July 7- Welcome to France! / Transfer to Crillon le Brave.

Following your arrival at the Avignon TGV Train Station, we'll transfer you to the 5-star Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, our 5-star Provencal country inn, where you'll check-in for for two nights! Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon dip in the pool or visit nearby Bedoin while our professional mechanics build up your bike for you. This evening, we'll enjoy a festive "Welcome Meeting and Dinner" to kick off the week.

July 8 - Mont Ventoux and Gordes-Abbaye de Senanque.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the olive groves and lavender fields of Provence before challenging yourself on the "Giant of Provence," Mont Ventoux! This afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing massage or join us for an optional visit to the hilltop village of Gordes and the Abbaye of Senanque. This evening, we'll conclude our time in Provence with another delicious Provencal dinner under the stars!

July 9 - L'Alpe d'Huez.
Following breakfast, we'll transfer north to the French Alps before beginning an epic ride to cycling's most famous climb - L'Alpe d'Huez! Along the way, you'll feel the presence of Coppi, Merckx, Hinault, Lemond and Armstrong as you ride the famed 21-hairpin turns. Following your arrival at the summit of L'Alpe d'Huez this afternoon, we'll have a group dinner overlooking the Alps to celebrate your accomplishment!

July 10 - Col de Glandon and Col de la Madeleine / Transfer to Annecy.   

Following breakfast, begin your day with a descent down L'Alpe d'Huez and a ride along the valley floor before climbing two of the most spectacular climbs in the Alps - the Col de Glandon and the Col de la Madeleine! Following your unbelievable day in the saddle, we'll transfer you to nearby Annecy, the "Venice of the North," where we'll check-in to our 4-star hotel for the next three nights. This evening, explore the local brasseries for dinner before rewarding yourself with some homemade gelato! We know where to go to get the best in town.

July 11 - Col du Grand Colombier / France Pro Tour Stage 10.

Today you will come face-to-face with France's Pro Tour as it races from Macon to Bellegarde-sur-Vaiserine! After breakfast overlooking Lake Annecy and the French Alps, you'll ride through the rolling hills of Savoy to the base of the Col du Grand Colombier. This is the climb's first appearance at France's Pro Tour and it's a monster of an ascent with gradients over 14%! Challenge yourself and ride to the summit before a roadside picnic lunch. Then, get ready to witness all of the craziness of the Publicity Caravan before cheering on your favorites as they race up this climb on their way to the finish. This evening, enjoy a dinner of homemade ravioli, bruschetta, salad and tiramisu with dinner on your own in Annecy's Old Town.

July 12 - France Pro Tour Stage 11 Start in Albertville / Tour of Lac Annecy with the Col de Leschaux.
Following breakfast, we'll have a short transfer to the Olympic Village of Albertville where you'll witness the pageantry and tradition of the morning "sign in" in the center of town. Be sure to bring your Sharpie pin for autographs! Following the depart of the race, we'll return to Annecy where we'll enjoy a spectacular ride around Lac Annecy and the Alps that will conclude with the optional ascent up the Col de Leschaux, one of our favorite climbs that has been featured on our trips for twelve years. Following our ride, you'll be able to catch the live finish of today's stage on TV before our "Farewell Dinner" this evening.

July 13 - Transfer Day.

Following breakfast, we'll transfer you to the Annecy Train Station or Geneva International Airport with memories of having experienced the best of Provence and the Alps while also witnessing France's Pro Tour!