Overview

Welcome to your Trek Travel race adventure beginning in the stunning Pyrénées. Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Hotel Gallia & Londres in Lourdes at 8:30 AM for introductions, along with some tips on riding in the mountains. Guests who were unable to attend the previous day’s meeting should arrive at 8:15 AM for their bike fitting (see Arrival information for details). This morning, you’ll appreciate the grit and determination of the pros as you take on the Col du Soulor, a climb often in the spotlight in the Tour de France. The ascent begins gently before rising to a challenging 9% grade. For those eager for more climbing, ride the out-and-back to Col d’Aubisque before everyone gathers at the summit of Soulor for lunch at a local bistro. Afterwards, enjoy a sweeping descent and a beautiful ride back to Lourdes. This evening, we’ll meet over cocktails and dinner to chat about the exciting days ahead.

Overview

This morning, you’ll leave Lourdes behind and take on one of the Pyrénées’ most iconic climbs—the mighty Col du Tourmalet, an HC (hors catégorie) climb featured this year in Stage 6. Start with a scenic ride along the valley, following the river to Pierrefitte-Nestalas, before a gradual ascent through the breathtaking Gorges de Luz, where jagged cliffs rise above a rushing mountain stream. From the village of Barèges, the climb begins in earnest—nearly 12 miles (19 km) at an average gradient of 7.5%, reaching 6,942 feet (2,116 m). This iconic ascent has been part of the Tour de France more than 80 times! Enjoy lunch on the summit and after descending, climb over the Col d’Aspin to our hotel in Saint-Lary-Soulan or add some extra miles and test yourself on the Pla d’Adet which averages 8% over six miles (10 km) with pitches up to 12%. This afternoon, unwind at the hotel spa before enjoying dinner at our hotel restaurant.

Overview

Today you can enjoy a rest day just like the pros. You’ll bid farewell to the Pyrénées and take a four-and-a-half hour private transfer to Provence, home of Mont Ventoux. As you travel, watch the scenery change from rugged mountain landscapes to the picturesque lavender fields and vineyards of Provence. Pause for a quick lunch on the highway and on arrival, you'll have the opportunity to experience the charm of this region with a leisurely ride through its rolling hills and peaceful villages, with the ever-present Ventoux as your backdrop. You can also choose to relax at one of Provence’s charming cafes or unwind by the pool. For the next two nights, you’ll stay at the Château de Mazan, a historical gem once frequented by the notorious Marquis de Sade. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal where you can savor the flavors of Provence as you prepare for a big day on the bike tomorrow.

Overview

Get ready for epic scenery and awe-inspiring riding today as we take on the Géant de Provence—the formidable Mont Ventoux. This 13.4-mile (21.6 km) ascent has no flat sections and features an average grade of 10% over a relentless 6.2-mile (10 km) stretch, leading into the famous "moonscape." What makes Ventoux truly challenging isn't just its steep grades, but the unpredictable weather—intense winds or heat can make this climb feel much tougher than other mountains. We’ll set out early to give you the best chance for a memorable ascent. After reaching the summit and capturing the moment with a photo, we’ll descend to Malaucène for a well-earned bistro lunch, where you can relax and refuel. Feeling strong? Tackle Ventoux again from the opposite side for a double ascent or just spin back to the hotel. This evening, you and your fellow cyclists are free to explore the town of Mazan and select a local spot for dinner.

Overview

This morning you’ll rise early and say au revoir to the lavender fields of Provence to focus on your next destination—the majestic Alps. After a scenic three-and-a-half hour transfer, you’ll gear up to challenge yourself on the next classic climbs: Télégraphe and Galibier. Now the Tour's most visited mountain pass, the peloton first ascended Galibier in 1911. These two climbs are featured in Stage 20 of this year's race and you'll soon discover what makes these climbs so tough! Challenging and beautiful, this is one of the great rides of the French Alps. If you're up for it, climb the Col du Galibier from both sides! Afterward, you have a stunning, and fast, descent to the town of La Grave and our welcoming hotel for the night, Auberge Edelweiss, where we'll enjoy our first Haute-Savoie dinner together.

Overview

Welcome to another day of thigh-burning climbs and exhilarating descents. Begin with a gentle downhill from La Grave, taking in sweeping alpine views en route to the epic Col du Glandon, first appearing in the 1947 Tour de France. The climb begins at Lac du Verney and rises 3,770 feet (1,149 m) over 15 miles (24 km). At the summit, admire the dramatic scenery of this remote pass, open only from June to October. Your Trek Travel guides will have refreshments and snacks ready for a well-deserved break. If you’re feeling strong, continue to the summit of Col de la Croix de Fer, chosen as the first climb in this year’s Stage 20. After a satisfying mountain lunch, enjoy a thrilling descent to Allemond, where a 45-minute shuttle will return you to La Grave. If time allows, catch the finish of today’s stage in Orcières-Merlette on TV before a free evening to explore town and dine at your leisure. Try a Savoyard crêpe or Reblochon pizza to fuel up for tomorrow’s historic ascent of Alpe d’Huez.

Overview

The excitement builds as today’s Stage 19 begins in Gap and ends with an exhilarating alpine finish right before our eyes. Set out early to stay ahead of road closures and make the most of this unforgettable day. You´ll descend into the valley to Bourg d’Oisans, the base of the mythic Alpe d’Huez, the most revered climb in France. Ride the course ahead of the peloton, tackling its 21 famed switchbacks—each named for a past Tour winner—on an 8% average grade that demands every ounce of focus. The energy is electric, with fans lining the roads for this iconic stage. Join your fellow travelers at Trek Travel’s Signature Race Access Event at Les Grandes Rousses, perfectly positioned on the final switchbacks for prime views of the live action. Enjoy a delicious lunch, then head to the course to catch some “swag” from the passing caravan and soak up the buzz among die-hard fans who’ve camped out for days. Watch live TV coverage as the riders approach the final switchbacks, then cheer from our private terrace as the pros pass by, battling toward the yellow jersey on this legendary mountain finish. Once the stage concludes, choose to ascend the Col du Sarenne, featured in tomorrow’s stage, or descend into the valley and shuttle back to La Grave. Tonight, with recommendations from your guides, enjoy dinner on your own in the village of La Grave.

Overview

This morning, we’ll rise early to ride up to Col du Lautaret ahead of the Tour as it heads for the second and final mountaintop finish of the Tour on Alpe d'Huez. Known for its wide-open vistas and glacier-lined ridges, the Col du Lautaret offers a classic alpine ascent with sweeping views across the Écrins. Descend back to the hotel for a shower and lunch before heading out to the race course with your guides for a roadside viewing of today's penultimate stage. They’ve chosen the perfect spot to relax as you wait for the arrival of the riders. As the pros get closer, find your place along the course and cheer on the riders as they battle for the yellow jersey on the most challenging stage of this year’s Tour. Tonight, gather with your guides and fellow travelers to toast the Tour, its celebrated climbs, heroes past and present, and an unforgettable week of riding through France’s most awe-inspiring mountains.

Overview

It’s been a wonderful week of cycling, camaraderie, and thrilling Tour de France moments you’ll never forget. After breakfast, say farewell to your guides at 9:00 AM in the hotel lobby before boarding your private shuttle to the Grenoble train station, arriving at approximately 10:15 AM.