France - Tour de France 2012

Tour de France 2012 - Alps - Provence - Pyrenees 9-23 July 2012 (15 days)
Join Karl Woolcott and ride some of the most famous climbs in France while witnessing the greatest sporting event on the planet – the 2012 Tour de France.Thank you for your interest in the 2012 Tour de France – we look forward to seeing you in France.

Escorted by Karl Woolcott
Karl Woolcott has been successfully organising Tour de France holidays since 2005 and has helped hundred’s of Kiwi’s cycle around France.The itinerary you see is based on his personal knowledge, obtained after personally travelling to France every year. He is a passionate cyclist who tries to hop on a bike at least once every day. He strives to find the right mix between cycling France’s magnificent countryside (mountains) with viewing the Tour de France. Logistically, following the Tour de France can be challenging so no stone is left unturned, however Karl recognises that Kiwi’s like flexibility. Be prepared – for a holiday of a life time.

Tour Overview
-  Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux and Col d’Aubisque
-  8 stages of the Tour de France
-  Race start, finish, time trial and 3-4 mountain stages
-  Ride the Champs Élysées when closed to vehicles
-  Choice of 2 – 3 rides per day at your pace
-  5 guides including mechanic
-  Luxury 48 seat coach plus 9 seat support vehicle
-  3 and 4 star quality hotels
-  All breakfasts and 9 evening meals
-  Non-riders welcome

Experience the best of Tour de France (TDF) as you cycle through the Alps, Provence and Pyrenees on this two week tour. Starting in Paris, your cycle adventure follows various stages of TDF to ensure that we catch all the latest cycling action! We climb some of the most famous cols including Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux and Col d’Aubisque taking in the stunning views at the top. At the end of your cycling day you will stay in 3 and 4 star quality hotels in some of the most picturesque French villages and indulge in the best French food and wine on offer! 

There is no pressure to ride every day. Each day there will be 2-3 ride options with time to dawdle and sightsee, or gear up and get your heart racing.You choose your pace – cappuccino (40 -60km), latte (80-100km) or espresso (100km plus) ride! We’ll face challenges on the bike but there is no hurry - we’re there to watch a race, not be in a race. The vehicles will be used to support the cyclists - however Non-riders are welcome - we’ll get you to the right place at the right time. Some days we’ll ride part of the race route, see race starts, finishes, sprints and feed stations.We’ll experience first-hand what it takes to climb mountain roads that separate champions from the merely excellent. At the same time we’ll share the excitement of villages dressed up for the passage of the TDF while refining our tastefor French cuisine in boulangeries, bars, cafés and restaurants. 

By the time we return to Paris for the Champs Elysées finish, you’ll have filled a mental memory card to overflowing with experiences of your own TDF.