Tour de France Holidays in the French Alps

Final Action Packed French Alps Stages Live

Tour de France Bike Tours in Cycling Paradise – Lake Annecy!  Come and experience the opportunity of a lifetime at the 2020 Tour de France in the French Alps with the ultimate bike tour from Practice Bicycle Tours.

The epic 2020 Tour de France route comes to a climax with 4 classic alps stages on roads we’ve been exploring for over 20 years around Lake Annecy. Escape the norm and immerse yourself in authentic France with this premium quality small group 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 your 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!

2020 Tour de France Alps Vacation

Crazy, Chaos, Thrilling, Amazing it has to be the Tour de France 2020 the greatest sporting event in the world!  Gone are the traditional routes of previous editions, this year its mountains all the way and with only 36km of Time Trialing expect exciting and attacking racing all the way to Paris.  With the final week full of Alpine action and 4 spectacular stages in the French Alps, experience the best cycling of your life and make your own memories at this years Tour de France in Annecy.  Who will light up the French Alps at the Tour de France in 2020?
With the Colombian Egan Bernal taking victory last year, expect both Grand Tour winners and the new generation of stage race riders challenging for the podium.
Experience the best of both worlds with our Tour de France holidays, the ideal balance between quality cycling, amazing race viewing and relaxing in a small group environment which is enjoyed by all our discerning bike riders and non-cycling guests.

Can’t make July race action try this?

Bike Race ToursJoin us for the Criterium du Dauphine bike race trip, with fantastic race action on the roads of the Alps, just like the Tour de France without the crowds !

View Criterium du Dauphine Trip
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Activity Level question mark-01

Flexible – from 40 km/day to 100 km/day
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 50km.75km, or 100km.

Available Packages question mark-01

Premium 7 Day Tour:
4*Hotel Accommodation, $4473 per person
3*Hotel Accommodation, $4220 per person
2*Hotel Accommodation, $3962 per person
Rides Only:
Flexible Stay includes 5 rides 3 TDF stages, $2403 per person

Weekend Tour:
4*Hotel Accommodation, $2038 per person
3*Hotel Accommodation, $1910 per person
2*Hotel Accommodation, $1825 per person
Rides Only:
Flexible Stay includes 2 rides 2 TDF stages, $1206 per person

One Hotel Cycling

Annecy, France

Proposed Dates

1 – 7 July 2021
2 – 5 July 2021

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights
Weekend/ 3 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $512
Bike hire – $600
Non-cycling partner – $3337

Non-cycling partner?

That’s ok, we cater to non-cyclists too!

Our Tour de France holidays also include a Non Cycling tour package for any fan of world class cycling who does not wish to ride and prefers to spectate at the Tour de France. The perfect solution for a non cycling wife, husband, partner to accompany the bike rider on their spectacular Tour de France bike tour whilst in Lake Annecy the French Alps.

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

Premium 7 Day Tour
2021
Rides Only
2021
Weekend Tour
2021
Rides Only
2021

Itinerary

Ride and join all the excitement of the Tour de France in the French Alps.

Day 1

Saturday 12th Sept - Arrival Day – Lake Annecy
*Ride option:
Distance 55km/34mi Ascent 780m/2550ft route Forclaz
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 370m/1200ft route TDF Time Trial course
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 210m/700ft route Lake Annecy
Includes: Airport Transfer, Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Non Cycling Guests: Share the spectacular tour day around Lake Annecy
Our first ride together and what a ride it is, 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 Practicebicycle Tours at the Tour de France 2020 in Annecy the French Alps!
Leaving Annecy Centre Ville at a leisurely pace, it’s not long before we are following the contour of the Lake. It’s easy to see why we like to take in this gentle ride, so much to see in such a short period of time! 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 with Practice Bicycle we can complete the full Time Trial route and try and emulate Alberto Contador with his winning effort, plus an optional classic Col from the Criterium Dauphine bike race.
Stopping for a café and patisserie at one of our favourite bars on route is the icing on the cake and slows us down enough to experience the pace of French life before the action really hots tomorrow!
Complete the perfect opening day at your 2020 Tour de France with a Welcome Aperitif together followed by gastronomique dinner at one of Annecy’s finest Restaurants to experience the best flavours of French cuisine!

Day 2

Sunday 13th Sept – View Tour de France Stage 15 Lyon > Grand Colombier (Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 95km/60mi Ascent 1875m/6150ft route Grand Colombier (1501m)
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 850m/2800ft route Mont Prince (696m)
Distance 50km/30mi Ascent 400m/1300ft route Seyssel
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, TDF Lunch on the Rhone
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the tour day and Rhone River Valley
This is the day the Tour de France battle starts in the French Alps, in 2017 when Le Tour used these roads the stage was decisive for all the wrong reasons with rain and crashes resulting in many of the favourites out of the race. It’s called the pre-alps and shadows the largest river in France the Rhone, it will be a huge stage for the professional peloton as they take on one of the most difficult climbs in France the Grand Colombier (1505m) cat HC – 17.4km @ 7.1%.
We will enjoy our own great day of cycling before we catch up with the action at our unique live viewing spot. After a gentle climb out of town it’s not long before we are into the picture postcard undulating French countryside and heading into our neighboring valley. A local café stop is never far away as we approach the ‘Bugey pyramid’ the name given to this massive green backdrop to the Rhone River. Experience this amazing landscape and Rhone valley perfect for cycling as much or as little as you wish with the Practice Bicycle team in the French Alps.
Just as important with a great cycling holiday is a well-deserved gem restaurant lunch, its then time for the greatest sporting show on earth with the publicity caravan before the peloton arrives and our first live action of the 2020 Tour de France.

Day 3

Monday 14th Sept – TdF Rest Day – Villages & Mountains
*Ride Option:
Distance 80km/50mi Ascent 1750m/5750ft route Cret de Chatillon (1699m)
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 850m/2800ft route Cote de Puget(796m)
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 460m/1500ft route Cercier
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Lunch by the Lake
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the tour day in the tranquil countryside of France
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 before we also hit the Alps tomorrow OR if you prefer to keep adding to your Cols ride list, challenge yourself with some of Practice Bicycle Tours favourite Cols. With the team’s local knowledge of over 20 years’ of experience exploring ‘Cycling Paradise’ it will be an amazing day of riding whichever you decide.
Enjoy a day in the heart of the French country between Annecy and Geneva, dotted with tiny villages and farming communities with quiet tranquil roads perfect for cycling. This patchwork quilt is just as spectacular as the Grand Alps but in its own unique and different way, passing by the rock of La Mandallaz as we roll across some of France best fruit growing country for apples and pears. Looping back in the direction of Annecy with panoramic views of the Semnoz Mountain 1699m towering over Lake Annecy in the distance.
For those who prefer to climb mountains rather than look at them, the 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 this TDF week. It’s a great route and gives you a taste of what it must feel like to be a Tour de France rider with the opportunity to ride a section of a classic Alps Tour stage! What we might like to call your very own TDF stage on our local roads here in Annecy.

This afternoon is arrival day for guests joining us on the Tour de France 5 Day Package.

Day 4

Tuesday 15th Sept - View Tour de France Stage 16 La Tour-du-Pin > Villard-de-Lans (Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 110km/68mi Ascent 1600m/5300ft route Col de Porte (1326m)
Distance 90km/55mi Ascent 1200m/3900ft route Saint Pierre de Chartreuse (815m)
Distance 50km/30mi Ascent 350m/1200ft route Chambery
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, TDF Chartreuse Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the tour day in the Chartreuse Nature Park
Today the Yellow Jersey battle hot’s up with the professional peloton hitting the Alps for the three consecutive decisive alpine stages. After yesterday’s rest day the Tour de France route heads deep into the mountains of the Vercors, these mountains that comprise the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park are not particularly high in altitude, but are technically difficult and the Tour de France peloton will have to be very alert all the way to the finish line in Villard de Lans.
Flexibility with our premium small group allows for the best ride options, as we head from Lake Annecy to Lake Bourget nearly all downhill and perfect for a café stop. Skirting the edge of the Chartreuse Park full of mountains, forests, limestone cliffs, gorges and Alpine meadows, making it paradise for nature lovers including cycling. 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 parklands, why not test your legs with the Col de Porte (1326m) before descending in time for your well-deserved recovery restaurant lunch and all the stage action of what could be an unpredictable great day at the Tour de France.
Once the show has passed by we will return to Annecy in the comfort of the support vehicle.

Day 5

Wednesday 16th Sept - View Tour de France Stage 17 Grenoble > Méribel Col de la Loze (Alps)
*Ride Option:
Distance 115km/71mi Ascent 2200m/7200ft route Col de la Loze (2304m)
Distance 85km/53mi Ascent 900m/3000ft route Meribel (1075m)
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 100m/300ft route Albertville
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, TDF Restaurant Lunch in the Alps
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the tour day in the French Alps Ski Resorts
Today is the intriguing Alpine stage of this year’s Tour de France, with it being the second of the 3 stages around 168km long, encouraging attacking racing day after day! This stage also includes two massive climbs, Col de la Madeleine (2000m) and the new summit finish Col de la Loze (2304m), none of the professionals will know this climb especially the final 7km which is a new alpine road above the ski resort of Meribel. What these 2020 Tour de France final Alps stages lack in distance they certainly make up for with altitude and intensity. Could this be the day that this years Tour de France winner will be wearing the yellow jersey at the finish line on top of the world?
We will have an early start today with your great choice of tailored rides to join the race route and all the spectacle on the slopes of Meribel. This world class ski arena will be the setting for world class professional cycling action as the very best fight for the yellow jersey on challenging roads of the French Alps. Feel like a pro yourself and enjoy your own memorable ride along these amazing valleys and pick how much challenge you would like in the saddle to our ‘unique viewing spot’ and the decisive action of stage 17.
With all the local knowledge of the Practice Bicycle team, escape in the Alps with the best flavours of the mountains and a hearty restaurant lunch at the roadside atmosphere and spectacle of the Tour de France race. Today we will return to the shores of Lake Annecy in the comfort of the support vehicle.

Day 6

Thursday 17th Sept - View Tour de France Stage 18 Méribel > La Roche-sur-Foron (Alps)
*Ride option:
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 1750m/5750ft route Col des Fleuries (932m) + Plateau Glieres (1440m)
Distance 50km/30mi Ascent 1350m/4400ft route Montee Plateau Glieres (1390m)
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 1200m/3900ft route Col des Glieres (1440m)
Includes: Breakfast, TDF Lunch on the Plateau
Non cycling Guests: Share all the spectacular Tour day in the Grand Alps
Plateau Glieres is the only place to be in this year’s final Tour de France day in the Alps. With over 4000m of climbing and 4 category climbs on today’s stage, tired legs cannot hide it’s been almost 3 weeks of racing through France only the very best will get on the podium in Paris after this classic Tour de France stage!
These are the daily roads of the Practice Bicycle team and you have an endless choice of fantastic rides on offer, ride these incredible roads one last time as much or as little as you wish.
Following the Tete du Parmelan, it’s not long before your in the forrest of the Col de Frettallaz (670m) and all the splendour of Alpine views. These secret country roads have everything from Chateaux’s to Plateau’s perfect to escape and appreciate all the pleasures from great riding as we head towards the TDF route. This historic area was a strong hold of the French Resistance during World War 2 and an impressive memorial awaits us at the summit.
Warm up your own Tour de France legs today on the Col des Fleuries or head straight to the Col des Glieres, before we catch up with all the entertainment of the Tour de France peloton.
Once refreshed with famous local food we are at the ideal spot with time to relax and enjoy the rest of this special day and one last memorable moment to absorb the professional peloton in the French Alps during this year’s Tour de France!

Day 7

Friday 18th Sept – Departure Day from Annecy
Includes: Breakfast, Airport Transfer
Unfortunately, today is your departure day, Practice Bicycle are available to assist you with packing your bike ready for your onward journey from Annecy. Your team will say good bye this morning and transfer you to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) for your midday departure.
PRACTICEBICYCLE wish you a “Bon Voyage”, safe cycling until we Practicebicycle together again.

*As with all the PRACTICEBICYCLE planned rides you always have the option of taking it easy and enjoying the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace.

Is the Rides Only package the best option for me to arrange my own accommodation?

Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ package to get on this tour without any add-ons or accommodation for your flexible stay cycling holiday.
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient central Annecy meeting point. Fully escorted and supported on superb rides to the best viewing locations to catch the Tour de France live in the French Alps.
Whats included:
Fully guided rides to unique ‘live viewing spots’ of the decisive Alpine stages that only a local would know!
French restaurant lunches on each day at the Tour de France stage .
Vehicle Transfers, Ride support vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance from the professional team living in Annecy, French Alps.
Sports drinks & bike food for each day’s riding.

Am I fit enough for this trip?

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

Each cycling route during your 2020 Tour de France bike tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, including the opportunity of riding on parts of the stage route.  So you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours.

Where will I be staying?

Practice Bicycle choose hand picked, quality, air-conditioned accommodation for this best of both worlds cycling experience with our Tour de France holidays.

With a choice of 2* 3* or 4* Hotel accommodation located in the heart of Annecy undoubtedly the most beautiful town in France.  The ideal location to make your Tour de France 2020 a trip of a life time!

Hotel du Nord 2 Star Annecy France          Allobroges Park Hotel 3 Star Annecy France          Hotel Le Pre Carre 4 Star Annecy France

Why would I choose the 2020 Tour de France 5 Day Package?

If your short on time the 5 Day package (14 – 18 Sept) is the answer from our spectacular Tour de France holidays
We can’t get enough of ‘Cycling Paradise’ and Lake Annecy, although if you’re looking for the opportunity to see only the final 3 Alps stages this is for you!
Join us in Annecy for 4 Nights including Airport pick-up & drop-off at Geneva International Airport, Switzerland (Arrival 3:00pm & Departure midday) plus live action in the majestic french alps.  With the same quality and detail as all our Tour de France holidays,  3 incredible rides of your life including 3 Tour de France alpine stages fully supported with the team that live it!

Take a look at the Itinerary above for more on each action packed day.

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

Our Tour de France holidays are packed full of riding, race action and time to relax.  If you still have energy to spare then Lake Annecy is one of the best places in the world to relax and explore – also off the bike! The ‘Pearl in the box’ town often referred to as the Venice of the Alps is the absolute perfect base for your Tour de France bike tour and ideal for relaxing and sharing with non-cycling partners.

You may choose to wander the enchanting streets, do some shopping or just sit by the lake and admire the spectacular views and watch French life pass you by. The team can assist you in choosing from the many superb restaurants, bars and salon du teas in the home of Practice Bicycle, Annecy. Spend your evening enjoying a lovely meal just like a local, ready for your next action filled day at the Tour de France in the French Alps. Bon soiree!

What activities, tours will the Non Cycling Partner do whilst I am on my bike?

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 this trip 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 rides are available with one perfect for you.  After all, the area around Annecy is home to over 20 classic Tour de France cols!

If you are looking to improve your cycling or for a challenge then take a look at both our winter and summer training weeks available with the French Alps Bike Tours and Portugal Training Weeks.

Looking to experience the 2020 Tour de France with a Day Tour?

The 2020 Tour de France holidays can be enjoyed for just a day or two with an exciting and thrilling DAY TOUR, including a restaurant lunch so if you’re looking to get a taste of the biggest sporting event in the world then experience it in style with the professionals who live it!
Also perfect for the Non-Cycling Partner who wish to be a part of the Tour de France live on the roadside for the day!
TDF Day Tours are available 15,16,17 Sept, join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient central Annecy meeting point, ready to ride just like you would back home. Fully escorted and supported on your own guided bike ride including the race route of the final 3 Alps stages to our unique live viewing spots including French restaurant lunch.  Experience all the thrills and excitement of the 2020 Tour de France for the day.

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 Tour de France race routes, take a look at the rides available on the itinerary above.

Practice Bicycle arrived on the shores of Lake Annecy 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 one of our Tour de France holidays.

Why do you choose to watch 3 or 4 stages at the Tour de France bike race tour?

Our specialty bike race tour weeks include viewing the Tour de France bike race on 3 or 4 stages.
With the French Alps being a pinnacle for all cyclists and also our fantastic local roads, this is the perfect duration for you to enjoy viewing the race action live, including your own variety of personally tailored rides and the opportunity of enough time to relax and experience your idyllic French Alps location for the week.
The unique ‘Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday’ philosophy.

Whats the best way to get to the Tour de France bike tours in Annecy?

Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) is the closest and most convenient airport to Annecy. For your convenience the Tour de France bike tours include a Geneva Airport pick-up and drop-off service.

Should you already be travelling in Europe you can get to Annecy by the following methods;
Air: Geneva Airport (Switzerland) and Lyon Airport (France) are the closest airports to Annecy, serviced by many International and low cost European airlines.
Train: The super-fast TGV train network operates between many cities including Paris and Annecy.
Car: The A41 French Autoroute network will bring you directly to Annecy.

Why do you stay in one location, is there enough to see?

‘Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday’
The one location Tour de France holidays are the brain child of Bridget Evans (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven Practice Bicycle 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 place 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 options exploring in every direction  from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life with our Tour de France holidays when you Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday!

Is bike hire available with your 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 available including Cannondale, Fuji, Lapierre, Haibike carbon bikes 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          Haibike Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-32          Lapierre disc brake Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-32

Your Tour de France 7 day tour package includes:

  • 6 nights of quality 2*, 3* or 4*Hotel Accommodation in the heart of historic Annecy the majestic French Alps
  • 6 French continental buffet breakfasts a perfect start to the day.
  • 6 superb, tailored guided rides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes
  • 3 Daily ride options, ‘the tailored challenge’
  • 4 stages “unique live viewing opportunities” of the Tour de France in the Alps
  • Exclusive restaurant welcome dinner at one of  Annecy’s finest gourmet restaurants.
  • 5 Restaurant gastronomique French lunch experiences including the stages of the Tour de France
  • Support vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance
  • Sports drinks & nutritional bars available for all bike rides
  • A Practice Bicycle Premium Tour Exclusive Welcome Pack
  • The ultimate support of the professional team living in Annecy the French Alps
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off at Geneva International Airport, Switzerland and short transfer to Annecy, France (Midday tour arrival & departure day)

Tour de France 2020 Bike Tour Highlights:

  • Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, this ‘baby Paris’ location the ‘Venice of the Alps’
  • Escape to the Rhone valley & discover the natural beauty of the majestic French Alps.
  • 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’
  • Visit Lac Bourget, Plateau Glieres, Albertville, Meribel and Moutiers the centre of Les Trois Vallées ski resort.
  • Very best flavours of France in hidden gem Restaurant lunch settings including Tour de France lunch in the majestic high Alps .
  • Challenge and enjoy the French Alps, Grand Colombier (1501m), Col de la Biche (1316m), Col du Porte (1326m), Meribel Col de la Loze (2304m), Col des Glieres (1390m) & Col des Fleuries (932m) take on one, take on all the challenge is yours!
  • Memorable Tour de France unique live road side viewing in the French Alps and on top of the world!
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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