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Tour de France

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 2021 Tour de France in the French Alps with the ultimate bike tour from Practice Bicycle Tours.

The epic 2021 Tour de France route includes classic alpine 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!

2021 Tour de France Alps Vacation

Crazy, Chaos, Thrilling, Amazing it has to be the Tour de France 2021 the greatest sporting event in the world!  Gone are the traditional routes of previous editions, this year will shake up the peleton all the way and with exciting and attacking racing all the way to Paris.  With 3 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 Tour de France in the French Alps, will it continue to be the new stars of cycling or will the experienced racer take the yellow jersey this July?
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 ToursJune 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 6 Day Tour:
4*Hotel Accommodation, $3940 per person
3*Hotel Accommodation, $3729 per person
2*Hotel Accommodation, $3588 per person
Rides Only:
Flexible Stay includes 4 rides 3 TDF stages, $2154 per person

Weekend Tour:
4*Hotel Accommodation, $1856 per person
3*Hotel Accommodation, $1772 per person
2*Hotel Accommodation, $1715 per person
Rides Only:
Flexible Stay includes 2 rides 2 TDF stages, $1179 per person

One Hotel Cycling

Annecy, France

Proposed Dates

2 – 7 July 2021
2 – 4 July 2021

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights
Weekend/ 2 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $427
Bike hire – $600
Non-cycling partner – $3201

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
We’re recommending to all our guests to investigate and follow the latest travel restrictions prior to booking.

Dates

Premium 6 Day Tour
2021
Rides Only
2021
Weekend Tour
2021
  • 02 July — 04 July Enquire
Rides Only
2021
  • 03 July — 04 July Enquire

Itinerary

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

Day 1

Friday 2 July - Arrival Day – Lake Annecy stage route TDF 2009
*Ride options:
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 210m/700ft route Lake Annecy
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 370m/1200ft route TDF Time Trial course
Distance 55km/34mi Ascent 780m/2550ft route Forclaz
Includes: Geneva 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 Practice Bicycle Tours at the Tour de France 2021 from Annecy the French Alps!
Leaving Annecy at a leisurely pace, it is 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 often in the second most famous French bike race the Criterium Dauphine.
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 up tomorrow!
Complete the perfect opening day at your 2021 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

Saturday 3rd July – View Tour de France Stage 8 OYONNAX - LE GRAND-BORNAND (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 45km/27mi Ascent 620m/2000ft route Allonzier-la-Caille
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 850m/2800ft route Seyssel
Distance 120km/75mi Ascent 1450m/4700ft route Mont Prince
Includes: Breakfast, TDF Restaurant Lunch
Non-Cycling Guests: Share all the tour day and Rhone River Valley

This is the day the 2021 Tour de France battle starts in the French Alps, in ‘98 Le Tour used these amazing roads, and we aptly named a section of this route after the great sprinter Robbie McEwan, as we watched his suffering to complete during a difficult day in the Alps. The major Cols feature at the finish of todays stage although the peloton will be working ridiculously hard to get there.
We will enjoy our own great day of cycling straight from our hotel front door as we head to the race route and all of today’s action at our unique live viewing spot. After a gentle climb out of town it is not long before we are into the picture postcard undulating French countryside and heading into our neighbouring valley and local roads. 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 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 experience, 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 2021 Tour de France.

Day 3

Sunday 4th July - View Tour de France Stage 9 CLUSES - TIGNES (Alps)
*Ride Options:
Distance 60km/37mi Ascent 1100m/3600ft route Gorge de l’Arley
Distance 80km/50mi Ascent 1650m/5400ft route Col des Saisies
Distance 140km/87mi Ascent 2050m/6700ft route Chain des Aravis
Includes: Breakfast, TDF Alpine Restaurant Lunch
Non-Cycling Guests: Share all the tour day in the Grand Alps

If yesterday was the entrée of this year’s Tour de France in the French Alps, then today is certainly the main course with 5 categorised climbs and lots more!
Flexibility with our premium small group allows for the best ride options, riding from your Hotel is an absolute pleasure with the team from Practice Bicycle as we head from Lake Annecy to catch up with the spectacle of the Tour in the mountains. For all fans of cycling it’s the pinnacle to watch live the best cyclists in the world on the most majestic cycling roads in the world.
Once on the TDF stage route feel just like a pro cyclist 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 and all the stage action of what will be an unforgettable day at the Tour de France.
Once the show has passed, return to Annecy in the comfort of the support vehicle or add more amazing kilometres with the team that live it.

Day 4

Monday 5th July – TDF Rest Day – Villages & Mountains - stage route TDF 2013
*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
Includes: Breakfast, Restaurant Lunch by the Lake
Non-Cycling Guests: 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 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 local knowledge of over 20 years of exploring ‘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, 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 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 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.
Top off a perfect cycling day with lunch by the lake before returning to your hotel to relax and get ready for all the Tour atmosphere tomorrow.

Day 5

Tuesday 6th July - View Tour de France Stage 10 ALBERTVILLE - VALENCE (Start)
*Ride Options:
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 100m/300ft route Albertville
Distance 90km/55mi Ascent 650m/2100ft route Tamie
Distance 155km/96mi Ascent 1750m/5700ft route Col du Pre
Includes: Breakfast, TDF Farewell Dinner
Non-Cycling Guests: Share all the tour day and stage start atmosphere

You have watched them challenged on the twists and turns of pre-alps roads, witnessed the up-close suffering on the slopes of the Grand Alps now enjoy the buzz and excitement of the stage start.
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 opportunity.
Join the roadside party as the publicity caravan departs throwing its goodies in all directions before the show begins and the peloton continues its journey to Paris.
This is also our last ride opportunity together at the Tour de France 2021, with several days of riding you can really appreciate the benefits of riding from your hotel each morning and the extra rest that our proven formula of ‘Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday’ allows. It’s all about the Tour and make the most of these classic cycling roads.
This evening celebrate your own unique cycling holiday at the Tour de France from Lake Annecy with a memorable farewell dinner at one of Practice Bicycle favourite restaurants.

Day 6

Wednesday 7th July – Departure Day from Annecy
Includes: Breakfast, Geneva Airport Transfer

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 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.

*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.

Can I use my own accommodation and still come on this tour?

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 2021 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.

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.  Alternatively organize your own accommodation and choose our Rides Only option.

We have 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 2021 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

Whats included in the Weekend Package?

If your short on time the Tour de France Weekend Package (2 – 4 July) is the answer from our selection of spectacular Tour de France holidays.

The Weekend includes:
*  Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Geneva International Airport, Switzerland (midday arrival & 6pm departure)
*  Welcome Drinks and Dinner
*  2 Nights Hotel Accommodation + Breakfast (additional nights accommodation available)
*  3 Rides including 2 Alpine Stages of the Tour de France 2021 + Restaurant Lunches (3rd & 4th July).

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.

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 stages with the Tour de France bike race tour?

Our specialty bike race tour weeks include viewing the Tour de France bike race on 3 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 premium Tour de France packages include a Geneva Airport pick-up and drop-off service.

Should you already be travelling in Europe you can arrive in 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 6 day tour package includes:

  • 5 nights of quality 2*, 3* or 4*Hotel Accommodation in the heart of historic Annecy the majestic French Alps
  • French continental buffet breakfasts a perfect start to the day.
  • 5 superb, tailored guided rides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes
  • 3 daily ride options, ‘the tailored challenge’
  • 3 stages “unique live viewing opportunities” of the Tour de France in the Alps
  • Exclusive restaurant welcome and celebration dinners at Annecy’s finest gourmet restaurants.
  • 3 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 2021 Bike Tour Highlights:

  • Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, this ‘baby Paris’ location the ‘Venice of the 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’
  • Escape to the Rhone valley & discover the natural beauty of the majestic French Alps.
  • 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, Col des Saisies (1657m), Cret de Chatillon (1699m, Col des Aravis (1486m), Cote de Menthonnex-en-Bornes (810m), Col de Tamie (907m), Cote de Puget(796m), Col du Pre (1748m), Cote du Mont-des-Prince (696m) & Col de la Forclaz (1150m) 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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