Discover, Plan & Go!

Up for a challenge? You need to be to ride this trip! From Grenoble we go up to ride Alpe d'Huez and the Col de Galibier before moving on to Mont Ventoux. Following that we will go chase down the summits of the Pyrenees: Tourmalet, Luz Ardiden, Hautacam! This guided trip will accept non-riding spouses, but all riders must be strong cyclists up to these rides. All support will be made in fuction of achieving all these great summits in one trip. And then, forever more; you can watch the Tour and know just what it takes to do what the pro riders do!

Day 1 | Meet in Grenoble. Transfer to Fresney d'Oisans to a charming hotel nestled between the huge snow capped peaks of two mountain ranges. Assemble bikes, warm up, and then dinner.

Day 2 | Alpe d'Huez. The ride isn't long but is everyone's goal, so our first objective. (56km roundtrip) After we can do more riding to include nearby climbs and possibly Croix de Fer (+72KM) or Col d'Ornon (+56km). Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner included. Return to same hotel.

Day 3 | Col de Galibier: This is the Big Daddy; a long climb up to the highest col in the region passing over first Lautaret and then up. It is also an important point where the monument to Henri Desgranges is located - the founder of the Tour de France. (64 km RT) Long descent down back to the hotel, or you can add on a trip up Les Deux Alpes (+24km). Breakfast, dinner and picnic lunch and lodging in same hotel.

Day 4 | Drive to Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. We can do a nice spin ride through lavender and vineyard areas - 50 km; and leave some time for visiting the village, a dip in the pool, and tomorrow's ride. Dinner in our very charming provenale hotel on the terrace.

Day 5 | Mont Ventoux and a long beautiful descent through the Gorges de la Nesque. 22 km from the hotel to the summit; no relief from the first turn of the crank in the direction up! We can stop for water at Chalet Reynard 6km below the summit and then on the way down, we will take a long detour through the stunning Gorges de la Nesque and pass through Sault - capital of lavender. Dinner again in our charming logement.

Day 6 | Drive to Lourdes in the Pyrenees. Fairly long drive at about 5 hours, but once we arrive we will loosen up with a spin ride to help recovery and stay ready; short ride on flat to rolling roads. Dinner at our charming hotel in this charming pilgrimage town deep in the mountains.

Day 7 | La Mongie, Tourmalet, Luz Ardiden and back up the Tourmalet. This day could be longest and most difficult of the trip. From Bagneres it is is 29 km to the summit of Tourmalet. Then a long 18 km down to Luz St Sauveur, followed by 15 km to the summit of Luz Ardiden. We return by the same way with the long 18 km climb on the Tourmalet a monster - but you will be master - and then cruising down 29 km to the hotel. A very satisfying day - one you won't forget! Dinner again tonight and rest!

Day 8 | Hautacam, with possible add on of Luz Ardiden if not made the day before. The Hautacam is a must do, and the ride there is a lovely meandering trip to the foot of Hautam when the climbing starts. Return by the same way. Roundtrip 94 km. Final dinner together tonight.

Day 9 | Depart from Toulouse. After breakfast, we return to Toulouse and drop you at the rail station.