We recommend international guests arrive one night before the tour to rest, adjust to the local time zone, and enjoy a smooth start to your cycling holiday. A convenient option is the Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport, which offers a complimentary airport shuttle.

If you’re already travelling in Europe, Annecy is easy to reach by several comfortable and reliable transport options:

Air Travel
The closest airports are:
Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) — approx. 45 minutes
Lyon Airport (France) — approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
Both are well‑served by major international airlines and low‑cost European carriers.

Bus Travel
Regular public buses operate from both Geneva and Lyon airports directly to Annecy.
Private transfers and taxis are also readily available if you prefer a seamless door‑to‑door option.

Train Travel
Annecy is connected to the TGV high‑speed rail network, with direct services from major European cities, including Paris.

Car Travel
If you’re driving, the A41 French Autoroute brings you directly into Annecy.
All major international car‑rental companies operate from Geneva and Lyon airports.

Your accommodation in Annecy is chosen for comfort, convenience, and a relaxed atmosphere — the perfect base for your Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes experience in the French Alps. Each hotel is ideally located for easy access to the lake, the old town, and our daily ride start point, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the rhythm of the week without any transfers or packing.

Annecy offers a wonderful blend of alpine charm, lakeside beauty, and French café culture. After each day’s ride, you can unwind by the water, stroll the historic streets, or simply relax at your hotel and soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable town.

If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, our Self‑Stay option gives you complete flexibility while still enjoying the full Practice Bicycle riding experience.

                                        4*Plus Best Western Carlton Hotel Annecy                                                          4* Mercure Annecy Centre Hotel

                                   3* Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre Ville                                                                   2* Hotel de Nord Annecy Centre Ville

With Practice Bicycle ‘indulging you’ with a gastronomic variety of French flavours throughout your bike tour including race days.

Your Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes cycling vacation deserves great food, and Annecy is one of the most rewarding places to enjoy it. Your tour begins with a welcome dinner celebrating the flavours of the French Alps — a relaxed evening to meet your hosts, connect with fellow guests, and ease into the tour ahead.

During the tour, you’ll also savour hidden‑gem ‘menu du jour’ French restaurant lunches — classic multi‑course meals featuring the finest local flavours of the Haute‑Savoie. All roadside at your live bike race viewing spot.

Throughout your stay, you’ll have the freedom to explore Annecy’s cafés, markets, and restaurants at your own pace. From lakeside terraces to tucked‑away bistros, the town offers an exceptional variety of dining experiences. We’re always happy to recommend our favourite local spots, whether you’re looking for a casual post tour day meal or something a little more indulgent.

Please note that drinks are not included in this tour package.

Whether you bring your own bike or prefer to hire one, we make the process smooth and effortless. Our hire bikes are expertly maintained, perfectly suited to the Tour Auvergne Rhone-Alps alpine terrain, and set up for you with care so you can enjoy every climb and descent with confidence.

If you’re travelling with your own bike, we’re here to help with assembly, adjustments, and daily support. Each ride includes a support vehicle, carrying everything you might need — including extra layers — so you can focus entirely on the road ahead.

We also provide sports drinks and nutritional bars each day to keep you fuelled throughout the week.

You’ll find a selection of our bike options just below, allowing you to choose the setup that suits your riding style.

Lapierre Xelius Disc Brake Di2 Shimano 12 Speed  50,34 x 11-34
Raymon Electric Road/Gravel Carbon Disc Brake Bosch Compact Tube, 400 Wh, 36 V
Cannondale & Fuji Rim Brake Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-34

          Lapierre Disc Brake Di2                                   Raymon Electric Road                                            Cannondale Rim Brake                                          Fuji Rim Brake

Our Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Bike Tours are designed for riders who want to combine unforgettable race moments with beautifully curated days on the bike. Each day offers two or three ride distances, giving you the freedom to choose the level of challenge that suits you best — from comfortable scenic routes to more demanding alpine climbs.

Whether you prefer a relaxed pace or enjoy pushing a little harder, our small‑group format and expert support ensure you can ride confidently and comfortably. These tours are ideal for mixed‑ability couples, friends, or solo travellers who want flexibility, great riding, and the excitement of experiencing world‑class racing up close.

If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, our Self‑Stay option offers complete flexibility while still enjoying the full Practice Bicycle Tour Auvergne Rhone Alps bike race experience. You’ll join us each day for the spectacular live race action, guided rides, support vehicle, airport transfers, and hosted dinners — all the elements that make our tours special — while staying in the accommodation that best suits your plans.

It’s an ideal choice for independent travellers, couples with different interests, or guests who simply enjoy selecting their own place to stay. We make everything seamless, so you can enjoy the same exceptional bike race tour cycling vacation with the freedom to tailor your stay in Annecy.

What’s included:
* Arrival & Departure Private Transfer: 2:00pm pick-up & 10:00am drop-off at Geneva International Airport (Switzerland).
* Welcome to Annecy with an Aperitif and French gourmet restaurant dinner.
* 3/4 spectacular live viewing opportunities of contrasting stages of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stages
* 4 Superb fully guided rides tailored for your enjoyment during the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes tour
* 4 French restaurant lunches including the stages of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
* The ultimate support of the professional French Alps cycling guides.
* Ride support vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance.
* Sports drinks & bike food for each day’s riding.

We warmly welcome guests who prefer not to ride, and they are valued every bit as much as our cyclists. Many couples and friends join our Bike Race Viewing Tours this way, enjoying every moment of the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes experience from the comfort of our support vehicle.

Non‑riding guests share the full day’s adventure, travelling with our local support team, exploring alpine villages, and experiencing the race atmosphere up close. You’ll join the group at our unique live race‑viewing spots, enjoy handpicked restaurant lunches together, and take in all the spectacle, excitement, and behind‑the‑scenes magic that makes the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes so unforgettable.

It’s the perfect way to enjoy a June vacation in the French Alps — staying in beautiful Annecy, discovering the culture of the Haute‑Savoie, and sharing an amazing week together, whether you’re riding or relaxing.

What our previous race fan guests thought about their PB Cycling Holiday to the Tour Auvergne Rhone Alps Tour (previously Criterium du Dauphine Bike Race)…

Most professional guides I have had on a guided trip. Paul coached & taught me lessons that will help me in the mountains forever. I will book another trip soon.
Brian – USA

Overall best bike tour, food, scenery, rides, shuttle and premium guides!!!!
p.s super nice bikes Mil gracias!!!
Alonso – Mexico

Excellent tour & the number of days viewing the race was good. Rides were well planned and the flexibility was appriciated. Lunches were excellent as were the choice of venues were good. Great scenery & enjoyed riding the rental bike.
Good luck & best wishes from your Aussie Mate
Geoff – Australia

Too much food! Too much beautiful scenery! Up too close to the pro riders! Kidding of course, we loved it!
Trying to think of a complaint…
Bike fit was great.
Guides local knowledge was the best. 
Would not return. Kidding again, see you next time!
Karen – USA

• Great to see the start, middle & end of race
• Lunches were great
• Hosts very friendly & knowledgeable
• To see Stage 8 in Beaufort between entree & main course was amazing
• Beautiful part of the world
  Robyn – Australia

1. Loved the places & courses we went to – very scenic & enjoyable.
2. Really good that we got to see the start, the finish & the in between of the tour.
3. Excellent timing on positioning ourselves and finding amazing parking spots at the start/finish of the tour.
4. Amazing opportunity to see the cyclists up close.
5. Great Food
Karianne & Tom – USA

I am 75 years old and have had a full life. This has been my best cycling experience and one of the best experiences of my life. The cycling, food and companionship have been outstanding.
Doug – USA

We are so happy we joined Practice Bicycle Tours for the Criterium Dauphine Bike Race Tour. They choose really great spots to view the race. The rides they took us on were a good length and we got to ride up a couple of the big Cols in the French Alps with great support and assistance all the way! A very personalised tour, we were made to feel welcomed. Thanks Paul & Bridget, we’ll be back!
Sarah – Australia

Our 1st Guided Cycling Trip ever & it exceeded expectations! So lovely to get to stay 5 Nights in Annecy and ride from here. Also we had a really fun group! Sole suggestion – I wish we had your whats app number sooner (we had it, just didn’t know it was on Whats App!!) I hope we can do another one with you. Beautiful scenery, food – excellent planning!
Caroline – USA

It was a great trip. Thank you for all the support getting up the hill. Moving forward, I plan to practice more. I really like the morning updates on WhatsApp. Thank you so much 10/10
Erin – USA

Absolutely wonderful! Doing my favourite thing in the world, in beautiful landscapes and good company & amazing food & coffee. Thanks for the experience.
Monika – Australia

The descent on the 2nd day was maybe the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike! But also the entire trip- climbing, riding in the rain (a bit), the scenery and of course THE FOOD! 🙂 made riding my bike in France even better than I thought it possible, Thank you and I hope to do it again.
Jay – USA

Lovely company and well planned trip. Excellent race viewing and coaching right in the perfect measure. Thank you for your hard work and wonderful hospitality.
Joshua – USA

Things I LOVED
1) Supported the entire way!
2) The camaraderie of the Group
3) The opportunity to test yourself of the hills
4) Well structured Itinerary
5) Fantastic Meals!
6) Whats app connection of our group was fantastic to share pics
7) Thanks PB
Randal – USA

Our 2nd Dauphine! So FUN, great group, excellent rides and of course excellent lunches. Thank you for another wonderful cycling and gastronomy adventure, nice collection of guests and Natallia was great fit.
Hilary – USA

I did the Non-Cycling Tour and loved it! The group made me welcome and Nat was a wonderful support person & friend. P&B were fab tour guides and lovely people. Highly Recommended!
Peter – Australia

Very enjoyable tour – early starts were worth it for race viewing but I can imagine that it is even better when the race is closer to Annecy! Leaving from the hotel is very nice, good mix of terrain and rides. A larger group might be an interesting and different experience for riding, meals and company. Superb!
Joshua – USA

What an amazing cycling experience, I love bike racing and rode in the French Alps, I got to see some contrasting stages, with different landscapes and rode on lots of famous Tour de France roads, it was just like the Tour, but better. Jeremy – USA

A brilliant week on our Criterium Dauphine Bike Tour. Thank you so much for making our first tour experience outstanding. Annecy and the surrounding region was everything we hoped it would be for a cycling experience and a breath of fresh air for a road cyclist. The cycling routes, countryside and roadways where outstanding but what really stands out is the cycling ethos in Annecy. Cyclists everywhere, quiet country roads with beautiful road surfaces and courteous car traffic. A week of feeling part of the local cycling community and a welcoming place to be a road cyclist!
Our hosts Paul and Bridget were delightful. We might all be there for the cycling but really it is the feeling of camaraderie that you take home with you. Laughing, cycling and stories are all wrapped together and for those of us with busy lives and responsibilities it is a blessing to just be on the bike and feel the joy.
Practice Bicycle really took care of navigating the language, the routes, transport, schedules and details so we could relax and really enjoy the ride. It is no easy feat to blend race viewing and five great rides during the Dauphine. Paul and Bridget are pros and work together extremely well to put it all together.
We were up for a challenge and Practice Bicycle delivered. A couple of warm up days to adjust to the roads and terrain and then three challenging days of climbing. Paul is a master at tailoring pace to ability and ensured our biggest goals were met as we summited major Col’s and built lasting memories. With a lifetime of cycling and racing knowledge Paul and Bridget not only created a great cycling experience, but we learned more about cycling in five days than our prior years combined.
If cycling brings you balance, if cycling brings you life, than Practice Bicycle gives you an immersion into the cycling experience that can reconnect you with your passion and fuel it for years to come.
David – USA

Score: 10/10
Keep the Lunches
One thought on the first day, get everybody on WhatsApp
Love the morning texts with course or route info
Chris – USA

My wife and I have just finished our Criterium du Dauphine Bike Tour with Bridget and Paul. It was a wonderful trip for both of us, myself as a rider and my wife as a non-rider. Both Paul and Bridget are world class cyclists and hosts that share their knowledge of riding and special local knowledge of the area surrounding Annecy. They prepare the daily rides taking into account the wide-ranging skill levels of the riders involved. The groups are typically two to eight guests which makes for individual attention. The rides are fantastic, the country scenery and roads couldn’t be better. We’ve travelled a great deal in our lives and were still surprised by the beauty of the area.
Paul was our riding guide, coach and tour guide on the daily trips. His interest in making it both fun and challenging makes for a great ride. He knows the rider’s skill levels and everyone will be challenged without going beyond their physical abilities.
We couldn’t have asked for a greater, premium experience in what has to be the greatest cycling area in the world. Add to that the chance to see the pros riding the Criterium at the finest viewing spots made for a winning combination and we feel very lucky to have been with Bridget and Paul. We look forward to riding and touring with them again in the near future.
Dan – USA

We’ve had a wonderful experience (perhaps an evolution!). Wanting to try an organised tour as we are moving away from hardcore cycle touring to pure ‘cycling pleasure’. This is why we ride a bike…Beautiful scenery, a fabulous organisation!
Neil – Australia

My Husband, an avid cyclist booked a trip for us to ANNECY, France and view the Criterium Dauphine. We were lucky enough to choose Practice Bicycle Bike Tours as our guides through the French Alps. The days were the absolute perfect mix of rides tailored to the riders skill level, beautiful lunches in the spectacularly beautiful French countryside
PRIME viewing spots, up close and personal with the Criterium and absolutely fabulous company! As a Non Cycling Guest, I accompanied the cyclists in the support vehicle and was treated to a tour of the French countryside and village life that would not have been possible on our own!
We recommend Paul & Bridget without reservation for a ‘one of a kind’ cycling adventure.
Riley – USA

Annecy is one of the most enchanting places in the world to relax and explore — both on and off the bike. Often called the “Baby Paris”, the town blends alpine beauty with French elegance, offering turquoise lake views, medieval streets, and a wonderfully relaxed rhythm of life.

During your stay, you can wander the cobbled lanes of the old town, visit the Palais de l’Île or the Château d’Annecy, stroll through the Jardins de l’Europe, or simply sit by the lake and watch the light change across the mountains. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip, browse the markets, or savour a traditional “Le Goûter” tea‑time moment in one of Annecy’s charming salons de thé.

With our one‑location stay, you have the freedom to immerse yourself fully in French life. Whether you prefer to explore, shop, unwind, or enjoy long lakeside afternoons, Annecy offers endless ways to make the week your own. And when evening comes, our team is always happy to recommend superb local restaurants — the kind of places where you can dine just like a local and savour the flavours of the Haute‑Savoie.

A truly unforgettable destination, and the perfect home for your cycling holiday.

Our centre‑based tours mean you stay in one hotel for the entire trip. No packing, no transfers, no stress — just great riding every day from the same comfortable base.