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 21 switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez. 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 Bienvenue en France!
Get a taste of the epic riding ahead with a challenging warm-up ride A vertigo-inducing route take us to the mountaintop resort of Les Deux Alpes Enjoy cocktails at a welcome reception, followed by dinner.
Day 2 While the pros rest their legs,
head into the Alps for an epic day of biking Tackle the thrilling roller-coaster of hairpin turns of Alpe d'Huez, the Tour's oldest altitude finish Explore the extensive walking trails of Les Deux Alpes or browse in the shops.
Day 3 A truly challenging day of alpine riding awaits,
including two hors catégorie climbs Enjoy pristine mountain air and dramatic scenery from the summit of Col du Glandon Relax poolside at our hotel, resting in the shadows of Massif de la Vanoise.
Day 4 Join the Tour route today,
heading up the legendary Col de la Madeleine just ahead of the pros Claim your roadside spectating spot and cheer loudly as your favorites hammer past Swap stories of today's adventures over dinner at our hotel's chic restaurant.
Days 5-6 Another day of front row Tour action awaits
Revel in the Tour's infectious excitement as the peloton races past, just feet away At our farewell dinner, raise your glass to the incredible events we've watched unfold.
Trip Highlights
- 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
Casual Inns
Le Souleil'Or (2 nights): A welcoming traditional alpine chalet with exceptional views of the Massif de l'Oisans and a lovely outdoor lounge area. (pool)
Hôtel Radiana (1 night): A modest Art Deco-style hotel, ideally located in the celebrated spa town of La Léchère. (pool, spa)
Altédia Lodge & Hôtel (2 nights): This warm and contemporary hotel is superbly located close to the Tour action. (pool, spa)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 15 miles
- 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 23, 43 miles
- 3300 - 6500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 35 miles
- 3800 - 8800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 4 to 5 1 Route Option Available
- 30 miles
- 5100 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 50 miles
- 2250 - 3800 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- 30 miles
- 3500 feet elevation gain
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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