The World's Greatest Bike Race
- Pedal in the same rarefied environment as the world's top cyclists
- Experience incredible biking amid glorious scenery
- Watch elite cyclists speed by just a few feet away
- Immerse yourself in the euphoric race atmosphere - unlike any other
- Tackle famous mountain passes ahead of the pros
Pyrénées with Casual Inns
Prestigious. Tough. Legendary. It's the race. Epic biking. Punishing climbs. Screaming descents. And nail-biting drama. Pros and fans alike dream of being there. To race. Cheer. Be part of the world's greatest cycling event. Now it's your turn. To get up close to the action. Test your own mettle up the legendary Col du Tourmalet just ahead of the pros. Backroads puts you right where you need to be. On the best routes. Amid the most stunning scenery. In perfectly located hotels. All you have to do is dive in. And decide which suits you better: green, yellow or red polka dots.
Day 1 Experience the infectious excitement of the world's most exciting bike race in our kick-off town, Lourdes 
Take a scenic warm-up ride up the Col du Soulor Visit the medieval Château Fort as you explore Lourdes on foot.
Day 2 The pros follow in your tracks up the classic Col du Tourmalet Settle into front row seats for this year's first Pyrénées mountain stage and cheer on your favorites Join the locals at a café to watch the rest of the action unfold.
Day 3 Gear up for another day of live race action Conquer the Col de Peyresourde just ahead of the pros Enjoy being right in the middle of the action as the peloton races past just feet away More epic riding awaits, including the ascent of Col de Portet d'Aspet.
Day 4 Savor a day of pure Pyrénées riding, uninterrupted by race schedules or detours Take in stunning scenery from the summits of Col de Port, Col des Marrous and Col de Péguère Explore the hotel's well-manicured gardens before a meal of delicious regional dishes and regional wines.
Days 5-6 Trace a portion of the 2011 race up Col de la Core and Col de Latrape Dine poolside at a French country estate Enjoy a scenic spin through the French countryside or make your way to Paris to greet the pros on the Champs-élysées.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Phenomenal. Some of the hardest miles I've ever ridden on a bike, given the terrain, but I was ready to do it all over again by the time we were packing up to go home. In fact, a few of us were already talking about where we might meet up next year. Perhaps the French Alps? Gotta climb those hills!- Verona, NJ
Casual Inns
Hôtel Eliseo
Lourdes (2 nights) Enjoy mountain vistas from the terrace or solarium of this modern hotel, done in warm tones and rich colors.
Hôtel Eychenne
Saint-Girons (2 nights) A charming former stage coach inn, run by the same family for seven generations. (pool)
Hostellerie des Cèdres
Saint-Gaudens (1 night) A large estate set among 300-year-old cedar trees and well-manicured gardens. (pool)
Alsace & the Black Forest Biking
France's Wine-Rich Valley & Germany's Fabled Woodland
Classic:
Loire Valley Biking
Among the Grand Chateaux
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
Provence Biking
From Cotes du Rhone Vineyards to the Ochre-Kissed Luberon
Classic:
Singles+Solos:
This Trip Is Rated Level 3-5
Routes 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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 4 1 Route Option Available
- 53 miles
- 3180 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 5 2 Route Options Available
- 42, 60 miles
- 5630 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 4 1 Route Option Available
- 45 miles
- 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 50, 80 miles
- 2000 - 4900 elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 40, 58, 96 miles
- 800 - 5600 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the France tour experts. See our award-winning Europe France biking tours, Europe France walking and hiking tours and Europe France multisport tours.
