Tour de France 2016

The Tour de France 2016 will commence on Saturday 2nd July at Mont-Saint-Michel on the North West coast of France in Normandy and conclude in Paris on Sunday 24th July. The biggest cycling event on the planet is one for the “Bucket List” and next years edition will certainly live up to expectations. We are very excited to offer a 13 day trip to explore, discover and experience the wonderful culture and scenery of France and to witness this world famous cycling race. Come and join Monty and his team as we eat, drink and laugh our way through France.

Group size is a maximum of 14. Please register your interest by email via the contact page
Securing your position with us will only be possible with a deposit of $1000.00 AUD

$9,300.00 Per Person | Click here to download your booking form and secure your position today.

11 nights – $AUD 7,800
13 nights – $AUD 9,300

Day 1 –12th July 2016

Our Montcycling team will collect you at Avignon TGV and bring you to our hotel in L’isle sur la Sorgue approx 30mins drive away. Once we have assisted you with assembling your bike, we will take a short meander through the surrounding countryside to ensure your machine is in good working order. Tonight, we will provide a welcome dinner at our hotel and our guides will be able to answer any of your questions in regards to your tour.
Overnight : L’isle sur la Sorgue

Day 2 – 13th July 2016

Waking up to the warmth of Southern France with the smell of lavender in the air is truly memorable, not to mention the ever present hum of the Provincial cicada. A leisurely ride is scheduled today through the beautiful countryside with endless rows of vineyards and olive trees . We will cycle through the Naturel Regional du Luberon and see many gorgeous perched villages including Lacoste, Bonnieux, Goult and Gordes. The ride is relatively flat with a few undulations which will perfect for the first full day on the bike.
Approx 80km – 4hrs
Overnight : L’isle sur la Sorgue

Day 3 – 14th July 2016

Today we will see the Tour de France for the first time as they ride towards the summit of Ventoux. We will leave early to avoid the heat of the provincial sun and climb Mont Ventoux via the village of Bedoin. The route will be lined with thousands of spectators in anticipation of the great race. Mt.Ventoux is 1912m and towers above the surrounding country side. It’s a long tough climb, particularly in the middle through the forest and the last few kms. At the summit, the immense panorama of Provence and the Southern Alps takes your breath away. The descent is spectacular with long swooping bends enabling one to reach quite high speeds. We will regroup at Bedoin to watch the tour before we make our way back to our hotel in l’Isle sur la Sorgue.
Approx 120km – 5.5-6hrs (100km of climbing)
Overnight : L’isle sur la Sorgue

Day 4 – 15th July 2016

After yesterdays big day, we have a more sedate ride but just as enjoyable through the stunning village of St.Remy de Provence and beyond. St.Remy is a delightfull little village with fabulous restaurants, cafes and shops. This is the birthplace of Nostrdadums and where Vincent Van Gogh spent his last days. When we return to our hotel, we can watch the Individual Time Trial unfold on our TV with a cool beer.
Approx 95km – 4.5hrs (500m of climbing)
Overnight : L’isle sur la Sorgue

Day 5 – 16th July 2016

We farewell stunning Provence and head north towards Vaujany in the Alpes approx 5 hours drive away. No rides are scheduled for this day but we are known for our flexibility so we will access the group on arrival and determine what we do. Vaujany is a small village in the area of Bourg d’Oisans near Alp d’Huez and Col du Glandon, both very famous tour de France climbs. Beautiful mountains surround us with amazing fresh mountain air. Today is a great opportunity to explore, shop or simply relax and enjoy your holiday with us. The tour de France sprinters will be out in force today as they tackle the biggest stage of the tour from Montélimar to Villars-les-Dombes, 208kms.
Overnight : Vaujany

Day 6 – 17th July 2016

Today we climb Alp d’Huez with 21 switch backs and 1000m of climbing over 14kms. At the summit, we will pose for photos, grab some lunch and push on, up and over the Col de Sarenne at 2000m. This col is just superb in a remote area and the road is not much more than a goat track. Amazing views in all direction with virtually no traffic, only bikes. We will descend down the steep switch backs to the lake below and finish back at the base of Alp d’Huez at Bourg d’Oisans. Plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants and souviner shops in this vibrant town.
Approx 85km – 4.5hrs (1800m of climbing)
Overnight : Vaujany

Day 7 – 18th July 2016

Another climb awaits us today in this paradise in the Alps, Col du Glandon at 1924m. This col is a high mountain pass in the Dauphiné Alps in Savoie. It is often used in conjunction with the Col de la Croix de Fer during the tour de France and was last used in the 2015 Tour. For those still keen for more, another crack at , Alp d’Huez is a good option which would make for an “Epic” day out.
Approx 75km or 120km (1500m or 2800m of climbing)
Overnight : Vaujany

Day 8 – 19th July 2016

We farewell the stunning Provence and head towards another equally beautiful but different destination, Lake Annecy. We will be staying in the gorgeous lake side village of Talloires only 12kms from Annecy, the chic capital of Haute-Savoie Provence. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and is extremely popular for all types of water sports. A lap around the lake is a must with a possible climb up col du Forclaz near our village which will be used on stage 19, on Friday 22nd.
Approx 45km or 65km (350m or 900m of climbing)
Overnight : Talloires

Day 9 – 20th July 2016

Today we will test our legs on the mountain at Semnoz. Semnoz is a delightful climb which starts from Annecy and rises gently through forests before the landscape opens up at the top with sweeping views over Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc. There are a number of coffee shops at the top to rest, recuperate and admire the view. We will then return a different way to Talloires alongside the Lake.
Approx 85km – 4hrs
Overnight : Talloires

Day 10 – 21st July 2016

We get another taste of a Tour de France mountain pass today, Col des Aravis at1486m. Aravis has been used 39 times in the races history, most recently in 2010. Our ride starts out with approximately 25kms of flat before the climb starts through a stunning gorge at Flumet. At the summit, there are numerous coffee and tourist shops where you can purchase cow bells, rugs , slippers and many other essentials. After a few happy snaps, it’s back on the bikes as we descend into Saint Jean de Sixt and return to our hotel via a thrilling descent. Sections of todays ride will be used as part of the tour route for tomorrow.
Approx 120km – 6.5hrs
Overnight : Talloires

Day 11 – 22nd July 2016

We will ride to Albertville via Col de Tamie at 960m to see the start of stage 19. This is a great way to see the tour riders up close and personal and revel in the excitement of the Tour de France. Once the race has departed, we shall ride behind the tour as it sweeps back past our village in Talloires, up Col de la Forclaz and down to Ugine before we return along the bike path to Talloires. Another exciting day with thousands of spectators on route.
Approx 110km – 5.5hrs

Day 12 – 23rd July 2016

We say good buy to Lake Annecy and board the TGV to Paris for our final two days. Sit back and relax in the 250 kms + per hour rain which will take approximately 4 hours. Our hotel is situated in the Latin Quarter, a few blocks away from the stunning Luxembourg gardens. Explore this amazing city with your new found friends on foot, bike or train. Later in the afternoon, we will find a local bar somewhere and watch the last mountain stage of the Tour de France, Megève to Morzine.

Day 13 – 24th July 2016

An early start as we put on our Montcycling gear and ride up and down the Champs-Élysées as the tour organisers put the final touches on the finishing straight. A highlight of our tour is this simple but memorable ride, a must when visiting Paris during the Tour de France. In the afternoon, you are free to watch the tour on the Tv in a local bar or by the side of the road. A farewell dinner at “Monty’s Choice” of restaurant to end your memorable holiday with us.

Day 14 – 25th July 2016

Farewell and good bye from the Montcycling Team. Transfers can be arranged to take you to the nearest train station or airport at your convenience.