Classic Climbs: The Tour

Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Gallia & Londres at 8:30 AM for a round of introductions or, for those who were not able to attend the day before, please arrive at 8:15 for your bike fitting. This morning, you’ll appreciate the true grit and sheer determination of the pros as you climb the Col du Soulor, often featured in the Tour de France. It begins with a gentle ascent, then soon ratchets up to a severe 9% grade. Take a break for lunch at the... Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Gallia & Londres at 8:30 AM for a round of introductions or, for those who were not able to attend the day before, please arrive at 8:15 for your bike fitting. This morning, you’ll appreciate the true grit and sheer determination of the pros as you climb the Col du Soulor, often featured in the Tour de France. It begins with a gentle ascent, then soon ratchets up to a severe 9% grade. Take a break for lunch at the summit at a local bistro, or continue on to summit Col d’Aubisque, from where you can enjoy a well-earned sweeping descent and scenic ride all the way back to Lourdes. This evening, we’ll meet over cocktails and dinner to discuss what's to come in our cycling tour of the Alps and Pyrenees. Read More

Overview

Today, you'll tackle one of the Pyrenees’ legendary climbs: the mighty Col du Tourmalet. Start with a scenic ride along the valley, following the river to Pierrefitte-Nestalas, before a gradual ascent through the breathtaking Gorges de Luz. With dramatic jagged cliffs above and a lively bubbling stream below, this section of the ride is incredibly picturesque. The Tourmalet climb, a regular feature of the Tour de France, will be taken from the Barèges side—famo... Today, you'll tackle one of the Pyrenees’ legendary climbs: the mighty Col du Tourmalet. Start with a scenic ride along the valley, following the river to Pierrefitte-Nestalas, before a gradual ascent through the breathtaking Gorges de Luz. With dramatic jagged cliffs above and a lively bubbling stream below, this section of the ride is incredibly picturesque. The Tourmalet climb, a regular feature of the Tour de France, will be taken from the Barèges side—famously tackled by the pros in 2012 and the 2019 Stage 14 finish. It’s also the site of the iconic 2010 face-off between Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador. After descending, you can climb the Col d’Aspin to Saint Lary-Soulan, or challenge yourself further with the Pla d’Adet ascent, averaging 8% over six miles, with sections reaching a tough 12%. This afternoon, be sure to visit the hotel spa before enjoying dinner at leisure, comfortably located at our hotel restaurant. While the meal is included in your trip, it's a relaxed, non-group affair where you can dine on your own schedule, as the guides won’t be joining you this evening.  Read More

Overview

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to the Pyrenees and begin your 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. Upon 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. Alternatively, you may ch... This morning, you’ll bid farewell to the Pyrenees and begin your 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. Upon 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. Alternatively, you may 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 at this enchanting place, where you can savor the flavors of Provence and reflect on your epic ride.   Read More

Overview

Prepare yourself for epic scenery and legendary riding today! The challenge is the mighty Mont Ventoux—13.42 miles (21 km) of relentless climbing with no flat sections and an average grade of 10% over the middle 6.2 miles, before you pass the tree line and enter the "moonscape.” What makes this climb challenging is not just the ride itself but also the weather conditions. Intense winds or heat can make this climb seem much more difficult than those found in the ... Prepare yourself for epic scenery and legendary riding today! The challenge is the mighty Mont Ventoux—13.42 miles (21 km) of relentless climbing with no flat sections and an average grade of 10% over the middle 6.2 miles, before you pass the tree line and enter the "moonscape.” What makes this climb challenging is not just the ride itself but also the weather conditions. Intense winds or heat can make this climb seem much more difficult than those found in the Alps. Your day will start early to give you the best opportunity to have a stellar climb. After capturing a photo at the top to commemorate this achievement, you’ll descend to Malaucène for a bistro lunch where you can relax and refuel before spinning back to the hotel. This evening, explore the delightful town of Mazan for dinner, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Your guides will offer recommendations, giving you the chance to savor Provence's culinary traditions at your own pace. Read More

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 tackle the next classic climbs: Télégraphe and Galibier. Now the Tour's most visited mountain pass, the peloton first ascended Galibier in 1911. Take on the same route as the pros and discover what makes the double ascent so tough! Challenging and beautiful,... 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 tackle the next classic climbs: Télégraphe and Galibier. Now the Tour's most visited mountain pass, the peloton first ascended Galibier in 1911. Take on the same route as the pros and discover what makes the double ascent so tough! Challenging and beautiful, this is one of the great rides of the French Alps. After cresting the top of Galibier, you have a beautiful and fast descent to the town of La Grave and our hotel for the night, Auberge Edelweiss. This evening, you’ll be treated to a cycling-friendly dinner so you can retreat to your bed in time to rest up for tomorrow’s special day. Read More

Overview

This morning, you begin by cycling one of the Tour’s most famous climbs and descents, the Col du Lautaret and descent to Briançon. Here is where Alberto Contador and Alexander Vinokourov won some of their most heralded Tour stages. Once in Briançon, make your way to the Vallée de la Clarée, with its quiet roads and stunning scenery. After a short climb over Col de l’Echelle, you'll descend into Bardonecchia, Italy for lunch. Enjoy the superb Italian food and... This morning, you begin by cycling one of the Tour’s most famous climbs and descents, the Col du Lautaret and descent to Briançon. Here is where Alberto Contador and Alexander Vinokourov won some of their most heralded Tour stages. Once in Briançon, make your way to the Vallée de la Clarée, with its quiet roads and stunning scenery. After a short climb over Col de l’Echelle, you'll descend into Bardonecchia, Italy for lunch. Enjoy the superb Italian food and coffee, and a quick taste of what makes Italy so magical. Later, you have the option to tackle both climbs again or alternatively opt for a shuttle back to La Grave. Tonight you are free to explore La Grave to find a great restaurant to refuel before more stunning climbs tomorrow! Read More

Overview

Welcome to another day of thigh-burning climbs and rapid descents. You'll start your day with a gentle descent and incredible views from La Grave, en route to the epic Col du Glandon, which was first featured in the 1947 Tour and showcased again in Stage 19 of 2013. The base of the col is at the Lac du Verney, which often hosts the swim of the Alpe d’Huez triathlon. From there, you'll ascend 3,770 feet over 15 miles. At the top, you’ve earned the fresh alpine ai... Welcome to another day of thigh-burning climbs and rapid descents. You'll start your day with a gentle descent and incredible views from La Grave, en route to the epic Col du Glandon, which was first featured in the 1947 Tour and showcased again in Stage 19 of 2013. The base of the col is at the Lac du Verney, which often hosts the swim of the Alpe d’Huez triathlon. From there, you'll ascend 3,770 feet over 15 miles. At the top, you’ve earned the fresh alpine air and dramatic mountain views this remote area affords for the short time the road is open from June to October. As always, your Trek Travel guides will have refreshments and snacks available for you to rest and refuel. If you have the legs, continue up another mile and a half to the summit of nearby Col de la Croix de Fer, featured last in the 2022 Tour de France. After a satisfying mountain lunch, enjoy an incredible descent and the last climb back to our hotel in Alpe d’Huez. Tonight, explore the village of Alpe d’Huez for dinner and celebrate the week’s exploits so far. Read More

Overview

It's time. The moment you have been waiting for: the classic ascent of Alpe d'Huez, the most revered and famous mountaintop finish in France. With an average grade of 8% and 21 hairpin bends, this lion of a climb will grab and hold all your attention. You'll descend onto the route made famous in the 2013 Tour over the Col de Sarenne to take in the beauty of the mountains and to imagine the pros descending this small and narrow road, before we reach the final climb o... It's time. The moment you have been waiting for: the classic ascent of Alpe d'Huez, the most revered and famous mountaintop finish in France. With an average grade of 8% and 21 hairpin bends, this lion of a climb will grab and hold all your attention. You'll descend onto the route made famous in the 2013 Tour over the Col de Sarenne to take in the beauty of the mountains and to imagine the pros descending this small and narrow road, before we reach the final climb of the trip, Alpe d’Huez. The ultimate grand finale ride, this climb was first included in the Tour in 1952, and it's often one of the most exciting points in the race as the pros dance on their pedals to the summit. Take a photo on the summit podium and admire the spectacular views. Then, relax over lunch at the top of this mighty mountain, your reward after conquering this notoriously demanding ascent. 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 and Pyrenees! Read More

Overview

It's truly been an amazing trip, and you're sure to return home a different cyclist, changed forever by the experience. After enjoying breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your guides and fellow riders at 9:00 AM at the hotel lobby before boarding your shuttle to Grenoble train station.