Tour de France VIP Access: Epic Climbs of the Tour 2024

Today, you're in for a challenge as you tackle one of the famous Pyrenees mountain passes, the imposing Col du Tourmalet. This comes just a day before the pros compete in Stage 14 of this year's race on the same roads. Cruise along the valley floor following the river to Pierrefitte-Nestalas, where you'll gently ascend through the beautiful Gorges de Luz. Without question, this HC (Hors catégorie) climb is one of the all-time greats, featured in over 80 races since its debut in the 1910 Tour de France. It's one of the oldest and most frequently used climbs in the race's history. With an average gradient of 7.4% over 11.4 miles, and steeper sections reaching up to 12% in the final switchbacks, it's a true test of your cycling prowess. Take a moment at the summit to savor the views and refuel before descending to follow the race course and tackle the penultimate climb of Stage 14, the Hourquette d'Ancizan, on your way to the town of Saint-Lary-Soulan. Here, you'll find our perfectly located 4-star hotel, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant to prepare for the live race action tomorrow!

After a hearty breakfast, the excitement builds as the Tour prepares to start from Pau and end with a thrilling alpine sprint right on our doorstep. Choose to warm up your legs this morning on the col de Cap Long before returning to Saint-Lary-Soulan to intercept the race course of today’s mountaintop finish ahead of the peloton. You'll ascend the final climb of the stage, the Pla d’Adet, made famous by Raymond Poulidor in 1974. Poulidor's victory was so remarkable that there's now a plaque marking the spot where he pulled away from Merckx, winning by 41 seconds. Starting in the valley, this climb covers 6.2 miles with an average gradient of 8.2% and some sections steeper than 10% in the early turns. Feel the Tour glory as you crest the summit and rocket across the finish line then climb the Official Tour podium with your fellow Trek Travelers for an unforgettable souvenir photo opportunity! Take a moment to celebrate your achievement and enjoy a well-deserved lunch with glorious views of the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, we'll watch the arrival of the racers from a unique vantage point aboard an official VIP luxury open-top bus close to the finish line. This exclusive 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! Once the race has finished, descend back to Saint-Lary-Soulan to shower and refresh before a hearty dinner at our hotel.

This morning, prepare for an extraordinary VIP experience just a stone's throw away from your hotel. Your morning begins with an ascent of Col d’Azet, a climb last featured in the 2022 Tour. As you reach the summit, the anticipation mounts, and you'll make a swift descent into the vibrant hub of Loudenvielle, where your exclusive VIP passes grant you access to the official departure village. Snap a photo of the pros as they fine-tune their bikes and psyche up for today's monumental stage, then position yourself to watch the start as the teams depart on the final Pyrenean showdown and exciting mountaintop finish on Plateau de Beille. Once the racers have departed, the choice is yours: chase the thrill by following the race course and conquering the Col de Peyresourde, the pros formidable 1st CAT 1 climb of the day, or descend to the valley and rejuvenate yourself at the hotel spa. As the sun sets over this charming alpine village, you and your fellow travelers can explore the cozy bistros of this picturesque destination for dinner.

This morning, you’ll rise early, bidding adieu to the mountains of the Pyrenees as you start your journey to Provence, where Mont Ventoux awaits. Take a break, unwind, and enjoy the transformation from Pyrenean mountain landscapes to the colorful lavender fields of Provence. In the afternoon, with Ventoux as your backdrop, you'll cycle through vineyard-covered hills, riding from one charming village to the next. If you prefer a day off from cycling, explore the lovely villages of Provence or take a swim in the pool. Tonight, you'll stay at Château de Mazan, once home to the infamous Marquis de Sade. You and your fellow travelers will be treated to your first Provençal meal at the hotel’s fantastic restaurant.

Prepare yourself for epic scenery and legendary riding today! Our challenge is the mighty Mont Ventoux, a 13.42-mile climb with no flat sections and an average grade of 10% over the middle 6.2 miles before you hit the moonscape. What makes this climb challenging isn't just the ride itself but also the unpredictable weather. Strong winds or scorching heat can make it feel much harder than the climbs in the Alps. We'll start our day early for the best opportunity to have a stellar climb. After reaching the top and capturing the moment with a picture to memorialize achieving this feat, we'll descend to Malaucène for a relaxing bistro lunch to refuel. Then, we'll spin back to the hotel. In the evening, you and your fellow cyclists will enjoy another cyclist-friendly dinner at our Provençal hotel.

This morning, we'll leave the lavender fields of Provence and head to the majestic Alps. After a scenic three and a half-hour transfer, you’ll gear up to tackle the next Tour de France featured climb: The Col du Galibier, the final col of Stage 4. This iconic mountain pass has been a part of the Tour since 1911 and is the the most visted pass in the race. Follow the same path as the pros, starting from the Col du Lautaret, to experience the challenge and beauty that make this ascent legendary. Once you reach the top of Galibier, take a moment to admire the breathtaking views of the La Meije glacier. You have the option to descend to the town of Valloire, which is the finish town of Stage 4, where you can turn around and ascend the Col du Galibier for a second time! Alternatively, descend to the mountain village of La Grave and check in at our hotel, Hotel Edelweiss. Tonight, you're free to explore the town and enjoy dinner. You might want to try a Savoie crêpe or a Reblochon pizza to fuel up for tomorrow's epic ascent of Alpe d'Huez!

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll descend to the base of the mythic Alpe d’Huez, the most revered and famous mountaintop finish in France. With an average grade of 8% and 21 switchbacks, each named after a winner of the climb in the Tour de France and baiting you to ride to the next, this lion of a climb is sure to capture all of your attention. Alpe d’Huez was first included in the Tour in 1952, and it's often one of the most exciting points in the race. After ascending to the summit of the historic pass, snap some photos then fuel up over lunch while you celebrate your accomplishment and savor the astounding views. If you’re eager for more, continue up and over the mountain to attack Col de Sarenne. This quiet road is popular with locals as an understated, less traveled, and equally difficult challenge. After an exhilarating descent into the valley, choose to ride back to La Grave directly or opt for a shuttle back to the hotel. If we arrive in time, relax with an artisan beer and watch the exciting sprint finish of Stage 18 into Barcelonette as the race enters the final Alpes-Maritimes stages before the grand finale in Nice in just a few days. 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 Pyrenees, Mont Ventoux, and the Alps!

After an amazing trip, you will be sure to return home a different cyclist. Choose to rise early to take a stroll, taking in the beauty of the mountains one more time. You'll bid farewell to your guides at 9:00 AM at the Auberge Edelwiess before boarding your shuttle to Grenoble train station.