Overview

Welcome to the Alps! Your Tour de France Femmes race adventure begins in the bustling heart of Annecy. A short shuttle leads you and your new traveling companions around Lake Annecy, the cleanest (and most beautiful) lake in all of Europe, to the start of your adventure. After some initial introductions and a thorough bike fitting, your guides will take you on a ride through the Alpine hills and over the Col du Marais. The perfect warm up ride, the Col du Marais climb has been featured in the men's Tour de France in 2023, and we'll see it again in 2024 on Stage 8 of the women's race. With your Trek Travel guides supporting you throughout the ride, a quick refreshment, snack, or van boost is just a hand signal away. We'll roll into our hotel in La Clusaz in time for a leisurely lunch, and you'll have time to relax and unpack before reconvening later in the day. This evening you’ll gather with the group for a welcome reception and learn about the week ahead, including details about the race and the Lidl-Trek Women's team, before indulging in the delicious local cuisine, typical of this region, at our hotel restaurant.

Overview

Rise early to spin your legs for your first morning ride in the Alps. Today’s ride is worth the effort! Today's journey commences with a descent alongside the Le Borne River, leading you through a picturesque path under the historic Plateau des Glières, all the way down to the scenic Arve Valley. Following a brief break in La-Roche-sur-Foron to recharge and take in the breathtaking panoramas, you'll continue to our designated lunch spot. In the afternoon, you'll have the exciting opportunity to ride a section of Stage 7 from Annecy-le-Vieux to Le Grand Bornand just a few days ahead of the pro riders, and witness the bustling preparations leading up to the race. For those seeking the complete experience, you can also extend your ride to reach Col de la Colombière, featured 23 times in the men's Tour de France. Once back at the hotel, enjoy some well-deserved rest and catch up on today's Stage 5 action on TV as the pros battle it out into Amnéville. Tonight, you're free to explore this quaint Alpine village. Grab a quick pizza at a local brewpub, indulge in a hearty raclette, or sit down to a plate of pasta. There's plenty of variety to be found tonight and your guides are more than happy to help you choose.

Overview

Get ready for a stunning loop today, featuring sweeping views of the Alps. Your day kicks off descending out of town, leading you into the steady seven-kilometer climb of the Col du Marais, followed by a descent into the Arly Valley. Lunchtime is your chance to explore the charming village of Flumet at your leisure. After your meal, the real challenge awaits as you conquer the formidable Col des Aravis, spanning nearly 12 kilometers with an average 5% incline. Upon reaching the summit, if the skies are clear, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas including the Mont Blanc. Then, brace yourself for an exhilarating, lightning-fast descent into the village of La Clusaz. If you're feeling up for more climbing, there's the option to tackle the Col de la Croix Fry as well. In the evening, you'll gather with your newfound friends for a delightful meal, featuring the finest of Savoyard cuisine. Tomorrow promises a lot of excitement as Stage 7 of the race arrives in the region, so make sure to rest up in preparation for a big day.

Overview

Today is the day when you'll witness the race in all its glory! After a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, ride the finish segment of Stage 7 just before the pros. Your morning ride will lead you to the finish village of Le Grand Bornand, where you can soak in the thrilling atmosphere moments before the pros. If you're up for it, you can extend your ride to Col de la Colombière before descending back to the hotel to change into more comfortable clothes. Your guides will then take you to the best spot to view the race. While you eagerly await the arrival of the peloton, you'll have access to a delightful boulangerie-style lunch. Cheer on your favorite riders as the pros compete fiercely for the coveted yellow jersey in this year's longest stage. Following this exhilarating experience, it's time to board a two-and-a-half-hour scenic shuttle to the iconic Alpe d'Huez. This evening, your guides will host a dinner at the hotel, ensuring you refuel and prepare for the challenging ascent of the mighty Alpe d'Huez tomorrow.

Overview

It's the moment you have been waiting for: the classic ascent of Alpe d'Huez, the most revered and famous mountaintop finish in France. Begin with a descent to Le Bourg d'Oisans before we ride back up the final climb of the trip, Alpe d’Huez. With an average grade of 8% and 21 switchbacks (each named after a winner of the climb in the Tour de France, baiting you to ride to the next), this lion of a climb is sure to capture all of your attention. After reaching the summit of the historic pass moments before the pros, snap some photos then fuel up over lunch before we enter the VIP arrival village. Here, watch from a unique vantage point aboard an official VIP luxury open-top bus as the racers close in on the finish line. This premier viewing location is head-and-shoulders above the crowd and fully equipped with an open bar and large-screen TVs, so you don’t miss any of the action! We’ll then have an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes with a special private event with the Lidl-Trek Women’s team and, if race regulations allow, take a tour in the team bus. Tonight, gather with your traveling companions and guides to raise a glass to the Tour, the legendary riding that makes it famous, heroes past and present, and your incredible cycling tour of the Alps!

Overview

All good things must come to an end, and so is true for this sensational Tour de France Femmes cycling adventure. The morning is yours to recover after an epic week of cycling. You'll have time for a short spin to loosen the legs, or choose to sleep in for a full recovery. A private Trek Travel shuttle will take you to the Grenoble train station this morning to travel to your final destination. You'll say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the hotel. Please do not schedule a train out of the Grenoble station before 1 PM.