its catalogue of foreign visits.

Cesenatico > Bologna

The passage across the Emilia-Romagna region is straightforward enough to begin with as it takes the peloton to Imola and its famous motor racing circuit. The final part of the stage, featuring the climb to the Sanctuary of San Luca (1.9km at 10.6%), the traditional finale of the Giro dell’Emilia, which will be tackled twice in the final 40km, offers fertile terrain for the peloton’s puncheurs.

Piacenza > Turin

The sprinters will have started the 2024 Tour with their teeth gritted, but now they’ll have something to sink them into with the finish in Turin. Prior to that, the peloton will pay a passing tribute to Fausto Coppi by heading through Tortone, where il campionissimo died. By that point, though, the sprinters’ domestiques will already be hard at work, their focus on ensuring a sprint finale. There’ll be little room for manoeuvre for the breakaway riders.

Pinerolo > Valloire

The race leaves Italy after a long climb to the resort of Sestrières, where Coppi triumphed in 1952, the border subsequently reached at the Col de Montgenèvre. Then, after ascending the Lautaret pass, the riders will tackle the 2,642-metre Galibier. This will be the first opportunity for the favourites to test themselves in the high mountains.

Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne > Saint-Vulbas

The race’s temporary exit from the Alps will be made via Chambéry. Soon after, the peloton will be in La Bridoire, where the finish of the Classique des Alpes Juniors is regularly held. That’s a race for climbers, but they won’t get a look-in here as they head for Saint-Vulbas. After the Côte de l’Huis, tackled with 34km remaining, the wide roads beyond will be ideal for keeping a close eye on the breakaway riders. The winner’s bouquet looks destined to go to a sprinter.

Mâcon > Dijon

Fans of medieval architecture will be treated to aerial images of Cluny Abbey and much more. The breakaway will set off with the ambition of holding off the peloton’s pursuit though the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise, but the sprinters should have the last word on the 800-metre straight into the prefecture of the Côte-d’Or.

Nuits-Saint-Georges > Gevrey-Chambertin

Great wines for great riders! But before venturing into the heart of the vineyards, the time trial specialists will spend almost two-thirds of this time trial on forest roads. The climb of the Côte de Curtil-Vergy (1.6km at 6.1%), which comes in the final section, will test their tolerance to pain. On the face of it, there shouldn’t be any big gaps between the best riders, but who knows?

Semur-en-Auxois > Colombey-les-deux-Églises

Although no altitude records will be broken, the first two-thirds of this stage does feature five categorised climbs. The relentless ups and downs may put a strain on the legs at the point when the sprinters’ team-mates are starting to think about setting up a bunch finish. But the last three kilometres of the final straight, which rise slightly but steadily, could be the ideal place to bring the peloton back together.

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Villa Matilde

The Hotel Sina Villa Matilde is a historic residence dating back to the 18th century, located in Romano Canavese, a small village nestled in the Piedmont countryside between the cities of Turin and Aosta. Set in a magnificent park, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a gym with sauna and Turkish bath. From a cycling standpoint, the hotel is ideally situated on the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park, on the road to the Colle del Nivolet, considered by many to be the most spectacular climb in Europe!

Hotel NH Torino Lingotto

The Hotel NH Torino Lingotto is located in the former FIAT car factory, redesigned by architect Renzo Piano. It's a unique building and Turin landmark and is located just 1km from the Finish Line of Stage 3 of the Tour de France and directly at the foot of the Superga and Colle della Maddalena iconic cycling climbs, making it the ideal location for easy access to the Stage Finish and to you the top cycling routes in the area. The hotel itself is quite stunning with the tropical Garden of Wonders dominating the center of the hotel.

Hotel Pic Blanc

Le Pic Blanc is the top hotel in Alpe d'Huez and over the years we've built a fantastic relationship with this much sought-after hotel, granting Thomson privileged access during the Tour de France. The restaurant and the rooms have incredible views of the high Alpine peaks just off to the south of the hotel. An indoor pool, spa, outside terrace and lounge bar make this a wonderful place to relax after a hard day's riding in the Alps!

Pick-up and Drop-off

What's included

Rental bikes

Specialized Aethos Expert

Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

Di2 Shimano Ultegra

699g (size 56)

11-36t (12-speed)

49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Guest Experience

Elevate your riding experience to new heights as you conquer legendary ascents that have tested the mettle of cycling's elite. Picture yourself pedaling through panoramic vistas, tackling hairpin turns and steep gradients, all while astride top-tier bikes meticulously fine-tuned by professional mechanics. With a support crew unparalleled in their dedication, every mile becomes a triumph, every summit a personal victory. Fulfill your lifetime riding goals and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of the pro peloton, where the passion for cycling meets the grandeur of the mountains. This isn't just a trip—it's a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and ride the same paths as cycling legends.

VIP Experience

Embark on the ultimate cycling pilgrimage with our exclusive VIP trip to witness the Tour de France in unparalleled style. Immerse yourself in the thrilling energy of the race with spectacular access to the start and finish lines, as well as prime vantage points along major climbs like the legendary Col du Tourmalet and the Col du Galibier. Rub shoulders with cycling royalty as you meet the pro riders up close, savoring the electrifying atmosphere of the world's greatest cycling event. Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our VIP areas, where the finest champagne and cuisine await you. Experience the Tour like never before – you'll be as close to the pros as a Directeur Sportif, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, meticulously supported by the Thomson team, and elevate your passion for cycling to new heights.

Legendary Climbs

Get ready to ride your way into cycling history! Join us on an exhilarating adventure that puts your climbing skills to the ultimate test along the legendary routes of the Tour de France. Channel your inner pro cyclist as you conquer iconic climbs such as the formidable Tourmalet and the breathtaking Galibier. Feel the rush of ascending these famed Cols, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that have witnessed cycling greatness. This isn't just a ride; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of professional cycling, supported by a dedicated team ensuring you tackle each ascent like a champion. Grab your bike, bring your determination, and let's ascend to new heights together!

2024 TDF K/QOM Challenge – Italian & French Alps

Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator

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Tour of the Alps 2024 - Stage 5 Highlights

Gallery - paret-peintre wins final stage as lopez takes #tota2024, carr caps breakaway with win in borgo valsugana. six in the running for lopez’ green jersey.

The most epic and legendary climbs of the Tour de France.

Climb list: legendary climbs of the tour de france (sort by distance, difficulty, elevation and more), statistics: view tutorial, total climbs: 116, top 100 world: 0, avg. fiets (top 5) : 12.8, sort by attribute:, zoom/pan map to discover additional climbs., pjamm trips adventure starter bundles, member comments.

TOP 10 MOST FREQUENT CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

10 FAMOUS TOUR DE FRANCE CLIMBS

See bottom of this page for list of all climbs included on this Legendary TdF Page.

©  PJAMMCycing.com

HISTORICAL TOUR DE FRANCE FACTS OF INTEREST

• Climb Most Often Featured in the Tour: Tourmalet - 84 times as of 2021

From Campan:  16.9 km gaining 1267m at 7.5% average grade.

From Luz Saint Sauveur:  18.7 km gaining 1319m at 7.1%.

• Highest Point Ever Reached in the Tour de France: Cime de la Bonette

Cime de la Bonette is 2,802 meters.

Stage 18 1962 (passed again in 1964, 1993 and 2008).

Top 5 high points of the Tour de France

Also see Top 10 Highest Points of the TdF

• Highest point of first TdF (1903):   Col de la République (1,161m).
• First Mountain Stage and climbs in the Tour de France:
• Stage 10 July 21, 1910 - Luchon to Bayonne
• 326 kilometers
• Circle of Death:  Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque
• On arriving at the top of Col d’Aubisque Octave Lapize (TdF 1910 winner) yelled to tour organizers what is variously reported as “murderers,” “assasins,” or “criminals.”  He also said he would quit the tour after descending to Laruns, but he rallied to complete the stage and go on to win the 1910 Tour de France.

Circle of Death

Tourmalet was the highest point the tour had ever reached as of 1910 (2115m)

Previous high point had been Col de Porte (1326m).

•  First mountain-top stage finish :  Alpe d’Huez (Dutch Mountain / The Alpe) was the first mountain-top finish in the history of the Tour de France in 1952, Stage 10.  
• Most TdF Wins:
• 5 Jacques Anquetil  (1957, 1961-1964)
• 5 Eddy Merckx  (1969-1972, 1974)
• Merckx has the most Grand Tour wins of anyone (11 - 5 TdF, 5 Giro, 1 Vuelta)
• 5 Bernard Hinault   (1978-1979, 1981-1982, 1985)
• Has the second most Grand Tour wins (10 - 5 TdF, 3 Giro, 2 Vuelta)
• 5 Miguel Indurain  (1991-1995)
• 4 Chris Froome :  (2013, 2015-2017)
• Most Days Wearing the Yellow Jersey:  
• 111 (Eddy Merckx)
• 79 (Bernard Hinault)
• 60 (Miguel Indurain)
• Most Stage Wins:  
• 34 (Eddy Merckx)
• 30 ( Mark Cavendish )
• 28 (Bernard Hinault)
• Most Stage Wins in a Single Tour:  
• 8 ( Charles Pélissier , 1930)
• 8 ( Merckx 1970, 1971)
• 8 (Freddy Maertens 1975)
• Most Times Atop the Podium   (top three TdF finish):  
• Raymond Poulidor  (8)
• Country Wearing the Yellow Jersey Most:  
• France (709)
• Belgium (434)

Frenchmen have been in the maillot jaune far more than any other country.  

• Winning TdF in First Appearance:
• 11 between 1903 - 1983 but none since Laurent Fignon  (1983), until 2020 and Tadej Pogačar  
• Youngest Winner of the Tour:  
• Henri Cornet (France, age 19) 1904
• Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, age 21) 2020
• Oldest TdF Winner:
• Firmin Lambot  (Belgium, age 36) 1922
• Most TdF Appearances:
• 18 Sylvain Chavenel (2001-2018 age 42; top finish 19 2009)
• King of the Mountains :  Mountain Classification victories (first recognized in 1933; jersey introduced 1975)

“Symbol of the mountains, of a rider pushing beyond their limits and of courage, the red polka dot jersey, which is sponsored by Carrefour, is awarded to the Tour de France’s leader of the best climber classification. Although this classification was introduced in 1933, its symbol, the polka dot jersey, appeared in 1975, which was also the year the Tour first finished on the Champs-Élysées and was won by Bernard Thévenet. It owes its appearance to track racing specialist Henri Lemoine, who competed between the 1930s and 1950s, and that Félix Lévitan, co-director of the Tour with Jacques Goddetwhich, had particularly noticed. While Belgium’s Lucien Van Impe was its first winner and claimed the mountains classification six times, just like his illustrious predecessor, Spain’s Federico Bahamontes, the so-called “Eagle of Toledo”, Frenchman Richard Virenque holds the record for victories with seven titles” ( Tour de France: Polka Dot Jersey ).  

• Richard Virenque : 7 - 1994-1997, 1999, 2003, 2004 (best tour finish #2 1997)
• Frederico Bahamontes  (six: 1954, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964; nine in Grand Tours)  
• Triples (none ever in the same year):   Frederico Bahamontes  and Louis Herrera .
• Doubles same year (TdF+Giro):   Fausto Coppi , Charly Gaul , Lucien Van Impe , Claudio Chaippucci

King of the Mountains is designated by the red polka dot jersey.

• Most Green Jerseys  (total points):
•  7 ( Peter Sagan )
• Most White Jerseys  (best young rider):
• 3 - Jan Ullrich  (1996-1998),
• 3 Andy Schleck  (2008-2010)
• Least Finishers:  
• Shortest Margin of Victory:  
• 8 seconds - Greg Lemond  over Laurent Fignon in 1989 (Lemond overcame 50 seconds in the final time trial using aero bars for the first time in the TdF).
• Greatest Margin of Victory:
• 2h49’21” in 1903 between Maurice Garin and Lucien Pothier .
• Country With Most Wins:
• France (36)
• Belgium (18)
• Britain (6)
• Luxembourg (5)

THE 5 MOST LEGENDARY CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

#1:   ALPE D’HUEZ

Alpe d’Huez Elevation Profile .

77.5% of the entire climb is at 5-10% average grade.

Steepest kilometer is 10.7%.

Alpe d’Huez is the most famous bike climb in the world and has been included in the Tour de France 30 times between 1952 and the 2022 TdF.

Ride 14 km gaining 1081m at 7.7% to 1801m

Photo clockwise from top left:

Start; Turn 21 (first turn); Turn 1 (last turn); finish; Turn 1 (center).

21 most famous hairpins in the world - 11.4 km at 8.4%.

Turn seven is the most famous of the Alpe d’Huez hairpins: Dutch Corner.

Dutch Corner is where cycling fans from the Netherlands congregate on the day the Tour de France comes to Alpe d’Huez for its inevitable exciting mountain top finish.  On this day and at this hairpin, the air is filled with loud European music, the smell of barbeque, and sounds of some of the greatest cycling fans in the world.  The tradition originates with Joop Zoetemeik who in 1976 became the first Dutchman to win the Alpe d’Huez stage.  Thereafter, Dutch riders won the next seven of twelve Alpe d’Huez finishes, but have not done so since Gert-Jan Theunisse in 1989 (Joop Zoetemelk 1976, 1979; Hennie Kuiper 1977, 1978; Peter Winnen 1981, 1983; Steven Rooks 1988 and Gert-Jan Theunisse 1989).

Bernard Hinault sealed his 5th Tour victory on Alpe d’Huez 1985

Photo: Bloomsburysports.com

Alpe d’Huez has become “the summit of the modern era,” and no other stage of the Tour de France has such presence.  With its 21 bends, steep ramps, and massive crowds, it has become the “Hollywood climb,” according to the ride’s official historian, Jacques Augendre.  Each year that this climb is included in the TdF, thousands of spectators flock to the area.  The massive crowds create what some participants in the ride have described as a feeling of both fear and exhilaration, and as French journalist Philippe Brunel described the look of the road during Marco Pantani’s victorious ascent in the 1995 race, “that thin ribbon of burning asphalt, covered in graffiti, between two deafening walls of spectators, which threaded between his wheels.” Alpe d’Huez has been included in the Tour de France 29 times between its first appearance in 1952 (including two appearances in 1979 and 2013).  Each of the 21 hairpins of this climb has been named after one or more of the winners of the 29 Tour de France stages to finish here.  Of note, the first stage up this exceptional climb was fittingly won by the incomparable climber Fausto Coppi .  Only three cyclists have won the Alpe d’Huez stage more than once: Marco Pantani  (1995, 1997), Gianni Bugno  (1990, 1991), and Hennie Kuiper  (1977, 1978).  

Fausto Coppi became the first stage winner of Alpe d’Huez - stage 10 1952 TdF.

YouTube video of Coppi win  

Photo: dw.com  - 10 most memorable moments on Alpe d’Huez

Likely the most famous and widely remembered and retold stories of Alpe d’Huez is from 1985 when, after two weeks battling each other, it appeared that Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault had reached a truce and that Hinault would achieve the glory of his fifth TdF without further challenge by Lemond. As the two rode up Alpe d’Huez, the Frenchman led and Lemond followed directly on his wheel.  The two passed through throngs of ecstatic French fans and the path grew more narrow as the two neared the climb finish.  In the end, the two embraced and Hinault moved slightly ahead of Lemond for his 26th Stage win, at the time placing him second all-time behind Eddy Merckx (34).  Hinault went on to win two more stages in his glorious career and is now third with 28 wins, behind Merckx and Mark Cavendish (30).

The exceptional Italian climber, Marco Pantani, holds three of the five fastest times up Alpe d’Huez, the fastest time is 37’35”.  

Marco Pantani near the finish on Alpe d’Huez

photo:   Hein Ciere

Alpe d’Huez was the stage for one of the most famous (infamous?) cycling moments of all time.  Alpe d’Huez was the final  climb of three on Stage 10 July 17, 2001 (Col dd Madeleine, Col du Glandon, Alpe d’Huez).  Lance Armstrong had dropped from 5:56 back after stage 7 to 35:43 back after a disastrous stage 8 which saw a freak breakaway won by Erik Dekker (s.t. Alto Gonzalez and Servais Knaven). Armstrong was 20:07 back after Stage 9 and his main rival that year, Jan Ullrich, was at 22:41 going into Stage 10.

Armstrong appeared weak on Col de Madeleine which led Uhllrich and his Team Telekom begin an insane sprint up Col du Glandon, leaving Armstrong barely(?) hanging on to the rear of this lead group.  However, just a couple kilometers up Alpe d’Huez and with 11 kilometers remaining, Armstrong surged to the front of the group, passed Uhlrich and then, in a moment of Tour lore, looked back (“ The Look ”) at Uhlrich, fixed his gaze on him momentarily, then put the hammer down and sprinted away (uphill) to victory and his 3rd Tour de France victory of 7. [1]  

The Look, Alpe d’Huez Stage 10: 2001 Tour de France

Photo from J Barber and F Ruggeri as published in Masculine Heart  

#2: COL DU TOURMALET

From Luz Saint-Sauveur - 18.7 km gaining 1319m at 7.1% average grade.

Col du Tourmalet from Luz Saint-Sauveur

PJAMM Gradient Profile  

With Alpe d’Huez, Col du Tourmalet is a TdF and world legend.  This is the highest pass in the Pyrenees and has been included in the Tour de France a record 84 times between its first appearance in 1910 and 2021. From 1919 to 1939, Tourmalet was included in the TdF every year except 1922, and then only because the tour rerouted due to heavy snow.

2019 featured comments on the official website for the Tour de France:

“It’ll be the third time that a finish is set at the top of the Pyrenean mountain after 1974 (victory of Jean-Pierre Danguillaume) and 2010 (victory of Andy Schleck). The Tourmalet is also to date the mountain that has been climbed the most in the history of the Tour: 82 times” ( Tour de France 2019 ).

Although no other climb has appeared more times in the Tour, Tourmalet has only been the finish three times.

Jean-Pierre Danguillaume won the first stage to finish on Col du Tourmalet (1974).

Photo:   deskgram.net

Tourmalet has a rich TdF history that began with its very first appearance in The Tour.  The legendary TdF organizer, Henri Desgrance had decided to include Tourmalet in the 1910 tour in what became known as the Circle of Death (Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque). The first rider over Col du Tourmalet on July 21, 1910 was eventual 1910 tour winner Frenchman Octave Lapize.  Lapize was overtaken on the next climb (Col d’Aubisque).  At this time Lapize unleashed on tour organizers as he reached the pass - this is not disputed -- what he said, however, is variously reported as either some or all of the following:  “murderers,” “assassins,” and/or “criminals.”  Sadly, Lapize was to die seven years later from injuries sustained when his fighter plane was shot down during WWI.  

Octave Lapize -- the first rider (hiker?) over Tourmalet, 1910.

Photo:   Cycling Passion, Octave Lapize walks over the Col du Tourmalet

The tour was not held from 1940-46 due to WWII.  When The Grand Tour reappeared in 1947, so to did Tourmalet. From 1947 to 1955 Tourmalet was featured in the TdF.  It wasn’t until 1956 that Tourmalet was left off the Tour’s agenda without excuse; from 1919 to 1957 Tourmalet was included in the Tour every year that it occurred.

One of the most famous stories of Col du Tourmalet and the Tour de France is from 1913.  Descending Tourmalet towards Campan, French cyclist Eugène Christophe crashed and broke his front fork.  Showing the resilience and spirit of those times (and, lacking any support staff), Christophe walked down the east side of Tourmalet to Campan where he found a forge and amazingly repaired his bike sufficient to ride to the stage finish in Bagnères-de-Luchon.  To add insult to injury, on top of already having lost three hours due to the crash, the race organizers penalized him for the “assistance” he was given by a seven year old boy who had pumped the bellows for him while he repaired his bike a blacksmith’s shop in Campan.

Eugène Christophe repairing his bike in Campan, 1913 (Image from Jean Durry ).

YouTube summary  of Christophe’s 1913 bad luck.

In 1919, Eugène Christophe became the first man to wear the yellow jersey.  

In 2010 Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck battled up the Col du Tourmalet from Luz-Saint-Sauveur for a mountain top finish (the second straight day Tourmalet was featured in the tour and only its second mountain top finish ever).  With ten kilometers to go, Schleck and Contador broke from the group and were alone on a fog shrouded ascent to the Col du Tourmalet.  With two kilometers to go, the two raced up the mountain side by side in heavy fog and light rain, having tried to break each other multiple times over the past eight kilometers.  Schleck led the entire final kilometer and there was no sprint at the finish, Contador conceding the stage to Schleck, but keeping the yellow jersey, both riders finishing with the same 5:03:29.

Andy Schleck edged Alberto Contador TdF 2010 stage 17.

Photo by filip bossuyt .

YouTube segment  of Schleck and Contador on Tourmalet.

WHAT’S ON TOP?

  “Géant au Col du Tourmalet”  -- Paying homage to the “Giants” of the road.  

Velopeloton.com  writes of the Géant:

“Géant au Col du Tourmalet is an iron sculpture first erected in 2000. It was created by the artist Jean-Bernard Métais, as part of the Tour de France sculpture on the A64 autoroute between Tarbes and Pau. This sculpture features 8 cyclists, Le Géant is the 9th person of the work. Le Géant is installed at the summit on the first Saturday of June each summer. It is a great occasion known as “Montée du Géant” – “Rise of the Giant” and attracts approx 1000 cyclists, who ride up the mountain with Le Géant. Le Géant travels on the back of a truck, accompanied by a brass band. There is a celebrity cyclist each year, with Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain among those who have honoured the Giant with their effort. Le Geant is removed at the beginning of October each year for safekeeping from the harsh winter. It is mostly on display in Bagneres de Bigorre, but has spent a couple of winters in Tarbes.”

Géant au Col du Tourmale

Photo:   Velopeloton.com

#3: MONT VENTOUX

After Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux is the second most famous of TdF legendary climbs.

Featured 17 times between 1951-2021 (10 summit finishes).

Mont Ventoux Elevation Profile

46% (9.8 km) of the climb is at 5-10% and 21% (4.5 km) at 10-15%.

From Bedoin, the traditional route, ride 21.2 km gaining 1593m to 1909m.

This is the third hardest bike climbs in France and a top world 150.

One of the features of cycling Mont Ventoux that separates it from many of the other exceptional climbs of Europe is that its unique radio tower at the top is visible throughout the climb.  At times it seems this tower just refuses to grow any bigger no matter how fast we pedal!   SportActive.net  explains that this distinctive red and white building, resembling a lighthouse, was built in 1968 and is used as a meteorological station as well as to broadcast television signals.  

MONT VENTOUX HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL ON TdF RIDERS LIKE NO OTHER

This climb first appeared in the Tour de France in 1951 when the race crossed, but did not finish, on its summit.  The first serious blow the mountain inflicted on riders was in 1955 when Swiss rider Ferdi Küble   (winner 1950 TdF) attacked 10 km from the summit and paid for it dearly. Ignoring the searing heat and steep grade, Kübler raced up the mountain only to seize up and have to dismount his bike well before the summit.  He eventually made it over the top, but had lost his lead and was a demoralizing 20 minutes behind the leaders. On the descent, Kübler crashed three times but ultimately made it to Avignon where he was observed entering a bar close to the stage finish and pounding down beer after beer.  After replenishing in the bar, Kübler mounted his bike and headed out in the opposite direction from the finish. That evening, Kübler called a press conference and retired on the spot - Ventoux had vanquished him ( Fotheringham, William,  put me back on my Bike, in Search of Tom Simpson , Yellow Jersey Press, 2007, p. 199).

Ferdi Kübler on Mont Ventoux 1955

Photo: Cycling Passion, Ferdi Kübler climbing Mont Ventoux, Tour de France 1955

Another great rider had been crushed by Venoux on on the 1955 stage - Frenchman Jean Malléjac  (second in 1953 and ninth overall on this day) keeled over on Ventoux, semi comatose and turning one pedal as he lay on the ground - he was never to race again.  Half a dozen other riders collapsed in the Ventoux furnace that day (Fotheringham, p. 199-200).

Jean Malléjac on Ventoux 1955;

Photo Rouleur, Tour de France 21 Stories: Vicious Venoux

And then there was 1967 and one of the greatest tragedies to occur during the Grand Tour. On July 13, 1967, during the tenth stage of the Tour de France, Tom Simpson, known as the charming “Mister Tom” and leader of the British team, had become ill (later his illness was traced to the substances of the day) but he pressed on, ultimately weaving desperately and collapsing on Ventoux.  The team mechanic, Harry Hall, pressed Simpson to stop, but he insisted on continuing, famously stating, “Me straps, Harry, me straps!" and his manager Alec Taylor acquiesced (Fotheringham, 2007, pp. 34-35).  He did not utter the more famous phrase, “put me back on my bike” - those were invented by an overzealous journalist.  Sadly, Mister Tom’s final turns of the pedal were over the next 500 meters and he soon collapsed and could not be resuscitated by Tour doctor Pierre Dumas, the same physician who had tended to Jean Malléjac on Mont Ventoux 12 years earlier.

Tom Simpson, Mont Ventoux, July 13, 1967

Photo:   Sport Vintage

There is a memorial honoring the great British rider Tom Simpson  0.7 miles from the summit of Mont Ventoux -- this is the location where he perished at age 29 during the thirteenth stage of the 1967 Tour de France.

Tom Simpson Memorial

First erected 1969 and re-erected 2014

The Tour de France included Mont Ventoux in 16 stages between 1951 and 2016, and it has been the finish on 10 of those, most recently in 2016 (as of 2020). “Mont Ventoux has become legendary as the scene of one of the most grueling climbs in the Tour de France bicycle race, which has ascended the mountain fifteen times since 1951. The followed trail mostly passes through Bédoin. Its fame as a scene of great Tour dramas has made it a magnet for cyclists around the world”  ( Wikipedia ).

Charly Gaul Stage 18 1958

Photo: Cycling Passion - Charly Gaul on Mont Ventoux Tour de France 1958  

The “Angel of the Mountains,” diminutive Charly Gaul  raced up crushed the Stage 18 Mont Ventoux time trial in 1958, sealing his only Tour de France victory.  His record time of 1:02:09 over poor roads and in the hot sun stood for 31 years until taken by American Jonathan Vaughters of the US Postal team.  The current record is 55:51 set in 2004 by Spain's Iban Mayo

#4: COL DU GALIBIER

Col du Galibier

From Valloire:  Ride 17.4 km gaining 1199m at 6.9% average grade.

From Col du Lautaret:  8.6 km gaining 569m at 6.7%.

PJAMM Cycling’s Col du Galibier from Valloire Gradient Profile

72% (12.5 km) of the climb is at 5-10%.

Col du Galibier was the highest point ever reached by the Tour when featured in 1911 (2556m)

The Tour did not go higher until Col de l'Iseran in 1939 (2770m).

Finish and Tour markings at the Col du Galibier

Bartali handing Coppi a water bottle on the Galibier in the 1952 TdF,

Or Coppi sending it back to Bartali -- the debate rages . . .  

Photo:   iconicphotos.com

Included in the Tour 63 times from 1911 through 2022  Galibier was passed as the highest point in the Tour each year from 1911-1914 (suspended 1915-1918 WWI) and 1919-1937.  In all Col du Galibier has been the highest point in any individual TdF significantly more times than any other climb (50;  Col de L’Iseran is second with 8).

Haute Route quotes Henri Desgrange in his praise of this climb:

The Galibier became a legend at the very first time it was used by the Tour de France, in 1911. This is how Henri Desgrange, creator of the Tour de France, introduced it to his readers: “Oh! Sappey! Oh! Laffrey! Oh! Col Bayard! Oh! Tourmalet! I will not fail in my duty in proclaiming that next to the Galibier you are as weak as dishwater: before this giant there’s nothing one can do but doff one’s hat and bow down low” (translation by Marvin Faure) ( Hauteroute.org - Col du Galibier ).

When first crossed in 1911 by the Tour de France, no tour rider had ever ridden higher.  Although the Galibier route until 1976 tools the tunnel at 2,556 meters.  From 1976, the Tour has gone over the pass at the top which is 2,642 meters.

Andy Schleck, Stage 18 of the 2011 Tour de France.

Col du Galibier -- highest mountain top finish ever.

Photo: roadbikereview.com

As with many of the challenging and beautiful climbs of France, Galibier is fabulously famous because it has been justifiably blessed by the Tour de France on many occasions (35 times since its first post WWII appearance in 1947, which was the first TdF since 1940).  Most recently (as of 2020) Galibier was featured in The Tour in 2019 ( Nairo Quintana  won the stage from Embrun to Valloire).  In 2017 debutante Primoz Roglic  became the first Slovenian to win a TdF stage when he came out on top in Stage 17 from La Mure to Serre-Chevalier.

Primoz Roglic, Stage 17 Tour de France.

First Slovenian to win a TdF stage.

Photo:   Cyclingtips.com

Of Galibier and the Tour de France, Wikipedia  writes:

The Col du Galibier was first used in the Tour de France in 1911; the first rider over the summit was Emile Georget, who, with Paul Duboc and Gustave Garrigou were the only riders not to walk.

Emile Georget, Col du Galibier, 1911

Photo: Emile Georget  

The original summit was at 2556 m; while the tunnel was closed from 1976 until 2002, the tour route went only over the pass closer to the mountain peak at 2645 m. In 2011, the Tour de France went through the tunnel for the first time during the 19th stage from Modane Valfréjus to L'Alpe d'Huez. At the south portal of the tunnel, at the edge of the road, there is a monument to Henri Desgrange, instigator and first director of the Tour de France. The memorial was inaugurated when the tour passed on 19 July 1949. Whenever the tour crosses the Col du Galibier, a wreath is laid on the memorial. The "Souvenir Henri Desgrange" is awarded to the first rider across the summit of the highest mountain in each year's tour. In 2006, the prize of 5,000 euros was claimed on the Col du Galibier by Michael Rasmussen.

Since 1947, the Col de Galibier has been crossed 31 times by the Tour de France. It was scheduled to be used in 1996, but was left out at the last minute due to bad weather. As a result of snow on both the Col de l'Iseran and the Col du Galibier, the scheduled 190 km stage from Val-d'Isère to Sestriere in Italy was reduced to a 46 km sprint from Le-Monetier-les-Bains which was claimed by Bjarne Riis, resulting in him taking the yellow jersey which he retained to the finish in Paris. In the 2008 Tour, the Col du Galibier had been crossed on 23 July in the 210 km stage 17 from Embrun to Alpe d'Huez. The 2011 Tour climbed the Col du Galibier twice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first appearance of the pass in the Tour de France, including the first ever summit finish, won by Andy Schleck after a 60 km solo breakaway. This was the highest ever stage finish in the Tour de France. It was scheduled to be used again in stage 20 of the 2015 Tour, but was left out nine days before the race start due to landslides in the Chambon Tunnel, situated towards the bottom of the descent of the climb.”

The Telegraphe, and Galibier, are the scene of the greatest racing day in the life of Marco Pantani .  It was here and in this Stage 15 of the 1998 TdF that Pantini attacked on the Galibier and ultimately turned a three minute deficit into an 11 minute lead against Jan Ullrich.  Pantini went on to win the Tour de France that year.  

Pantani attacks 4.2 km from Galibier summit.

Photo:   Cycling-passion.com

#5: COL D'AUBISQUE

CLIMB 1 (CAT __) - COL D'AUBISQUE  

PJAMM CYCLING INTERACTIVE PROFILE TOOL

16.7 km, 1193m at 7.1%

The incomparable Col d’Aubisque - included in the first ever mountain stage of the Tour de France in 1910 - Stage 10’s four mountain climbs over the 326 kilometer course (Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and, finally Col d’Aubisque) were coined The Circle of Death.  It was also on the Aubisque that eventual 1910 TdF winner Octave Lapize uttered his famous comments to tour organizers - variously reported at “murderers,” “assassins,” or “criminals.”

Col d’Aubisque (and Col d’Aspin)  has appeared in the Tour de France 73 times between 1910 and 2022, more than any other climb other than Col du Tourmalet with 88 appearances.

Stage 10 TdF 1911 [2]

Photo:   bikeraceinfo.com  (an exceptional resource for all Grand Tours).

We rode this route in 2011 and 2018 . . . guess what . . . still the same. 👍

Same cliff, same mountain, same tunnel (as pictured above) over 100 years later.

Aubisque is our choice for Top TdF Nostalgic Climb.

The descent from Eaux Bonnes (western approach) towards Col du Soulor was and is a dangerous route - it’s a narrow road with sheer cliffs. On Stage 13, July 17, 1951, this hazardous stretch of road was the scene of one of the most horrific and famous crashes in Tour history.  The unlikely leader on this day was the pleasant and good natured Dutchman Wim van Est .  This Tour included pure and true cycling legends Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi, and Louison Bobet, and, while an accomplished pursuit racer, van Est was never expected to compete for the overall classification in the greatest of the Grand Tours.  Nonetheless,  on July 26, during Stage 12, van Est, who started the day over nine minutes behind leader Roger Levêque, broke away and won the stage, finding himself in the yellow jersey by :02:29.

A deadly road.

However, winning the flat Stage 12 by using his specialty sprint to gain time on the peloton is one thing, but a sprinter holding a slim lead over the Aubisque would be quite another.  And so it was that Van Est had lost his lead as he summited the mighty Aubisque and set about to regain some of what he had lost.  However, the narrow and windy road descending from Col d’Aubisque towards Col du Soulor is a poor choice for downhill heroics.  And so it was that fell and tumbled 70 meters down and nearly sheer mountainside. It was not just the fall that remains in our memories from this day, but the way Van Est was extricated from his predicament and that he was still alive and  able to climb up the mountain back to the road under his own power.

Photo:   Edwin Seldenthus as published in velopeloton.com .

Here is  amazing YouTube footage  of the rescue of Wim van Est.  He was helped up the mountainside by a chain of tires strung together by spectators and his support team.  Still alive and unbelievably without major injury, Van Est insisted on continuing the race, but was convinced by wiser authority to go to the hospital.

Making lemonade out of lemons (or money out of near death?) -- when he flew off the Aubisque cliff, Van Est fortuitously (in hindsight anyway) was wearing a team issued Pontiac wrist watch which became the launching point for Van Est focused advertising campaign with this slogan: “Seventy meters deep I dropped, my heart stood still but my Pontiac never stopped.”

All the greats have raced on the Aubisque

Louison Bobet, Stage 11 1954 TdF (champion 1953-1955)

 Photo:   bikeraceinfo.com

Full list of every climb ever included in the Tour de France

[1]  We all know, but it is necessary to mention here, that Lance Armstrong’s seven tour victories were all stripped due to the use of PEDs.

[2]  Note:  The cliff and tunnel approach to Col d’Aubisque is from the Argeles Gazost/Arrens side, not Laruns.

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• Skiing into Spring

10 legendary mountain passes and climbs

Mise à jour le --> 21.06 2023 --> --> --> --> Discovery

Regularly used by the Tour de France, every summer they attract cyclists from all over the world. However, you’ll need at least some training to follow in the wake of the top cycling champions, but the stunning landscapes revealed along the way make it well worth the effort. 

Le Portet d’Aspin (1,489 metres)

Like Tourmalet, le Col d’Aspin is a real classic for the Tour de France, which has climbed it 71 times. Thomas Voeckler was the last to conquer it in the lead, during the 16th stage of the 2012 Tour de France (Pau / Bagnères-de-Luchon), a race he went on to win after leading the day’s four challenges (Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde). The most difficult climb starts at Arreau (12 kilometres at 6.7%). It’s unusual because of the unevenly spaced hardwood trees alongside the road, which zig zags up through picturesque mountain pastures. The climb is more irregular from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan (12 kilometres at 5%) with a harder final section (from the ski resort and Lac de Payolle, at 1,100 metres in altitude).

Le Col du Grand Colombier (1,498 metres)

Despite only featuring in the Tour de France once (in 2012), le Col du Grand Colombier is nonetheless formidable. Its four access routes all represent an almost two-hour climb for the average cyclist: 15.9 kilometres at 7.87% from Artemare; 18.3 kilometres at 6.89% from Culoz; 15.7 kilometres at 7.97% from Anglefort and 19.2 kilometres (at 6.75% on the last 15 kilometres) from Champagne-en-Valromey. This Jura giant – situated on the border of the Savoie department – provides breath-taking views over Lac du Bourget from its summit.

Col de Peyresourde (1,569 metres)

Situated near the ski resort of Peyragudes, le Col de Peyresourde is characterised by the blanket of moss covering the Alpine pastures through which its road snakes. According to the former director of the Tour de France, Jean-Marie Leblanc, “this climb makes you want to lie down and sleep in the grass, next to the sheep and cows”! Climbed 65 times by Tour de France competitors, it offers a 9.9 kilometre stretch on the west side (at an average incline of 6.6%) and 15.3 kilometres on the east side (at an average incline of 6.1%). Beware though, its irregular incline (with 12% stretches on each side) and frequent gusts of wind make this climb a more delicate operation than the numbers alone suggest.

Alpe d’Huez (1,803 metres)

It’s hard to imagine it today, but the first time the Tour de France came to Alpe d’Huez in 1952, only a handful of fans were in attendance. Thereafter, the climb went on to become a highlight of the world’s biggest cycling race. Now some 500,000 people gather along the climb’s 21 numbered hair-pin bends – each road sign featuring the name of an Alpe d’Huez stage winner and the corresponding year of their victory – happily arriving several days in advance to set up. In summer, around 1,000 cyclists (5,000 a day during the week of the Tour) set off every day to tackle the 13.1 kilometre climb, at an average of 8.19%. Internationally, Alpe d’Huez is more famous for its access road’s 21 hair-pin bends than for its 250 kilometres of ski runs! 

Le Mont Ventoux (1,912 metres)

Visible for 100 kilometres in all directions, the Mont Ventoux summit appears to be permanently snow-capped, even at the height of summer. This almost lunar look, a consequence of repeated forest fires and deforestation that began back in the Middle Ages, is why it’s been nicknamed “Mont Bald”. Despite only looking slightly more difficult on paper (21.5 kilometres at 7.22%, versus 21.2 kilometres at 7.15%), the climb from Bédoin, on the south side, is unquestionably more famous than that on the north side, from Malaucène. It’s worth noting that 12 of the 15 Tour de France climbs started at Bédoin, compared to 2 on the north side and just 1 on the east side, from Sault. The latter, by far the easiest (25.7 kilometres at 4.5%), joins the Bédoin road at the level of the Reynard chalet, 6 kilometres from the summit.

Le Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 metres)

It’s not only the average gradient (27.53 kilometres at 4.7% on the Isére side from Verney Dam; 30 kilometres at 5.07% from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne on the Savoie side) but also its irregularity and length that make La Croix-de-Fer such a difficult climb. Cyclists who gamely attempt this Tour de France classic (which has featured in the event 16 times since 1947) are however rewarded by a succession of stunning landscapes: waterfalls plunging down into the valley, the Grand-Maison Dam, the Aiguilles de l’Argentière on the Isére side; the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Belledonne chain on the climb from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Le Col du Tourmalet (2,115 metres)

Despite having a name that seems to translate from French as the “bad trip”, this Pyrenean giant remains the most-climbed Col in the history of the Tour de France (79 times). The first time “La Grande Boucle” paid it a visit in 1910, Octave Lapize – who carried out a large part of the climb on foot, pushing his bike – felt entirely justified in labelling its organisers “killers”. Today, the climb will take an average cyclist around two hours to complete, either on its west side (17.2 kilometres at 7.4% from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, via the resort of La Mongie) or its east side (18.8 kilometres at 7.4% from Luz-Saint-Sauveur, via Barèges).

Le Col de l’Izoard (2,360 metres)

When you think of Izoard, the first thing that comes to mind is the barren scree slopes overlooking the road, which, like Mont Ventoux, give the place a lunar feel. The presence of cargneule peaks (a local sepia-coloured rock) reinforces the austere look of the so-called “Casse Déserte” situated just over 2 kilometres from the Col on the south side. Of the 33 times the Tour de France has been through here, it has been the most-climbed section (15.9 kilometres at 6.9%). In 2011, Andy Schleck, then 4th in the General Classification, launched an attack 60 kilometres from the start, which went on to deliver him first place in the stage. The Col’s north side, from Briançon, offers a 19.2 kilometre climb at an average gradient of 5.92%.

Le Col du Galibier (2,642 metres)

Climbed 58 times, le Col du Galibier numbers among the Tour de France’s “classic climbs”. This year once again it will be the highest summit the peloton passes through, during the Modane – Alpe d’Huez stage. If the south side (8.52 kilometres at 6.9% from le Col du Lautaret) is far from a bed of roses, what can be said about the north side, with 18.1 kilometres at 6.9%, and the most difficult kilometres bunched towards the end? It was on these slopes that Marco Pantani laid the foundations for his final victory in 1998.

Le Col de l’Iseran (2,770 metres)

This Col, which connects the Maurienne and Tarentaise Valleys, prides itself on being the highest Col road in the Alps. Before the road – which opened in 1937 – was built, the Col de l’Iseran the site of so many mysteries and dramas that in Bonneval-sur-Arc (the starting point of the south face climb) it gave rise to the following adage: “If everyone who died on Iseran stood hand in hand, they would stretch from here to Val d’Isère”. Today, the Col de l’Iseran is a prime tourism site. It provides access to Val d’Isère’s summer ski area (on the Pisaillas glacier), and of course two superb cycling climbs: 48 kilometres at 4.1% from Bourg-Saint-Maurice on its north side (including 16 kilometres at 5.8% from Val d’Isère) or 13.4 kilometres at 7.3% from Bonneval-sur-Arc, on the south side.

Col de l'Izoard ©Martin Léger

Col du Galibier ©ASO

Montée du mont Ventoux ©A.S.O

peloton montée au Col du Glandon ©A.S.O

Montée vers l'Alpe d'Huez ©A .S.O

Col de la Croix-de-fer© A.Gros

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These Are the Hardest Climbs in the 2023 Tour de France

The 2023 Tour de France is widely considered to be the most mountainous in decades, with a steady dose of climbing from start to finish. Here’s a look at six of the toughest.

This early Pyrenean sojourn is one of the reasons why the 2023 Tour de France is widely considered to be the most mountainous in decades, with 30 climbs having received Category 2, Category 1, or hors catégorie (“beyond category”) ratings. Of these 30 climbs, here’s a look at the six toughest:

Col du Tourmalet - Stage 6

One of the most famous climbs in Tour de France history, the hors catégorie Col du Tourmalet is truly the stuff of legend. A dirt road used by farmers to travel between high mountain pastures, the climb was first included during the 1910 Tour de France.

But while stage winner Octave Lapize climbed it during Stage 10, he (allegedly) yelled, “Vous êtes des assassins! Oui, des assassins!” when passing the Tour’s organizers. Whether or not Lapize actually called them “murderers” is up for debate, but the climb’s difficulty is not: no matter from which side the riders climb it, it’s always one of the highlights of the Tour.

On Stage 6 the riders will tackle it from the east, which means they face 17.1km of climbing with an average gradient of 7.3 percent. The second half of the climb is the toughest, with several kilometers of pitches hovering between 9 and 10 percent. And at 2,115m of altitude, the Tourmalet is also the highest climb the riders will summit in the Pyrenees during this year’s Tour, which means the Souvenir Jacques Goddet prize will go to the first rider over the summit.

From the summit, a long downhill ride takes the racers back down to the valley floor, where the “only” obstacle standing between them and the finish line is the Category 1 climb to Cauterets-Cambasque. It’s only the first week, but this stage could blow the race wide open.

Puy de Dôme - Stage 9

An extinct volcano rising above the Massif Central, the Puy de Dôme is one of the most famous climbs in Tour history. First included in 1952–when Italian legend Fausto Coppi was the first to the summit–it’s since been the scene of some of the Tour’s most famous exploits, battles, and controversies .

But it was closed to motorized traffic in the late-80s, making Denmark’s Johnny Weltz the last rider to conquer the volcano’s steep slopes (in 1988). After years of trying, the Tour’s organizers have convinced local officials to let the race return, which means 35 years after its last appearance, the riders will tackle the 13.3km ascent at the end of Stage 9.

The 13.3km hors catégorie climb begins steadily, with an average gradient that hovers around 7 percent for the first 9km. But the pitch steepens significantly once the riders hit the parking lot that’s the last stop for tourists wishing to take the railway to the summit. Here the pitches go above 11 percent, as the riders hit the access road that’s traditionally been closed to them since the railway was constructed. These final 4km average close to 12 percent and the road narrows considerably as the riders wind their way up the treeless summit.

Legends like Fausto Coppi, Federico Bahamontes, Luis Ocaña, and Joop Zoetemelk have won here. Frenchman Raymond Poulidor and Jacques Anquetil waged an epic side-by-side battle to the summit here in 1964.

And sadly, Belgium’s Eddy Merckx was punched in the stomach here in 1975, injuring his kidney and likely ending his career . It’s a perfect climb for a rider like Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma), who will certainly do his best to continue his nation’s winning streak.

Grand Colombier - Stage 13

Stage 13 heads into the Jura—the third of the five mountain ranges visited by the 2023 Tour de France—with a summit finish on top of the hors catégorie Grand Colombier, a steep climb with four different—and challenging—roads to the summit. In fact, each year local cyclists organize a ride that loops together all four ascents in a particularly sadistic celebration of the mountain.

There are four routes to the summit, and each year local cyclists organize a ride that loops together all of them in a painful celebration of the mountain. This year the riders will tackle it just once–from Culoz–with an approach offering 17.4km of climbing and an average gradient of 7.4 percent with pitches that hit 12 percent in two places.

The stage itself is relatively short and there are no other categorized climbs on the route, so the riders should hit the bottom of Colombier in one large group, which means we should be treated to a battle among the GC contenders to win the stage. It’s also Bastille Day, which means the roads will be lined with fans and French riders will be exceptionally motivated.

The Tour originally visited the climb in 2012 and again in 2017, with the riders both climbing and descending the col. It was first used as a summit finish in 2020, when Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar won the stage on his way to winning his first Tour.

Col de Joux Plane - Stage 14

The hors catégorie Col de Joux Plane isn’t one of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France, but it should be. 11.6km in length, the Alpine ascent has a rather high average gradient (8.5 percent) most of which comes (aside from a steep ramp right at the base) during the upper half of the climb. It’s rather exposed, and riders have remarked that the road just seems to climb into the sky.

Some of the area’s most stunning views of Mont Blanc can be seen from the summit as the road loops around a lake. A false descent takes the riders over the summit of the nearby Col du Ranfolly at which point the true downhill begins, with the road plunging down toward Morzine via a rather technical descent.

Sandwiched between two other tough days of climbings, the ascent comes at the end of Stage 14 this year, a hard slog through the Alps with four other categorized ascents. And with 8, 5, and 2 bonus seconds available to the first three riders over the summit, we could see the Tour’s GC contenders keep the breakaway close in a bid to claim those bonuses for themselves. The climb–and the descent into Morzine–will be one of the highlights of this challenging mountain weekend.

Col de La Loze - Stage 17

The hors catégorie Col de la Loze (21.5km at 7.8 percent), looms above the Méribel ski resort, which the Tour famously visited in 1973, when Frenchman Bernard Thevenet won the stage but was unable to gain significant time on Spain’s Luis Ocaña, who went on to win the Tour. The race hadn’t been back since, but the construction of a new bike path from the resort to the summit of the nearby Col de la Loze gave the Tour’s organizers a good reason to return in 2020.

Stage 17 takes the Tour back over the hors categorie ascent this year, with the riders facing a 28km climb to the 2,304m summit, with a pitch near the summit that hits 24 percent. This marked the end of the stage in 2020, but this year the riders will crest the summit and descend 6km down the other side, where a steep, 18 percent ramp to the finish line in Courchevel awaits.

One of the highest paved roads in France, the first rider to the Col de la Loze takes home the Souvenir Henri Desgrange cash prize for winning the highest overall summit in the 2023 Tour.

Col du Platzerwasel - Stage 20

The 2023 Tour de France saves its final mountainous punch for Stage 20, a short, explosive stage through the Vosges mountains with a total of 3,600m of elevation gain spread over six categorized climbs. Of these, the Category 1 Col du Platzerwasel is the toughest, with 7.3km of climbing and an average gradient of 8.4 percent. And the road keeps ascending through the official summit, with a few more kilometers of uphill road before the finish at the Le Markstein ski resort.

Overall it’s not the absolute toughest climb in the entire 2023 Tour de France, but at the end of such an intense stage–and at the end of such a mountainous Tour–it will certainly make for an explosive finale. If the climb produces a finish similar to what we saw during Stage 7 of last year’s Tour de France Femmes , when the Netherlands’ Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) used the climb to seize control of the race , fans will be in for a treat.

Since getting hooked on pro cycling while watching Lance Armstrong win the 1993 U.S. Pro Championship in Philadelphia, longtime Bicycling contributor Whit Yost has raced on Belgian cobbles, helped build a European pro team, and piloted that team from Malaysia to Mont Ventoux as an assistant director sportif. These days, he lives with his wife and son in Pennsylvania, spending his days serving as an assistant middle school principal and his nights playing Dungeons & Dragons.

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Tour de France won’t finish in Paris for first time in more than a century because of the Olympics

This photo provided by the Tour de France organizer ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) shows the roadmap of the men’s 2024 Tour de France cycling race. The race will start in Florence, Italy, on June 29, 2024, to end in Nice, southern France on July 21, 2024. (ASO via AP)

This photo provided by the Tour de France organizer ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) shows the roadmap of the women’s 2024 Tour de France cycling race. The race will start in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Aug. 12 2024 to end in Alps d’Huez, French Alps, on Aug. 18, 2024. (ASO via AP)

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PARIS (AP) — The final stage of next year’s Tour de France will be held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics, moving instead to the French Riviera.

Because of security and logistical reasons, the French capital won’t have its traditional Tour finish on the Champs-Elysees. The race will instead conclude in Nice on July 21. Just five days later, Paris will open the Olympics.

The race will start in Italy for the first time with a stage that includes more than 3,600 meters of climbing. High mountains will be on the 2024 schedule as soon as the fourth day in a race that features two individual time trials and four summit finishes.

There are a total of seven mountain stages on the program, across four mountain ranges, according to the route released Wednesday.

The race will kick off in the Italian city of Florence on June 29 and will take riders to Rimini through a series of hills and climbs in the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. That tricky start could set the scene for the first skirmishes between the main contenders.

Riders will first cross the Alps during Stage 4, when they will tackle the 2,642-meter Col du Galibier.

“The Tour peloton has never climbed so high, so early,” Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said.

And it will just be just a taste of what’s to come since the total vertical gain of the 111th edition of the Tour reaches 52,230 meters.

The next big moment for two-time defending champion Jonas Vingegaard and his rivals will be Stage 7 for the first time trial in the Bourgogne vineyards. The first rest day will then come after a stage in Champagne presenting several sectors on white gravel roads for a total of 32 kilometers that usually provide for spectacular racing in the dust.

Tour riders will then head south to the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, then return to the Alps for a pair of massive stages with hilltop finishes, at the Isola 2000 ski resort then the Col de la Couillole, a 15.7-kilometer (9.7-mile) ascent at an average gradient of 7.1%.

There should be suspense right until the very end because the last stage, traditionally a victory parade in Paris for the race leader until the final sprint takes shape, will be a 34-kilometer (21.1-mile) time trial between Monaco and Nice.

“Everyone remembers the last occasion the Tour finished with a time trial, when Greg LeMond stripped the yellow jersey from the shoulders of Laurent Fignon on the Champs-Elysees in 1989, by just eight seconds,” Prudhommne said. “Thirty-five years later, we can but dream of a similar duel.”

There are eight flat stages for the sprinters, leaving plenty of opportunities for Mark Cavendish to try to become the outright record-holder for most career stage wins at the sport’s biggest race.

The route for the third edition of the women’s Tour will take the peloton from the Dutch city of Rotterdam, starting Aug. 12, to the Alpe d’Huez resort. The race will feature eight stages and a total of 946 kilometers.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports

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Le Tour de France in Les 2 Alpes

Discover the tour and where to see it in Les 2 Alpes

Le Tour de France is the most fervently supported and highly anticipated sporting event in France. Even those who don’t know their bicycle clips from their hand pumps recognise the yellow jersey of the Tour de France stage leader; but few would imagine that Le Tour was created because of the trial and conviction of French soldier Alfred Dreyfus.

The Tour de France takes place in the first three weeks of July with a mixture of flat stages, cobble stones, dramatic sprints and some of the biggest mountain stages that the Tour will ever see, ensures that the battle will continue right until the end.

See the full program of the Tour de France .

Where and when

Anyone making the pilgrimage to see Le Tour in action will enjoy the atmosphere as much as the race itself. It takes place each year across France during the first three weeks in July.

Crowds of people line the streets hours (sometimes even days!) in advance; tents, picnics and BBQs turn the wait for the cyclists into an impromptu street party and the arrival of the publicity caravan heralds the start of the festivities. The caravan is a 20km long procession of 200 decorated sponsored vehicles that precedes the race. Added as a regular feature of the race in 1930 the caravan makes its way through the towns and villages that make up the race route, whipping up a carnival atmosphere and throwing free gifts to the cheering crowds along the way! Each vehicle tries to outdo the others to advertise their own brand, so the event is quite a spectacle.

The origins of the race date back to the early 1900s and two rival sports newspapers. The 'Dreyfus Affair' divided opinion in France at the end of the 19th century when French soldier, Albert Dreyfus, was found guilty of selling secrets to the Germans and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The outcome of the trial appeared to be heavily influenced by the fact that Dreyfus was Jewish, and many people, including the editor of Le Vélo, believed him to have been innocent. Le Vélo was France’s most dominant sporting newspaper of the time, but unfortunately the editor’s view was not shared by all. Dion Car Works, Le Vélo’s biggest advertiser, disagreed strongly with the newspaper and as a result withdrew their advertising and started their own publication, L’Auto. The idea of publicising this new venture with a cycle race was to be in direct competition with the Paris-Brest race organised by Le Vélo; the Paris-Brest race continues to this day and is still popular, but does not hold the iconic status of Le Tour de France.

Le Tour de France is not just a race, it is a celebration of all things French; the rural villages, the stunning scenery, the cheering crowds, the sportsmanship and, finally, the grande finale in Paris.

The first Tour du France was in 1903 , 60 people participated but only 21 completed the race. The winner was Maurice Garin who won 6,075 francs in prize money and averaged 25km/hr. He beat the second place winner, Lucien Pothier, by 2 hours 49 minutes, which is still the record for the greatest margin.

The mountain stages of Le Tour de France were introduced to the itinerary in 1910 when the Pyrenees were added to the route and are amongst the most challenging stages of the race. This upset many regular competitors because all of a sudden the ‘power cyclists’ found themselves at a disadvantage on the steep ascents. However, this gave ‘climbing cyclists’ more of a fighting chance than they had before and, if anything, made the race more exciting by opening up the playing field to a wider range of contenders. The first mountain stage went from Luchon to Bayonne; other climbs of the Pyrenees were Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque. The same year, not coincidentally, saw the introduction of the broom wagon; a vehicle that follows the race ‘sweeping’ up riders who can’t continue! The mountain stages are amongst the most exciting of the race as the riders need not just speed but strength, endurance and thighs of steel! The 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez are amongst the most legendary of the mountain stages, anyone who has ever tried to complete them in their own time will know just what an incredible feat it is to whizz up them the way these guys do!

The race of 1919 was the first one after the First World War and the toll that the battlefields had taken on Europe’s male population was evident in the noticeable decrease in the number of competitors. It was also the slowest race since 1906, due to bombed out roads and the loss of many of the great pre-war cycling champions. It was in 1919 that the Yellow Jersey was introduced to highlight the overall race leader.

1952 was the year that Le Tour went global. The race was filmed for television for the first time, opening up its popularity to a much wider fan base. It was also the first year that the legendary heights of Alpe d’Huez were climbed with a mountain top finish in Sestrières and on the Puy de Dôme.

Only in France! 1964 saw possibly the most gastronomically influenced battle for the Yellow Jersey ever. Multiple Tour winner and favourite contender Jacques Anquetil nearly blew his chances by over indulging at a BBQ on a rest day during the Pyrenees stages. The following day a terrible bout of indigestion took its toll while he was speeding along the Envalira Pass. His coach saved the day by passing him a bottle of champagne, which he guzzled whilst still on his bike, apparently curing his indigestion and allowing him to make up the lost time, overtake his nearest competitor and regain the Yellow Jersey!

The 61st Tour de France visited England for the first time in 1974 . The riders passed through ten towns and completed a circuit stage in Plymouth. Alas the trophy was not won by a Brit this year but by a Dutchman, Henk Poppe.

1975 was a year of firsts for the race: the first polka-dot jersey awarded to the best climber; first white jersey awarded to best young rider; first Tour finish on the Champs-Elysées. The final stage is the most high-profile as the stage starts with a champagne toast and the winners are cheered over the finishing line by huge crowds, flashing cameras and jostling media. The race had finished at the Champs-Elysées every year since 1975 and the spectacle of the competitors speeding past landmarks such as the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe make for a great atmosphere. The winner has normally already been decided on points by this stage, so the great dash for the finish is mostly just for the glory and prestige of being first over the historic line. Unfortunately 1975 did not bring a first for Belgian cyclist Eddie Merckx, who was intending to make this his sixth win; a enraged spectator leapt from the crowd and punched Merckx in the kidney, causing him to lose time and finish in second place.

An American cyclist, Greg LeMond, became the first to get a stage win in 1985 at the Lac de Vassivière. He unfortunately got shot during the winter though in a hunting accident and could not defend his title the following year. He made a strong return in 1989 and won first place.

1989 was also the year that Le Tour celebrated the French revolution’s bi-centenary by awarding a 17,890 francs bonus at kilometre 1789, in Martres-Tolosane (Luchon - Blagnac stage), where the Women’s Tour started.

British cyclists historically hadn't made much of an impact on Le Tour de France, but in 1998 Britain's Chris Boardman won his third Prologue and captured the yellow jersey. This year was also tarnished by scandal when, before the Tour had even started, a Festina team car was found to be loaded with performance enhancing drugs on the French/Belgian border. In the ensuing investigation team director Bruno Roussel confessed to systematic doping of the riders; the entire team was then expelled from the race. The incident kicked up a furor when the race organisers insisted on conducting further drug inquiries, prompting two sit-down strikes by the Tour riders and marring the 1998 race. The discovery of the drugs and Roussel's admission lead to an enquiry which saw police searches, arrests, court cases and a huge amount of negative publicity that has made doping a controversial part of Le Tour de France ever since.

1999 was the first year that Lance Armstrong won first place, signalling the start of his domination of the race for the next seven years. Claiming the winner’s podium an incredible seven consecutive times, Armstrong became a hero to race fans when it was revealed that prior to his first victory he had beaten a severe form of testicular cancer that had spread to his brain and lungs. He had undergone brain and testicular surgery as well as extensive chemotherapy as part of his recovery process. Interestingly, a 2006 report by CS Atwood claims that Armstrong’s medical treatment may actually have contributed to his athletic ability by altering his hormonal system and his body’s production of testosterone in a way that would allegedly enhance his endurance performance. Armstrong’s physical attributes have been the subject of much discussion amongst sports journalists over the years. Apparently one of his distinguishing features is a heart that is 30% larger than average, which beats at 32-34 bpm at rest and can reach up to 201 bpm when strenuously exercising. He also has extremely low lactate levels, meaning that he is less prone to a build up of lactic acid (the stuff that makes your muscles burn and stiffen up when you exercise) in his legs. His domination of the sport and astonishing performances year after year left him open to accusations of drug taking and Armstrong has described himself as ‘the most tested athlete in the world.’ In 2012 , the US Anti-Doping Agency released a report on doping by the US Postal Service cycling team, implicating, amongst others, Armstrong, and describing a widespread use of drugs and several banned practices taking place over several Tours. Following this report Armstrong was stripped of all titles since 1 August 1998, including all seven Tour victories, and no winner was declared in his stead.

The race of 1999 was one of thrills and spills for Italian cyclist Guiseppe Guerini when during the arduous climb up Avoriaz he came face to face with one of his fans - quite literally. A young German photographer, known as Erik, was so keen to snap a good photo that he got a little too close to the action and collided head on with Guerini, knocking him off his bike! Guerini scrambled back into the saddle and made up his lost time to win the stage. Erik was said to be so mortified by causing the accident that he refused to sell the photo, despite being offered large sums for it. Instead he visited Guerini in his hotel room that night, apologised profusely and gave him the roll of film to do with as he wished. Guerini was apparently very gracious and bore the young German no hard feelings.

Doping scandals continued to overshadow the race, and the 93rd Le Tour of 2006 was dominated by accusations of drug taking; American cyclist Floyd Landis brought disgrace to the Yellow Jersey when he was found guilty of drug use four days after being declared the winner. This year’s race had already got off to an unsteady start when on the eve of the first stage 13 riders were banned from competing due to suspicion of doping. With some of the race favourites out of the picture, the field was now wide open for a lesser known contender to make his name. In the closest finish in the race’s history Floyd Landis, already a leading favourite, took first place. It was his unexpectedly good 17th stage in Morzine that aroused suspicion (especially after his inauspicious 16th stage). A urine sample was taken, which twice showed positive for a banned synthetic testosterone substance. Landis vehemently denied the charges and appealed against the test results; however, the accusation was upheld and in 2007 Landis was stripped of his title. After a 14 month legal battle second place finisher Oscar Pereiro was announced the true winner.

With drugs testing now being a focal point of the race organisation, 2007 inevitably threw up more scandal and controversy when a number of cyclists tested positive for banned substances, causing the T-Mobile, Astana and Cofidis teams to be withdrawn from the race. The T-Mobile ban led to German TV broadcasters ZDF and ARD withdrawing their coverage of the race. More bizarrely the 2007 Tour de France was also disrupted by a pair of kamikaze dogs… A wandering Labrador Retriever was struck by a rider in the 9th stage, throwing the rider over the handlebars and buckling his front wheel. Fortunately the dog was unhurt and was quickly scooped out of the way by a spectator. Another overexcited hound threw a spanner in the works by dashing out in front of the pack during the 18th stage, causing a collision between two riders. There have been no allegations that the dogs were on drugs, but you never know...

The generation of riders from the mid-2010s and beyond seem to be competing on a level playing field without doping being used to realise their dreams. Team Sky would dominate the peloton for years in this era. The 2012 Tour was won by the first British rider ever, Bradley Wiggins, while finishing just behind him was Chris Froome, who along with Alberto Contador, became one of cycling's next big stars. Froome would win four Tours in total, three in a row - 2013, 2015 , 2016 , and 2017 , followed by Geraint Thomas in 2018 . This winning streak was eventually broken by the UAE Team Emirates in 2020 with Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar taking the prize, repeating this victory in 2021 making him the youngest rider to achieve two Tour victories, aged only 22. In 2022 Denmark's 25 year old Jonas Vingegaard gained the yellow jersey as the overall winner. This was his first win, the 2020 and 2021 winner Tadej Pogacar came second and Great Britain's Geraint Thomas came in third place.

Facts & figures

• Over 500 towns and villages have hosted Le Tour de France
• More than 10,000 cyclists have entered the race
• Over 6,000 cyclists have completed the race
• 250 different cyclists have worn the Yellow Jersey
• Raymond Poulidor has claimed the podium more times than anyone else (finishing eight times in the top three), despite never having worn the Yellow Jersey
• Four riders have won five times: the French Jacques Anquetil (1957 and 1961-1964) and Bernard Hinault (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1985), the Belgian Eddy Merckx (1969-1972 and 1984), and the Spanish Miguel Indurain (1991-1995)
• Lance Armstrong has won Le Tour de France more times than any other cyclist, claiming first place every year from 1999 to 2005. In 2012 he was stripped of all his achievements since 1998, including his seven Tour de France titles

Spotting the winners

The famous Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune) has become symbolic of Le Tour de France and marks out the overall winner of the previous day’s stage. There are three coloured jerseys, each signifying the category that the wearer has won. Yellow is the overall winner, green is the sprint winner and the white jersey with red polka dots goes to the ‘King of the Mountains’ uphill winner. There are also three lesser classifications: the white jersey for the best placed rider under the age of 25, the red jersey for the most competitive/aggressive rider (the ‘prix de combativité’), and the black on yellow jersey for the best team. The Yellow Jersey was first officially introduced in 1919, to make the lead competitor stand out and give the other racers a clearly visible target to beat. The colour yellow was chosen partly for its high visibility and partly because it was the colour of the pages of Le Auto, the cycling journal that organised the race. There are records of the lead rider wearing a yellow jersey before this but it was not an official part of the race, to the extent that when Phillippe Thys lead the race in 1913 he had to pop into a shop 'en route' to buy his own jersey and then cut a bigger hole in the neck to get it over his head!

Apart from the 'Maillot Jaune' there are other winners and jerseys awarded throughout the race. The day, or stage, winner will be awarded a prize and at the end of the three weeks there will also be a presentation for the overall winning team. The yellow jersey is sponsored by LCL.

Green jersey The green jersey was created in 1953 for the 50th anniversary of the race. It brought a new interest to the race, the yellow jersey not being the only jersey at stake any longer. The first green jersey in history was held by Swiss Fritz Schaer. It is worn by the leader of the points classification. Points are awarded in the intermediate sprints and the stage finishes.

It was sponsored by PMU from 1992 until 2014, when Czech car manufacturer Skoda was revealed as the new sponsor.

Polka-dot jersey The King of the Mountains classification was created in 1933 for the best climbers (first winner: Spain’s Vicente Trueba). But the polka-dot jersey only appeared in 1975. France’s Richard Virenque holds the record of most KOM jerseys: he won it seven times between 1994 and 2004.

The polka-dot jersey is sponsored by E. LeClerc.

White jersey First appearing in 1968, it wasn't until 1975 it began to symbolise the future and youth of the peloton. The wearer is the best placed in the overall standings who is under the age of 26, first worn by the Italian Francesco Moser. The jersey has revealed some of the best talents in the sport – Denis Menchov in 2003, Alberto Contador in 2007, Andy Schleck from 2008 and 2010, Pierre Rolland in 2012, Egan Bernal in 2019 and Tadej Pogacar in 2020 - the latter two combining the yellow and white jerseys at the final.

It is currently sponsored by Krys.

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Trip Itinerary

Tour de France: The Alps VIP Race Access 2023 Itinerary

Experience incredible Tour de France VIP race viewings in the Alps and stay at one luxury hotel.

2023 Day-to-Day

Arrival / departure.

Where to Arrive

Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA)

Pick-up location :

Annecy Train Station, Annecy, France

Pick-up time :

Where to Depart

Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS)

Drop-off location :

Drop-off time :

Additional Arrival Information

We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA).

From Paris’ Gare de Lyon, trains depart daily for Annecy with a travel time of four to five hours. The train journey from Geneva to Annecy takes one and a half to two hours. However, train options and times are somewhat limited to and from Geneva and can sometimes present more logistical challenges. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the Geneva airport to Annecy for approximately 100 euros or a bus for 20 euros. Please consult www.SNCF.com or speak with our travel agent for current train schedules.

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Annecy Train Station (Place de la Gare, 74000 Annecy, France) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. A shuttle through the bustling city of Annecy will bring you to your ride start. Please have your first day’s riding gear handy and separate from your other luggage to facilitate the bike fitting and ride.

If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our hotel, Le Fer à Cheval (+33 4 50 21 30 39), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.

Additional Departure Information

You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at Le Fer à Cheval. You will arrive by 12:30 PM at the Annecy train station. Please do not book a departing train before 1:00 PM on this day. We recommend booking your return flight from Paris (CDG) or Geneva (GVA). Trains run from Annecy to both Paris and Geneva. For all train travel, feel free to confirm train times on the posted timetable at France’s rail site, www.SNCF.com.

Day 1 Welcome and warm-up ride in the Alps

Welcome and warm-up ride in the Alps

Your Trek Travel race adventure begins in the legendary French Alps where the pros will battle each other on world-famous climbs that have made and shattered champions. After meeting in Annecy, you’ll shuttle one hour to the heart of the Alps and the fabulous mountain village of Megève. Our home for the next five nights is the 5-star chalet Le Fer à Cheval where you’ll enjoy a warm alpine welcome and incredible views of the mountains that surround you. Enjoy a... Your Trek Travel race adventure begins in the legendary French Alps where the pros will battle each other on world-famous climbs that have made and shattered champions. After meeting in Annecy, you’ll shuttle one hour to the heart of the Alps and the fabulous mountain village of Megève. Our home for the next five nights is the 5-star chalet Le Fer à Cheval where you’ll enjoy a warm alpine welcome and incredible views of the mountains that surround you. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace before being fit on your industry-leading Trek Domane bicycle. Our warm up ride takes us through scenic alpine roads to the Megève altiport. You'll have a moment to take in the breathtaking views before descending back to town. This evening we'll gather for a cocktail and learn about the week ahead before indulging in the famous Savoie cuisine of the region at the hotel's inviting restaurant. Read More

Le Fer à Cheval

Meals included

Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

Highlight of the Day

Your Trek Travel race adventure begins in the legendary French Alps

where the pros will battle each other on world-famous climbs that have made and shattered champions.

Hiking Options

Hike Option 1

TODAY'S RIDE:

Megève to Megève Altiport Return - Approximately 26 mi | 42 km and 3,156 ft | 962 m

TODAY'S TOUR STAGE:

Stage 14: Annemasse to Morzine Les Portes du Soleil

Day 2 Official VIP Race Access Passes to ride over the finish line and to the VIP open-top bus at the finish of Stage 15 in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc Le Bettex

Official VIP Race Access Passes to ride over the finish line and to the VIP open-top bus at the finish of Stage 15 in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc Le Bettex

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll descend into the valley in Domancy to intercept the race course. Words can’t do justice to the scene, as hundreds of people line the roads to see this exciting mountaintop finish unfold. You'll ascend the final two climbs of the stage, first the Côte des Amerands then up to the finish in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Le Bettex. It’s a race-day climb like nothing you’ve ever experienced with VIP passes and the final stretch of the... After a hearty breakfast, you’ll descend into the valley in Domancy to intercept the race course. Words can’t do justice to the scene, as hundreds of people line the roads to see this exciting mountaintop finish unfold. You'll ascend the final two climbs of the stage, first the Côte des Amerands then up to the finish in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Le Bettex. It’s a race-day climb like nothing you’ve ever experienced with VIP passes and the final stretch of the race course accompanied by an official race escort car just like the pros! Feel the Tour glory as you crest the summit and rocket across the finish line, before climbing the Official Tour podium with your fellow Trek Travelers for an unforgettable souvenir photo opportunity! Take a moment to celebrate your achievement and enjoy lunch with splendid views of the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, watch the arrival of the racers from a unique vantage point aboard an official VIP luxury open-top bus close to the finish line. This exclusive viewing location is head-and-shoulders above the crowd and fully equipped with an open bar and large screen TVs, so you don’t miss a minute of the action! Once the race has finished, you'll descend and ride back to Megève. This evening, you are free to explore Megève for dinner. This beautiful ski town is known as "the 21st arrondissement of Paris", and still attracts French aristocracy and other A-listers from around the world, with its blend of 13th century architecture, excellent restaurants, and charming boutiques. Read More

Breakfast | Lunch

It’s a race-day climb like nothing you’ve ever experienced with VIP passes and the final stretch of the race course accompanied by an of... It’s a race-day climb like nothing you’ve ever experienced with VIP passes and the final stretch of the race course accompanied by an official race escort car just like the pros! Feel the Tour glory as you crest the summit and rocket across the finish line, before climbing the Official Tour podium with your fellow Trek Travelers for an unforgettable souvenir photo opportunity! Read More

Megève to Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Le Bettex - Approximately 26 mi | 41 km and 3,615 ft | 1,100 m

TODAY'S RACE ACCESS:

Stage 15: Les Gets Les Portes du Soleil to Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Le Bettex

Day 3 Ride the Col des Saisies and Cormet de Roselend two days before the pros

Ride the Col des Saisies and Cormet de Roselend two days before the pros

While the pros are resting, we’ll take the opportunity to ride the race course of Stage 17 just two days ahead of the peloton. You'll cruise down the valley to Flumet before tackling the Col des Saisies, the first major climb of the day in the final Alpine stage of this year’s tour. It’s a beautiful 14-kilometer climb with an average grade of 5% which will give you plenty of time to take in the panoramic views before arriving at the ski village which boasts so... While the pros are resting, we’ll take the opportunity to ride the race course of Stage 17 just two days ahead of the peloton. You'll cruise down the valley to Flumet before tackling the Col des Saisies, the first major climb of the day in the final Alpine stage of this year’s tour. It’s a beautiful 14-kilometer climb with an average grade of 5% which will give you plenty of time to take in the panoramic views before arriving at the ski village which boasts some of the highest Nordic trails in Europe. Pause a moment at the top to refuel at the bistro of your choice before returning to your hotel in Mègeve. If you choose the avid option today, descend to Beaufort and continue on the race route to climb up to the Cormet de Roselend. This 20-kilometer climb passes the beautiful alpine Lac de Roseland with gradients of up to 8% which will test even the strongest climbers. Return to the hotel at your leisure to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa before dinner in Megève at our favorite local bistro. Afterward, be sure to rest up for live race action tomorrow! Read More

Breakfast | Dinner

Explore Megève for dinner at our favorite local bistro

Return to the hotel at your leisure to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa before dinner in Megève at our favorite local bistro. Afterward, ... Return to the hotel at your leisure to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa before dinner in Megève at our favorite local bistro. Afterward, be sure to rest up for live race action tomorrow! Read More

Megève to Col des Saisies Loop - Approximately 30 mi | 48 km and 3,937 ft | 1,200 m

Hike Option 2

AVID OPTION:

Megève to Col des Saisies Loop with Cormet de Roselend - Approximately 73 mi | 117 km and 11,260 ft | 3,432 m

Rest Day: Saint Gervais Les Bains

Day 4 Official VIP Race Access Passes to the VIP zone at the finish of the Individual Time Trial in Combloux

Official VIP Race Access Passes to the VIP zone at the finish of the Individual Time Trial in Combloux

Enjoy your morning coffee and get ready for the special VIP Tour Day that is in store for you! This morning head out for a short loop ride along scenic alpine roads before returning to the hotel to freshen up. A private shuttle takes you to your destination for the day, the exclusive VIP finish area of Stage 16. The only time trial of the 2023 Tour de France, there is sure to be an intense fight for the yellow jersey today as each team member works contre la montre ... Enjoy your morning coffee and get ready for the special VIP Tour Day that is in store for you! This morning head out for a short loop ride along scenic alpine roads before returning to the hotel to freshen up. A private shuttle takes you to your destination for the day, the exclusive VIP finish area of Stage 16. The only time trial of the 2023 Tour de France, there is sure to be an intense fight for the yellow jersey today as each team member works contre la montre (against the clock). Watch the pros start their attack on the stage from the departure village in Passy on large-screen TVs, then climb aboard the VIP open-top bus close to the finish line to bear witness to the sprinters bearing down and crossing the finish line. The riders will be giving it their absolute full power during this stage and you'll have a VIP vantage point, with the utmost in race hospitality, to take in all the action and excitement of this unique stage. Once the race has finished we’ll return to the hotel. This evening, you are free to wander the charming streets of Megève for dinner. Read More

Watch the pros start their attack on the stage from the departure village in Passy on large-screen TVs, then climb aboard the VIP open-top b... Watch the pros start their attack on the stage from the departure village in Passy on large-screen TVs, then climb aboard the VIP open-top bus close to the finish line to bear witness to the sprinters bearing down and crossing the finish line. The riders will be giving it their absolute full power during this stage and you'll have a VIP vantage point, with the utmost in race hospitality, to take in all the action and excitement of this unique stage. Read More

Megève to Les Contamines-Montjoie Loop - Approximately 23 mi | 37 km and 2,297 ft | 700 m

Stage 16: Passy to Combloux

Day 5 Official VIP Race Access to Departure of Stage 17 and summit the Famous Col des Aravis and Col de Croix Fry

Official VIP Race Access to Departure of Stage 17 and summit the Famous Col des Aravis and Col de Croix Fry

This morning we have another one of-a kind VIP experience at the Stage 17 start in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. Enjoy a scenic descent into the valley and roll into town where we have your coveted VIP passes to the official departure village. Snap a photo of the pros as they warmup and prepare for today’s stage, then position yourself to watch the start of the race and cheer the teams onward into the final stage in the Alps. Once the racers have departed, you can enj... This morning we have another one of-a kind VIP experience at the Stage 17 start in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. Enjoy a scenic descent into the valley and roll into town where we have your coveted VIP passes to the official departure village. Snap a photo of the pros as they warmup and prepare for today’s stage, then position yourself to watch the start of the race and cheer the teams onward into the final stage in the Alps. Once the racers have departed, you can enjoy as much or as little of the spectacular riding that leaves right from your doorstep. This afternoon’s climb is the famous Col des Aravis. The Tour has included this cyclist's favorite more than 39 times in its history and also in Stage 15 of this year's Tour. Warm up along the Gorges de l’Arrondine until you reach La Giettaz where the climb begins. With an average grade of 5% and surrounded by alpine meadows, this gentle ascent affords you panoramic views of rugged snow-capped Alpine peaks. On a clear day from the summit, you can see Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. If you have the legs, tackle the Col de Croix Fry before refueling with a crêpe at a traditional cafe on the summit of the Col des Aravis. Or return to our beautiful hotel for a bit of relaxation time, perhaps at the hotel's spa. Tonight, gather for a finale gourmet dinner with newfound friends and raise a toast to this amazing adventure at the Tour de France with Trek Travel! Read More

Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner

Official VIP Race Access to Departure of Stage 17

Snap a photo of the pros as they warmup and prepare for today’s stage, then position yourself to watch the start of the race and cheer the... Snap a photo of the pros as they warmup and prepare for today’s stage, then position yourself to watch the start of the race and cheer the teams onward into the final stage in the Alps. Read More

Megève to Saint-Gervias Mont Blanc to Col des Aravis to Megève - Approximately 47 mi | 76 km and 5,140 ft | 1,567 m

Megève to Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc to Col de Croix Fry to Megève - Approximately 52 mi | 83 km and 6,463 ft | 1,970 m

Official VIP Race Access to Departure of Stage 17 in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc

Day 6 Say Farewell

Say Farewell

It's hard to believe that our Tour de France adventure has concluded. The morning is yours to recover after an epic week of cycling. Choose to take an early morning spin in the mountain air or sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast. You'll say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the hotel. You'll then board a private Trek Travel shuttle that will take you to the Annecy train station where you can continue on to your next destination. Please do not schedule a tra... It's hard to believe that our Tour de France adventure has concluded. The morning is yours to recover after an epic week of cycling. Choose to take an early morning spin in the mountain air or sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast. You'll say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the hotel. You'll then board a private Trek Travel shuttle that will take you to the Annecy train station where you can continue on to your next destination. Please do not schedule a train out of the Annecy station before your expected arrival time at 12:30 PM. Read More

Megève Loop - Approximately 11 mi | 18 km and 1,345 ft | 410 m

Stage 18: Moûtiers to Bourg-en-Bresse

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Tour of the Alps - Road race Men - Stage 3

• Overall standings

General Standing

Previous stage, current stage.

LIVE: Schwaz - Schwaz

Tour of the Alps - April 17th, 2024

Follow the Tour of the Alps Schwaz - Schwaz stage live with Eurosport. Schwaz - Schwaz starts at 9:15 AM on April 17th, 2024.

Catch the latest cycling news and find Tour of the Alps results , standings and routes. After Schwaz - Schwaz is done, be sure to check out the full schedule of stages and get live updates for the next stage. You can also find a list of previous winners .

Follow Rui Costa, Mathieu van der Poel, Mark Cavendish and other key riders to see who is dominating this season. See the hottest cycling teams in action - Bora-Hansgrohe, Ineos Grenadiers and Cofidis to name a few.

Cycling fans can read breaking Tour of the Alps news headlines, interviews, expert commentary, replays & highlights. Keep up with all of this season’s top events, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from cycling to football, tennis, snooker and more. Enjoy live updates from the biggest sports competitions.

Juan Pedro Lopez seals Tour of the Alps as Aurelien Paret-Peintre wins final stage

Spaniard comes home in reduced front group in Levico Terme to claim overall victory

How it unfolded

Aurélien Paret-Peintre scored Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale’s 10th victory of 2024 on the final stage of the Tour of the Alps, a short but challenging mountainous day around Levico Terme.

The Frenchman triumphed from a greatly reduced lead group to beat Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) and his brother Valentin Paret-Peintre to the win in the uphill sprint finish.

Juan Pedro López (Lidl-Trek) secured the overall race victory, his first career GC success, as no real threats to his comfortable lead materialised over the stage, which saw the riders tackle two ascents of Palù del Fersina.

The Spaniard won the race by 38 seconds from another Decathlon AG2R man, Ben O’Connor , while Tiberi rounded out the podium in third at 42 seconds.

A lead group of 15 came to the finish after 119km of racing over two first-category ascents of the Palù del Fersina (12.5km at 6.1%) with Bahrain Victorious leading it out on the uphill run in the final kilometre of the day.

It was Wout Poels (Bahrain Victorious) who launched the final dash to the line a long way out, with Aurélien Paret-Peintre biding his time on the wheel before striking out himself with a perfect sense of timing.

He burst clear to cross the line first unopposed, while further back Tiberi outpaced Romain Bardet (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) for second place before Valentin Paret-Peintre burst past late on to beat his fellow Frenchman to grab third.

“It’s a perfect way to finish the week with the team,” Aurélien Paret-Peintre said after the stage. “I’m super happy with my win. In the last kilometre, I knew I was the fastest in the group so it’s a perfect way to end for us and also in the GC with Ben.

“We’ve been working at an altitude camp ahead of the Giro d’Italia. Our goal Is the Giro, so this week was to finish the preparation for that and now we go to the Giro with ambition.”

Overall winner López rounded out the five-stage race in ninth place, safe among the group. He was active late in the day, going on the attack along with Bardet, Tiberi and O’Connor over a small hill 7km from the line. However, the move was brought back in good time for the finish, setting up the closing sprint.

“This is my first victory,” López said after the finish. “It’s the [most] important one of my life, so I’m really happy. The team did a really amazing job from the beginning to the end.

“This victory is amazing for me. I think of a lot of people, including family, friends, my team, and Luca Guercilena the team manager because everybody knows that he’s not in a good situation, so this is also for him.”

 The final day of the 2024 Tour of the Alps would be another challenging one to conclude a week filled with hills and mountains. Two ascents of Palù del Fersina dominated the stage, peaking at 67km and 92km on the 119km stage, while several unclassified hills late on added to the difficulties.

Stage 1 winner Tobias Foss (Ineos Grenadiers) was among the early attackers during the flatter early part of the stage, though no move would stick until the riders were on the ascent of the Palù del Fersina, over halfway into the stage.

There, with just under half of the stage left to run, Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) made a move, going off the front with Hugh Carthy (EF Education-EasyPost), and young VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè talent Giulio Pellizzarri.

Behind the trio, Lidl-Trek kept a lid on things as Carthy protected the mountain classification lead of his teammate Simon Carr at the top. That move wouldn't make it to the finish, however, or even to the top of the second time up the Palù del Fersina.

Instead, it was Bahrain Victorious who were active there, sending Tiberi off up the road with 33km to go, a handful of kilometres after a move by Bardet had come to nothing. Tiberi's move was also brief as Lidl-Trek and Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale chased down the third-placed man.

After the Italian was brought back, it was time for Poels to move, going clear 30km out as once again Lidl-Trek and Decathlon AG2R led the chase. Poels led the way over the top and built a lead of 25 seconds at one point, threatening to jump up into second overall.

However, with Carlos Verona (Lidl-Trek) pulling on the front for López on the second and final descent of the Palù del Fersina, his advantage waned until he was caught with 16km left to run.

The late ascent of the unclassified Valico di Tenna (2km at 6%) saw López go off the front for a final time in the race along with Bardet, Tiberi, and O'Connor. They were brought back, however, as were further moves on the run towards the finish from Pellizzarri, Poels, and Aurélien Paret-Peintre.

With the group all back together for the final 2km, all that was left was to set up the closing sprint of the week, which Bahrain Victorious duly did in the final kilometre. It was Decathlon AG2R who took the profit, though, taking another victory to go with nine others from stages at the UAE Tour and Itzulia Basque Country to the most recent at Brabantse Pijl.

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Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Prior to joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen.

As well as original reporting, news and feature writing, and production work, Dani also oversees How to Watch guides and works on The Leadout newsletter throughout the season. Their favourite races are Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix and their favourite published article is from the 2024 edition of the latter: 'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix

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Where to see Le Tour de France this Summer in the Alps

April 26, 2019 by F-J Charton

For the 2019 edition, Le Tour de France passes by some of the most iconic ski resorts in the Alps. The tour stages start off in the south before heading north into the famous Tarantaise Valley with three resort finishes: Valloire, Tignes, and Val Thorens. Allow us to point you in the best direction on where to see Le Tour de France and which luxury summer chalets to stay in during the race!

Stage 18, Embrun – Valloire, 25th July

The first stage in the Alps begins in the town of Embrun and heads north towards the Maurienne Valley, before finishing in Valloire. Valloire is one of the busier French resorts and has a strong year-long community with many cyclists and skiers visiting each year.

From Embrun, the race will head up the Col de Vars and start the 1st of the 3 first category climbs. The Col de Vars is 9.3km in length with an average gradient of 7.5%, with the steepest sections reaching 10.2%. The riders then get a nice downhill section before passing rough Risoul and Briançon, ahead of taking on the behemoth that is the Col d’Izoard, the 2nd of the 3 first category climbs.

The Col d’Izoard is 14.1km of pain at an average gradient of 7.3%, so slightly less than the Col de Vars. The steepest parts of the Izoard reach a gradient of 10% and that’s for a fair stretch too! Just in case the riders aren’t tired enough, there is the 23km Col du Galibier to conquer before the race down into Valloire. With an average gradient of 5.1%, it is more of a slow burner, however, there are two sections near the summit which reach 9% before summiting at 2,632m, which is the second highest point of the 2019 tour.

Stage 19, St Jean de Maurienne – Tignes, 26th July

After a well-earned rest overnight, the riders will hopefully have recovered as they take on the high point of Le Tour at the formidable Col d’Iseran, at some 2,770m. Before they get to the Iseran, they will pass through Aussois and Bonneval sur Arc of the Vanoise National Park. The Col d’Iseran is closed in the winter as the roads are often covered in snow from November all the way through until June time.

Once the riders have conquered 12.9km of the Iseran, with an average gradient of 7.5% (the steepest section is 10.2%), they then have a decent of almost 1,000 vertical metres before they arrive into the famous ski town of Val d’Isere . The riders continue to descend all the way down to Tignes Les Brevieres at 1,557m, before they head up through the villages of Tignes  and finish in Tignes Val Claret at 2,100m. This is somewhat of a shorter climb for the riders at 7.4km and an average gradient of 7%, with just one steep section of 9.1%.

Stage 20, Albertville – Val Thorens, 27th July

The penultimate stage of the 2019 Tour is in the heart of the Tarentaise and finishes up in Val Thorens, which at 2,300m is the highest ski resort in Europe! The stage heads into the Beaufort Valley, home of the famous Beaufort cheese, and heads on a gradual climb up to the Cormet de Roseland at 1,908m. There are only a couple of steep sections, where riders will test their legs in preparation for the long assault of the Belleville Valley before they finish in Val Thorens.

The climb up to Val Thorens is a long one. From Moutiers, the riders will be looking at 33.4km of road, at an average gradient of 5.5%, which is slightly misleading as there are a few flat and downhill sections. At the bottom part of the climb, the gradient gets up to 11.6%, this is where riders will know if they can compete for the win or if they will need to pace themselves to survive. The finish line is just above the resort where riders will need to tackle the last section of road which is unpaved.

With some great luxury summer chalets available in the Alps , where better to base yourself to watch Le Tour de France 2019? Here are just a couple which will be great spots to enjoy the race and take in the scenery…

Chalet Quezac, Tignes Les Brevieres

Chalet Quezac commands an excellent location in the quaint resort of Tignes Les Brevieres , right on the main road into town which the riders will pass through. Quezac is one of the best chalets in the area and boasts 7 bedrooms and sleeps up to 12 adults and 4 children. The property has large outdoor spaces and terraces where one can enjoy a bite to eat, a glass of fizz and Le Tour whizzing past!

Chalets Aralia & Aphylla, St Martin de Belleville

If you are a large group of cycling enthusiasts and are looking for cycling accommodation for Le Tour de France, then these two chalets, which can be rented as one, are ideal. They each have 4 bedrooms, so 16 adults can stay here comfortably, there is also a bunk room in Chalet Aralia if there are any younger budding peddlers in the group. Le Tour will pass about 500m from the chalet, so this is a great chalet for those looking to spend a summer holiday in the Alps and watch Le Tour de France.

If you are keen to come out to the Alps this summer and stay in the comforts of one of our luxury chalets whilst enjoying Le Tour de France, then please do let us know your requirements and we will be happy to discuss them with you. You can either give us a call on +44 1202 203659 or you can send us an e-mail.

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Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury summer holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury summer chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury summer hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury summer holidays in the alps.

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Sportive Breaks

2024 Tour de France - Pyrenees, Alps and Nice

9th – 22nd July 2024

Tue 9th - Mon 22nd July

Key features.

• 13 nights | 14 days
• Stay in Paris (optional), the Pyrenees, Provence, Southern Alps and Vence near Nice
• Fully supported tour with experienced guides​
• Ride the Pyrenees, Provence, and the Southern French Alps
• Ride the Tourmalet, Mont Ventoux, Cime de la Bonette, Isola 2000, Col de la Couillole
• LIVE Stage viewing On 6 stages
• Air-Conditioned Coach Transport throughout
• Special Bike Trailer
• Arrival Transfer from Toulouse Airport available on 10th July
• Optional Nice - Paris Transfer plus extra night at Paris Airport hotel
• TGV from Paris to Pyrenees
• Starts in Paris on 9th July
• Starts in Toulouse on 10th July
• Finish in Nice on 22nd July or Paris on 23rd July
• Spread your payments - Interest free payment plan
• See the Sights, Enjoy French Cuisine

The final two weeks of the 2024 Tour de France with Sportive Breaks

This tour is sold out, join our waitlist to hear about any cancellations and to be the first to know about our 2025 Tour de France trip. 

We have availability on our 5 night tour in the Pyrenees. Click here to find our more. 

Sportive Breaks offer unforgettable Tour de France  cycling and spectator tours with hotels, transport, daily support all included. Our 13 nights/ 14-day tour to ride and watch the 2024 Tour de France is now available. Experience all the key stages of the final two weeks of the 2024 Tour de France as we travel from the Pyrenees to the Alps and finally Nice. We also make a 3-night stop in Provence to do some riding in this beautiful area.

Tour de France stages

We will be well-situated to view the following stages of the 2024 Tour de France:

• Fri 12 July – S13 – Agen to Pau – Flat
• Sat 13 July – S14 – Pau – St Lary Soulan – Mountain
• Sun 14 July – S15 – Loudenvielle – Plateau de Beille – Mountain
• Fri 19 July – S19 – Embrun – Isola 2000 – Mountain
• Sat 20 July – S20 – Nice – Col de la Couillole – Mountain
• Sun 21 July – S21 – Monaco – Nice – ITT

While our itinerary enables you the opportunity to see 3 Pyrenees and 3 Alps stages of the Tour, it also offers plenty of options for doing our own cycle touring in some of the best regions of France. Non-cyclists are also well catered for with opportunities to visit some iconic places like Lourdes, Bedoin & Malaucene in Provence and of course Nice.

What's Included?

Accommodation.

13 nights in 3*& 4* hotels

Included meals

Breakfast and evening meal included (apart from the first night in Paris and the last night in Vence)

Return airport transfers. From Paris CDG on arrival and back to Nice on departure

Air-conditioned coach transport with specialized bike trailer throughout

TGV from Paris to the Pyrenees on arrival

Guided Rides

With support vehicle

Bike Rental from £599

Ridley Fenix SLIC Ultegra Di2 Road Bikes, E-Bikes and E-Race Bikes also available on request

LIVE Stage viewing

On 6 stages

Experienced team of driver, mechanic and bike guides

Tour Dynamic

Daily rides.

We offer a guided ride each day. We have our bike guides on the road with you. We also have a support vehicle with driver who is also a mechanic. We will either transport everyone to a location from where we will start the daily rides, or we will ride straight out from the hotel. We offer vehicle support for the riders and the spectators will be transported to the day’s touristic venue or to a vantage point to watch the race.

Transportation

On days where we move on to another hotel, we will transport luggage, bike boxes and bikes and we will offer an adapted itinerary depending on the day’s logistics.

Riders and spectators may have a different itinerary daily but are reunited to enjoy the race watching experiences together. We attempt to keep hotel changes and transfers to a minimum.

Who is this tour for?

Cyclists and spectators.

Our tour is suitable for both cyclists of any level and non-cycling spectators. The hotels we stay at are in excellent locations with the world-renowned French cuisine we all enjoy so much.

Our daily, guided rides give cyclists the opportunity to ride some of the most beautiful climbs that feature on this year’s Tour de France. 

We stay in nice places but we will also provide plenty of opportunity for spectators to enjoy time away from the Tour de France with scheduled visits to local towns and villages like Lourdes, Carpentras and Nice.

Day One - Bienvenue en France

Our hosts will collect you from Charles de Gaulle Airport at either 09:00 or 15:00 and we will transport you to a 4* hotel next to the Gare du Montparnasse. You will have a one-night stay here with breakfast included. On arrival our hosts will assist you with loading your bike box and any luggage you wish to forward onto our tour vehicle. Our tour vehicle is a comfortable air-conditioned 50-seater coach with special bike trailer to transport your bike for the duration. Your bike will go ahead with our coach as we will be taken on the TGV tomorrow to the Pyrenees.

This evening our team will hold a welcome meeting at the hotel and the evening is free to eat out in Paris (at own expense). There are many restaurants nearby.

View Paris group airport transfer details here

Daily Highlights

• Arrival at Paris CDG Airport or meet at hotel
• Welcome by our Host
• Hotel near Gare de Montparnasse

No riding today

No Meals today

Day Two - TGV to Pyrenees

After breakfast we will assemble in the hotel’s reception at 09:30 and we will walk across to Paris Gare du Montparnasse train station. We should be relatively unburdened with luggage. We will board the TGV train to Lourdes in the Pyrenees. On your arrival in Lourdes, you will be taken to our hotel in nearby Aucun, close to fantastic climbs such as the Col d’Aubisque, Col du Soulor, the Col du Tourmalet and the climb to Hautacam. Here we will spend the next 5 nights on half-board basis so with daily breakfasts and evening meals included. For those of you who have booked bike rental, these will be available for you today. This afternoon we have time for a warmup ride in the area. Evening meal at the hotel.

Toulouse arrival This afternoon, we also offer an airport transfer at 15.00 from Toulouse Airport to collect those who have chosen to join the tour today.

View Toulouse group airport transfer details here

• TGV to Lourdes
• Airport Transfer from Toulouse
• Expert Staff Fully Supported
• Short Warm Up Ride
• Hotel in Aucun
• Rental Bikes

Possible light afternoon ride taking some scenic trails in the area, and getting used to riding in France.

Welcome Dinner

Day Three - First Riding Day

Today you will have various ride options from the hotel including to ride the Col du Tourmalet which will feature on this year’s tour again. We offer a guided ride which you can join but we will also provide GPX files for several self-guided rides should you wish to do something different:

Other options include:

• Climb to Hautacam
• Col du Soulor and Aubisque
• Col de Marie Blanque

Those without bikes will have the opportunity to spend a relaxing day at the hotel’s swimming pool or to visit Lourdes. It’s worth a visit so for those who are interested, the coach will provide transport today.

Evening meal at the hotel.

• Staff support
• Guided or self-guided ride options
• Hotel on Half Board Basis
• Optional Lourdes Visit

Supported ride in the area. Several self-guided options available.

Breakfast and Dinner

Day Four - First Tour de France Action

After a leisurely breakfast we will propose a guided ride today that will finish in Pau. There will be a likely sprint finish in Pau today.

A great option is to ride from our hotel to Laruns and to tackle the Col de Marie Blanque before a long descent into Pau. This ride totals 110km. A flatter, more direct ride is also possible.

Non-riders can visit Pau today and after the stage finish we will return to the hotel.

Evening meal will be taken at the hotel.

• Transport to Pau
• Staff Support
• Guided Ride
• Live Race Viewing in Pau

Guided Ride to Pau

Day Five - Tourmalet Stage

Riders will head out onto the road and take on one of the area’s most spectacular climbs, the Tourmalet. Ride up to the summit and be road-side as the riders come past on the climb.

Non-Riders will be able to stay quite local today and watch the riders as they come through nearby Lourdes and Argeles Gazost en-route to the Tourmalet. We will transport you to the desired viewing location.

• Live Race Viewing

Supported ride

Day Six - Loudenvielle

Today’s stage will see the Tour move out of the Pyrenees with a stage from Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille. Bastille day is always special with large crowds supporting the riders and a party atmosphere everywhere.

After an early breakfast we will travel to Loudenveille at the bottom of the first climb of the day, the Peyresourde where we will find a good parking spot for the coach, and we will watch the riders get ready for the start. After we’ve seen the stage start, we will offer a guided ride back to Aucun. An option is to ride yesterday’s stage in reverse so return to the hotel via the Hourquette d’Ancizan and the other side of the Tourmalet. This evening we will watch the Euros final at the hotel. It may feature France who will be very keen to win on Bastille day.

• Transport to TDF Start Venue
• Tour de France Start

Guided Ride back to the hotel

Day Seven - Transfer to Provence

Today is a rest day on the Tour de France. After breakfast we move on to the next hotel of our tour in Carpentras, Provence, near Mont Ventoux. We expect the transfer to take about 6 hours today so we will arrive early to mid-afternoon. Bikes will be transported fully assembled. Time permitting, we will offer a guided ride in the local area or you could just relax and have a dip in the outdoor pool. Evening meal at the hotel.

• Guided ride option
• Transfer to Provence
• Swimming Pool

Day Eight - Provence

Over the next 2 days cyclists will have the opportunity to ride the iconic Mont Ventoux known as the Giant of Provence and the stunningly beautiful Gorges de Nesque. There are many lovely towns and villages that are well located by bike such as Fontaine de Vaucluse, Gordes, Malaucene, Sault and Vaison la Romaine. During our stay in Provence the coach will take the non-riders to Bedoin, Malaucene and Vaison la Romaine. Breakfast & evening meal at the hotel

• Transport Available
• Hotel in Carpentras

Guided Rides and Self-Guided Route Options Available

Day Nine - Mont Ventoux

Today we will have another day of exploring this fantastic area.  Evening meal at the hotel.

Day Ten - Transfer to the Southern Alps

We will move on to the next stop on our tour today. We move to Valberg which is a ski resort located about 90km north of Nice. We expect the transfer to take about 4 hours today. Our location in Valberg puts us within reach of such climbs as the Cime de la Bonette, Isola 2000 and the Col de la Couillole

This afternoon we can ride the Col de la Couillole which is the final climb of Stage 19 of the Tour de France from the hotel.

• Transport to the Alps
• Short Guided Ride in the afternoon
• Hotel in Valberg

Day Eleven - Bonette and Isola 2000

Today the stage finish is in Isola 2000 which is accessible from Valberg. Riders can ride the climb to the finish and spectators can use our coach to get there. For a tougher ride, there’s the option to ride to the climb of the Cime de la Bonette and watch the riders as they summit the climb. Evening meal at the hotel

Day Twelve - Col de La Couillole

The finish of today’s stage is at just 15 kilometres from our hotel today. Guided ride and transport to watch the stage finish. We can ride the Col de la Couillole before the roads close ahead of the arrival of the riders. This evening we will enjoy our final night in Valberg.

Day Thirteen - Monaco - Nice

This morning we will move to the final hotel on our tour. We will stay our final night at a hotel in Vence, just outside Nice. 

After getting checked into the hotel, we will make our way into Nice where we can watch the finish of today’s stage.

This evening you are free to explore Nice and eat out at one of the many great restaurants (at own expense).

Today’s final day time trial could be the deciding stage of the 2024 Tour de France.

The time trial course will run from Monaco to Nice on the stunning Côte d’Azur.

The Tour de France will finish in Nice and not in Paris for the first time in history as the French capital adds the final touches to its preparations for the Olympic Games.

• Hotel in Vence

Day Fourteen - Au Revoir

After breakfast we offer transfers from the hotel to Nice airport at 07.30hrs and 13.00hrs.

View departure details here

We also offer the option to take the TGV back to Paris where we can book an airport hotel near Paris CDG airport. Please Contact us

• Airport Transfers

Tour prices – Paris to Nice

• £3899 per person based on two people sharing a twin (2 single beds) or double (one bed for couple)
• £4899 per person for the single occupancy of a room

Tour prices – Toulouse to Nice

• £3649 per person based on two people sharing a twin (2 single beds) or double (one bed for couple)
• £4549 per person for the single occupancy of a room

We offer the option to book a Male or Female ‘Twin Share’ where we will pair you up with another guest on the tour. if you book this and you want to share with a particular person, please let us know at time of booking.

Bike Rental

Ridley Fenix SLIC equipped with Shimano Ultegra 12 speed Di2. Please read all information here before booking

• £599 for the tour

E-Bikes and E-Race Bikes are also available on request. Please email us for availability and prices. Email Us

More about the event

You will witness the following stages during our tour:

• Fri 12th July – Stage 13 – Agen – Pau 
• Saturday 13th July – Stage 14 – Pau – St Lary Soulan
• Sunday 14th July – Stage 15 – Loudienville – Plateau de Beille
• Fri 19th July – Stage 19 – Embrun – Isola 2000
• Sat 20th July – Stage 20 – Nice – Col de la Couillole
• Sun 21st July – Stage 21 – Monaco – Nice

While our itinerary enables you the opportunity to see 4 mountain stages of the Tour plus a sprint finish and the Nice stages, it also offers plenty of options for doing our own cycle touring in some of the best regions of France. Non-cyclists are also well catered for with opportunities to visit some iconic places like Lourdes, Bedoin & Malaucene in Provence and of course Nice.

Hotel Locations

• Aucun, Pyrenees
• Carpentras, Provence
• Valberg, Southern Alps
• Vence near Nice

You're in safe hands

We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have been organising cycling trips for over 25 years. We are members of ABTA and ATOL so book with confidence.

Plenty to choose from

Did you know we offer the biggest selection of European Gran Fondo and Cyclo-Sportive events.

Spread your payments

Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking. *Selected products. Terms and Conditions apply

Logistics covered

We know the routes, we know the roads. We know how the event works and the best hotels for the start and finish. We organise everything for you; transfers, bike transport, additional feed stops, rep support and more.

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