Lodger

Hey all, I'm thinking about going on a cycling trip to France during the Tour this summer. There are so many companies that offer these trips it's hard to sift through the info. I would value any opinions from your experiences or from other people you know who've done these trips. Below are three tours that look good so far and anything you know about these tour companies would be helpful. Also, any opinions of Alps vs. Pyrenees?

Thompson Tours: https://www.thomsonbiketours.com/trip...p-04/index.php

Discover France/Cycling Classics: https://www.cyclingclassics.com/Tour_...ngeTours3.php#

Adventure Travel Group: https://www.adventuretravelgroup.com/...ance-itinerary

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you can share!

justabikegirl

Although most of their trips are centered in Italy, Ciclismo Classico is a great group and I know they do have some trips in France. (Don't go on one of their expert level trip unless you are in GREAT shape!) I lived in Europe for 3 years and used to poo-poo these supported trips, but if you only have a week or 10 days it's really nice to have everything done for you - no worry about hotels, meals, moving luggage, etc., just plenty of time to ride and enjoy! You'll also meet some people that you will probably have a lot in common with. I'm going with them again this spring.

scirocco

I can recommend Pyractif. https://www.pyractif.com/index.html

As you would guess from the name, they specialise in the Pyrenees but also go to the Alps. The Pyrenees are quieter and wilder and more remote but the Alps are grander and more spectacular. Both have their charms.

If you want to go this summer, book very, very soon. The good operators get booked out quickly with return customers and will want a deposit right now to hold a place.

merlinextraligh

I'd also take a look at Trek Travel. We went with Backroads in 2003, but it appears they dont do TDF trips anymore.

As for Alps versus Pyranees, I'd pick the Alps, simply because they are prettier. Also this year's tour does L'Alpe Heuz which would be the one stage I would pick over any other to watch, and the one climb to pick if you could only pick one HC climb.

Rocket-Sauce 

I was considering this: https://www.pinarello.com/eng/pinatravel.php which is not the TDF, but the Giro. BUT you meet athletes from Team Pinarello, Team Sky and Team Movistar.
Last year Cervelo had a similar deal during the Tour. You could sit in on team meetings, ate at some team meals, massages etc....

sbxx1985 

We did a Tuscany trip through Trek Travel last June. Every aspect, from the bikes to lodging to support, was very well done. They run trips for the Tour.

Lodger

Thanks for the replies so far. I am definitely planning on doing it this year and booking soon.

blacksquid

Check out Veloworks - Les Alpilles & the Giant - Mt.Ventoux. They ran it last year as well. Accommodations appear to be top notch with lots of great rides.

scirocco

I see that all the tour operators you've mentioned are not based in France. This might be a good thing depending on your point of view, but you may prefer a more personal touch by going to one of the many French-based operators. These are often English-speaking people who have set up the Alps or Pyrenees and do a mixture of out-and-back day trips and van-supported away trips. These guys tend to have a smaller and more personal feel, because you are staying in their homes and they have a connection to the area - their kids probably go to school there. They may only be able to take eight or ten people at once. There are lots of them if you hunt around:

Pyrenees:
https://www.pyreneescycling.com/
https://www.pyractif.com/index.html/
https://www.peak-times.com/

Alps

www.velovercors.com
www.chalet-michelle.com