Tour de France Bike Tours French Alps

Action Packed French Alps Stages Live

Come and experience the opportunity of a lifetime at the 2023 Tour de France with your spectacular cycling vacation in Annecy the French Alps with the ultimate bike tour from Practice Bicycle Tours.

The epic 2023 Tour de France route includes classic alpine stages on roads we’ve been exploring for over 20 years. Escape the norm and immerse yourself in authentic France with this premium quality small group guided cycling vacation.

The Tour de France is the pinnacle of the season for cycling fans and the Practice Bicycle team, who have a special passion for cycling and international racing ready to share with you. You want to feel like you belong and you’re not just another tourist in the group… in fact you want to totally escape, both on your bike and whilst relaxing…. a real cycling holiday!

2023 Tour de France Bike Tours

Crazy, Chaos, Thrilling, Amazing it must be the Tour de France 2023 the greatest sporting event in the world!  Gone are the traditional routes of previous editions, this year’s route will be difficult from the first week in the Pyrenees to the third week in the French Alps, with thrilling racing all the way to Paris.  With a selection of spectacular stages in the French Alps, show casing the ultimate Grand Tour race viewing, stage depart, individual time trial, and two classic alpine stages, experience the best cycling of your life with this superb cycling package and make your own life time memories at this year’s Tour de France.
Who will light up the roads at the 2023 Tour de France, the unpredictable new stars of cycling or will the experienced racer win the coveted yellow jersey this July?
Experience the best of France with your Tour de France cycling vacation, the ideal balance between quality cycling, amazing race viewing, mouth watering restaurant lunches and relaxing in a small group environment which is enjoyed by all our discerning bike riders and non-cycling guests.

Can’t make July join us for the Dauphine in June?

Bike Race ToursCriterium du Dauphine June race action on the roads of the French Alps, just like the Tour de France without the crowds!

Criterium du Dauphine Trips
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Fully Guided question mark-01

Experienced Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Cycling Level question mark-01

Flexible – 40km/25mi – 100km/62mi
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 40km,75km or 100km

Packages question mark-01

Premium 7 Day Tour:
4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4359 pp
3* Hotel Accommodation AUD $3997 pp
Rides Only:
Without Accommodation AUD $2545 pp

Premium 4 Day Tour:
4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $2503 pp
3* Hotel Accommodation AUD $2330 pp
Rides Only:
Without Accommodation AUD $1586 pp

One Hotel Cycling

Annecy, French Alps

Dates

14 – 20 July 2023
14 – 17 July 2023

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights
4 Days / 3 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – AUD $450
Bike hire – AUD $450
Non-cycling partner – AUD $2230

Unpack Once, Ride Everyday

The Perfect Tour de France Bike Tours Cycling Destination Annecy French Alps.

Annecy is one of the most beautiful towns in France. Nestled on the shores of spectacular Lake Annecy and surrounded by the majestic French Alps and stunning countryside. This makes Annecy an unforgettable place to visit and the perfect one location for your Tour de France cycling vacation.
The PB Team have been thrilled to show our cycling guests all the action, excitement and atmosphere of the Tour de France live from the roadside since 2009.
Lake Annecy at the base of the Grand Alps and surrounded by many of the Tour de France Cols offers our guests the best of cycling and relaxation, the Ultimate Tour de France bike tour. This is your bike race tour experience with a difference.

We just wanted to say how much we loved the whole TDF week with Practice Bicycle Tours - brilliant in all ways!
The attention to detail, the huge variation in each of the day's riding through such beautiful country and amazing little villages was just fantastic - culminating in that most amazing descent on the last day. (not so good on the time trialling Paul) but just loved the TDF Alpine climbs.
Again thank you both so much for an amazing experience and all the little extras that didn't go unnoticed right down to the musette bag of goodies.
Jen cannot thank you both enough for the amazing support you gave her which we both incredibly appreciated!
The week was an unforgettable experience both in riding, the race viewing and the thought that went into each day's special restaurant lunch experiences.
Very best wishes from us both.
Testimonial by J & J Upton – Australia
J & J Upton – Australia

Dates

Unique small group Tour de France 2023 escape on the shores of Lake Annecy, join the tour click on the ‘Book Now’ button today.

Premium 7 Day Tour
2023
Rides Only
2023
Premium 4 Day Tour
2023
Rides Only
2023

Tour de France Itinerary

Join the spectacle and breathtaking atmosphere of 4 contrasting stages in the French Alps at the 2023 Tour de France.

Day 1

Friday 14 July - Arrival Day – Lake Annecy French Alps
Arrival Time: Midday
*Ride options:
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 210m/700ft route Lake Annecy
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 370m/1200ft route TDF Time Trial course
Welcome to your Tour de France 2023 cycling vacation in the French Alps, midday we meet and greet at Geneva Airport (Switzerland) and vehicle transfer to your One Hotel Cycling Vacation for the week in the amazing town of Annecy.
We are here to assist you with your hotel check in and to prepare the bikes for a wonderful and spectacular cycling holiday. Our first ride together will blow away your travels and ensure that the bikes are also running perfectly as we enjoy the breathtaking lap of Lake Annecy, the cleanest Lake in Europe, surrounded by the Forrest Mountain of Semnoz on the west and the massive La Tournette (2351m) and the Grand Alps to the east. The perfect way to begin the most exhilarating week of riding with Practice Bicycle Tours at the Tour de France 2023.
This amazing route was also the Time Trial stage of the 2009 edition of the Tour de France, great memories of a classic day at the races. For those wishing to take on gravity on their first day complete the actual time trial route and try and emulate Alberto Contador with his winning effort.
Complete the perfect opening day at your 2023 Tour de France with a Welcome Aperitif together followed by gastronomique dinner at one of Annecy’s finest Restaurants to experience the best of French cuisine!

*Ride Options are led by the Practice Bicycle highly experienced cycling guides, with a unique skill set for the perfect small group tailored ride each day, in addition the option of the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace should you wish.

Day 2

Saturday 15 July – View Tour de France Stage 14 Annemasse – Morzine Les Portes du Soleil (Stage Start)
*Ride Options:
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 600m/2000ft route Annemasse
Distance 55km/34mi Ascent 1050m/3400ft route Mt Saleve
Distance 75km/47mi Ascent 1250m/4100ft route Allonzier-la-Caille
Your first live viewing of this year’s Tour de France comes with the buzz and excitement of the stage depart. Immerse yourself in the Le Tour, with team buses, riders and support crews all preparing for the biggest sporting show on earth. Enjoy exploring the ‘Village Depart’ and all the glamour of the best professional cyclists in the world and their multi-million-dollar support teams and equipment on display, take advantage of the riders ‘Sign On Podium’ the perfect spot for a great photo of your favourite cycling stars.
We will start our riding a little earlier than the professional’s this morning riding from your one hotel location, turn the legs easy or challenge the undulating roads of the stunning French countryside as we ride to the stage start. For those who wish to test their legs the Col des Pitons (1335m) 12km @ 4.5% is on the menu, which was part of Le Tour route all the way back in 1992! A great reward for your climbing the stunning panoramic views from the summit all the way to Switzerland with the city of Geneva, Lake Leman with the Jura Mountains in the background.
An amazing bike ride, Le Tour live, it’s time to relax in tradition with the unique Practice Bicycle philosophy with the best local flavours of French restaurant lunch together.

Day 3

Sunday 16th July - View Tour de France Stage 15 Les Gets – Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 35km/22mi Ascent 1100m/3600ft route Col de la Croix-fry (1467m)
Distance 60km/37mi Ascent 1420m/4600ft route Col du Marais (843m)
Distance 70km/44mi Ascent 2100m/6900ft route Col du la Forclaz Montmin (1157m)
Yesterday’s stage started the battle in the French Alps at the 2023 Tour de France, the difficult route continues today with stage 15, a classic alpine stage, zig zagging over 7 alpine cols!
We are in the backyard of the PB Tours team, local roads for over 20 years and what an opportunity awaits you from your hotel in Annecy as we head into the Grand Alps and the Col de la Croix-fry (1467m) – 12.8km average 6.6%.
Today’s ride options are perfect for all abilities and your team has again used all their local knowledge to give you the best of both worlds, amazing tailored riding with your perfect live viewing spot on the mountain. We pick up the race route on the shores of Lake Annecy, where you can choose one, two or three Alps Cols for your perfect Tour de France ride in the French Alps.
Having worked up an appetite with your climbing legs, it’s time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day with an hearty Alpine restaurant lunch! You’re also at the ideal spot to enjoy the cheering fans of all nationalities in the French Alps and experience the close-up action of the very best climbers in the professional peloton at this year’s Tour de France.
Once the show has passed, return to Annecy in the comfort of the support vehicle or add more amazing kilometers riding back to your hotel with the PB team that live it.

Day 4

Monday 17th July – TDF Rest Day – Villages & Mountains
Departure Day for Premium 4 Day Tour Guests
*Ride Options:
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 460m/1500ft route Cercier
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 850m/2800ft route Cote de Puget
Distance 80km/50mi Ascent 1750m/5750ft route Cret de Chatillon
With the Tour de France pro cyclists taking a well-deserved rest day (Repos) ahead of their final week of demanding racing, you too can also choose to relax a little today with a comfortable ride OR if you prefer to keep adding to your Cols ride list, challenge yourself with some of Practice Bicycle Tours favourite TDF Cols. With the team’s endless local knowledge of the roads of ‘Cycling Paradise’ it will be an amazing day of riding whichever you decide.
The TDF spectacle ended on these amazing roads in 2013, pick your ideal ride on famous roads of the Tour de France to enjoy the absolute best cycling in the French Alps. Its tranquil and beautiful at the same time with the perfect café stop never far away. For those who prefer to climb mountains rather than look at them, Semnoz was the final mountain of the 2013 Tour de France in Annecy, and that day is still very much in our memory, it would be amiss of us not to include it in your bike tour options during your cycling holiday. It is a great route and gives you a taste of what it must feel like to be a Tour de France rider, with these spectacular ride routes in the French Alps each day. What you might like to call your very own TDF stage on the roads surrounding Lake Annecy.
Just as important with a great cycling holiday is a well-deserved gem restaurant lunch experience, out of this world cycling deserves the very best flavours of gourmet France with lunch by the lake, before returning to your hotel to relax and get ready for all the Tour excitement tomorrow.

Day 5

Tuesday 18th July - View Tour de France Stage 16 Passy - Combloux (Individual Time Trial)
*Ride Options:
Distance 40km/mi Ascent 1000m/00ft route La Clusaz
Distance 70km/mi Ascent 1350m/0ft route Col des Aravis (1486m)
Distance 84km/96mi Ascent 1750m/5700ft route Cote de Domancy (810m)
You have experienced the atmosphere of a Tour de France stage depart, witnessed the up-close suffering on the slopes of the Grand Alps, today enjoy the speed and skill of the ‘race of truth’ the Individual Time Trial.
The TDF professionals take on the 22km Mountain Time Trial stage, with the Cote de Domancy (810m) – 2.5km average @ 9.4% testing the general classification contenders. All with the breathtaking backdrop of the highest mountain in Europe the ‘White Mountain’ – Mont Blanc (4800m).
This Cote de Domancy climb is also mythical to all French Fans, as it was on these same roads in 1980 that French hero Bernard Hinault won the World Championships, the Cote de Domancy was climbed 20 times, nearly 6000m of elevation, and with only 15 finishers. To this day the 1980 UCI World Championship course is considered one of the toughest.
Our own superb ride will be longer than the TDF professionals today, although at a lot slower and more enjoyable pace as we head into the Grand Alps and your rendezvous with the excitement of the Tour de France. With 3 great ride options available all magnificent, so pick how much time you want to spend in the saddle to catch up with Le Tour!
With the value in the detail your local support team have the perfect spot ready for you; the atmosphere will be building as we are at the greatest sporting show on earth.

Day 6

Wednesday 19th July - View Tour de France Stage 17 Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc – Courchevel (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 50km/31mi Ascent 610m/2000ft route Gorge de l’Arley
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 1380m/4500ft route Col des Saisies (1650m)
Distance 90km/56mi Ascent 2200m/7200ft route Col de l’Arpettaz (1581m)
If yesterday was the race of truth, today’s stage 17 is an epic with nowhere to hide on the majestic roads of the French Alps, with 4 categorised climbs including the highest point in the 2023 Tour de France, Col de la Loze (2304m) before the finish line at Courchevel.
This is also our last ride opportunity together at the Tour de France 2023, with several days of riding you can appreciate the benefits of riding from your one hotel each morning and the extra rest and relaxation that our proven formula of ‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’ allows. It’s all about the Tour and enjoyment of riding these classic cycling roads together.
Flexibility with our premium small group allows for the best tailored ride options to catch up with the spectacle of the Tour each day, pick your perfect ride distance for one last spectacular ride during your PB cycling experience. Once on the TDF stage route feel just like a pro cyclists as we head to your unique live viewing spot in the heart of the Grand Alps, why not test your legs with a classic Col before descending in time for your well-deserved recovery restaurant lunch.
Its then time for the fun to begin from the roadside carnival of the publicity caravan before the peloton arrives and all the stage action of what promises to be an unforgettable day at the Tour de France.
Once all the action as passed us by, we will have a short (fingers crossed!) vehicle transfer back to Annecy to end your perfect cycling vacation at the Tour de France with the Practice Bicycle team.

Day 7

Thursday 20th July – Departure Day from Annecy French Alps
Departure Time: Midday
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, Practice Bicycle are available to assist you with your onward journey from Annecy in the French Alps. Your team will say goodbye this morning and transfer you to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) for your midday departure.
Practice Bicycle wish you a “Bon Voyage”, safe cycling until we Practice Bicycle together again.

*Ride Options are led by the Practice Bicycle highly experienced cycling guides, with a unique skill set for the perfect small group tailored ride each day, in addition enjoy the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace should you wish.

Am I fit enough for your Tour de France bike tours?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bike, if you are excited by the best bike racing in the world, our Tour de France bike tours are for you!

Each cycling route during your 2023 Tour de France bike tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, including the opportunity of riding parts of the stage route.  So, you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours.

What accommodation is included with your Tour de France cycling packages?

Practice Bicycle offer a choice of proven 4* & 3* quality, air-conditioned hotel accommodation located in the heart of undoubtedly the most beautiful town in France, Annecy.
The ideal location to make your Tour de France 2023 a trip of a lifetime!
Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3 Star France              Novotel Annecy Center 4 Star France

What is included in the Tour de France Premium 4 Day Tour Package?

If your short on time experience 2 stages of the Tour de France with our Premium 4 Day Tour Package (14-17 July) from our selection of spectacular Tour de France holidays.
The Premium 4 Day Tour includes:
* Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Geneva International Airport, Switzerland (midday arrival & 10:00am departure)
* Welcome Aperitif and Gourmet Dinner
* 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Annecy + Breakfast each morning
* 3 Fully Guided & Supported Rides including 2 Live Alpine Stages of the Tour de France 2023
* Daily ride options the tailored challenge, including Sports Drinks & Bars
* 2 Restaurant Lunches at the TDF (15 & 16 July)
* The Ultimate support of the professional team in Annecy the French Alps.
Take a look at the Itinerary above for more details on each action-packed day.

Are your Tour de France bike tours challenging enough for me?

We enjoy a challenge as much as we love cycling. The team at Practice Bicycle has a history in professional bike racing, your host Bridget Evans competed in the 1999 Grand Boucle Femmine (Women’s Tour de France).

So, if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can definitely find just the right rides for you with our Tour de France bike tours on offer.  Each day a choice of ride routes are available with one perfect for you.

If you are looking for a challenge with your next cycling vacation, take a look at our Challenging Bike Tours category, with fantastic cycling opportunities in superb destinations including, Australia, Portugal, Italy and the French Alps.

Do you have a Non Cycling package to the Tour de France bike tours?

We have the ideal package for any fan of world class cycling who does not wish to ride and prefers to spectate during our Tour de France cycling tours.
The perfect solution for a non cycling wife/husband/partner to accompany the bike tour rider on their spectacular Tour de France bike tour.

As a Tour de France Non-Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement, and action up close and personal of the bike race live. Our local support team will share with you culture and villages on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘Unique live viewing spots’ and handpicked restaurant lunch together.

Is the Rides Only option okay if we want to organise our own accommodation?

Absolutely! Look for our ‘TDF – RIDES ONLY Options (15-19 July & 15-16 July)’ packages to get on this tour without any add-ons or accommodation for your flexible stay cycling holiday.
Each day you will join the PB Team at a convenient central meeting point in the town of Annecy. Fully escorted and supported on superb rides to the best viewing locations to catch the Tour de France live in the French Alps.

Rides Only (15 – 19 July) 5 Day includes:
* 5 superb, tailored rides, highly experienced cycling guides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes.
* 3 daily ride options ‘the tailored challenge’.
* 4 “unique live viewing opportunities” of the Tour de France Stages in the Alps.
* 5 Restaurant gastronomique French lunch experiences including at the stages of the Tour de France.
* Support person and vehicle with ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance.
* Sports drinks & nutritional bars available for all bike rides.

Rides Only (15-16 July) 2 Day includes:
* 2 superb, tailored rides, highly experienced cycling guides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes.
* 3 daily ride options ‘the tailored challenge’.
* 2 “unique live viewing opportunities” of the Tour de France Stages in the Alps.
* 2 Restaurant gastronomique French lunch experiences at the stages of the Tour de France.
* Support person and vehicle with ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance.
* Sports drinks & nutritional bars available for all bike rides.

What rides will I do?

We offer a choice of daily tailored rides with our Tour de France bike tours to meet the experience of our cycling guests, including actual sections of the Tour de France stage route, look at the detailed rides available on the itinerary above.

Practice Bicycle arrived in the majestic French Alps in 1996, since this time they have developed 100+ routes for riders of all levels, expect the very best bike rides of your life whilst you are on your Tour de France cycling vacations.

Why do you stay in one location?

‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location Tour de France cycling holidays are the brainchild of Bridget (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling, it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven PB Tours philosophy of one location.  Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.

Packing and Unpacking each day was tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the destination before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride routes exploring in every direction all from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life with your Tour de France holiday when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!

What is the closest airport to get to the Tour de France bike tours?

Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) is the closest and most convenient airport to your one location Tour de France cycling vacation. For your convenience the premium Tour de France vacation packages include a Geneva Airport pick-up and drop-off service.

Should you already be travelling in Europe you can arrive at our Tour de France bike tours by the following methods:
Air Travel: Geneva Airport (Switzerland) and Lyon Airport (France) are the closest airports, serviced by many International and low cost European airlines.
Train Travel: The super-fast TGV train network operates between many cities including Paris and Geneva.

Do you offer bike hire with your Tour de France bike tours?

For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Tour de France cycling holiday.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution.
Depending on availability and size we have several brands of carbon bikes available including Cannondale, Fuji, Lapierre and Haibike, all are recent models with Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road Bike Shimano compact 50/34 x 12-32          Fuji Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-34                    Lapierre disc brake Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-32

Tour de France Premium 7 day tour includes:

  • 6 nights of quality 4* or 3* Hotel Accommodation in Annecy the heart of the majestic French Alps
  • French continental buffet breakfasts a perfect start to the day.
  • 6 superb, tailored rides, highly experienced cycling guides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes
  • 3 daily ride options, ‘the tailored challenge’
  • 4 live stage viewing opportunities of the Tour de France in the French Alps
  • Welcome to the French Alps aperitif and gourmet restaurant dinner
  • 5 Restaurant gastronomique French lunch experiences including on the stages of the Tour de France
  • Support person and vehicle with ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance
  • Sports drinks & nutritional bars available for all bike rides
  • The ultimate support of the professional team in Annecy the French Alps
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off at Geneva International Airport, Switzerland (Midday tour arrival & departure day)

Tour de France French Alps Bike Tour Highlights:

  • Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, perfect Tour de France cycling holiday destination
  • Experience for yourself the thrill of riding Tour de France roads and the slopes of the iconic Cols of the French Alps – ‘see it’ ‘feel it’ ‘admire it’ & ‘remember it’
  • Very best flavours of France in hidden gem Restaurant lunch settings including Tour de France lunch in the majestic French Alps .
  • Challenge and enjoy the French Alps, Cote de Domancy (810m), Col des Pitons (1335m), Col de la Croix-fry (1467m), Cote du Puget (796m), Col des Saisies (1650m), Col du la Forclaz Montmin (1157m), Cret du Chatillion (1660m), Col de l’Arpettaz (1581m), Col du Marais (843m), Col des Aravis (1486m), take on one, take on all the challenge is yours!
  • Experience sights & delights of the French Alps, Gateway town Thones, Bauges National Park villages, Magnificent Mt Blanc, chic Megeve, and ski resorts La Clusaz and Les Saisies
  • Memorable Tour de France unique live viewing, stage depart, individual time trial & French Alps!
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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