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Culture & History, Geological Wonders
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Just when you thought it couldn't get any more thrilling - or fascinatingly controversial - in the world of cycling, Lance Armstrong announces that he's breaking out of retirement and setting his sights on an unprecedented 8th win in 2009. We invite you to join us in France and witness this historic undertaking in person! Pedal in the same rarefied environment as the world's top cyclists and view, firsthand, several stages of this incomparable feat of mind and mettle. Watch the drama, joy, heartbreak and downright craziness unfold before you amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. While we can't award you a winner's jersey of your own, we can ensure that you'll be richly rewarded with the unsurpassed pampering that you've come to expect from Backroads.
View other trips in Europe France
Experience the passion, glory and heart-pumping action of the world's greatest bicycle race as you ride hand-picked sections of classic stages only hours ahead of the pros 
Then watch from the sidelines while your favorite heroes of the road challenge themselves against terrain that has become legendary among cycling fans Topping off the experience are the unparalleled leadership, support and camaraderie that Backroads is known for. No matter how fast you pedal, you'll definitely feel like a winner Allez! Allez!
Our exclusive departure follows key stages of the world's greatest bicycling race. Departure date, route, accommodations and trip price will be available in early December 2008, once official information is released. Please call to pre-reserve your space on these exclusive departures. If you have pre-reserved a space, we will contact you with specific dates, prices and itinerary details as soon as they become available.
Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.
Lodging What's
this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.
Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic
regional flair.
Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the
areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and
proximity to our activities.
Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every
camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Can Lance possibly do it again? Whether or not he achieves win #8, we can promise you an unforgettable week of riding and race viewing. We hope to see you there!- France Regional Manager
For more than 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the France tour experts. For biking tours in Europe France, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Europe France biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe France walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe France multisport tours click here.
(6 nights): Details will be available in early December 2008, once official information is released. Please call to pre-reserve your space on these exclusive departures. If you have pre-reserved a space, we will contact you with specific dates, prices and itinerary details as soon as they become available.
Route information and daily mileage details will be available in ealy December 2008, once official information is released. Please call to pre-reserve your space on these exclusive departures. If you have pre-reserved a space, we will contact you with specific dates, prices and itinerary details as soon as they become available.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking |
||
| 1 | 2-3 hours |
10-20 miles |
2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours |
21-30 miles |
5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours |
31-40 miles |
7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours |
41-55 miles |
9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours |
56-75+ miles |
11-13+ miles |
